This May

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, Tri-Valley Front Runners, and 67 Degrees Brewing Team Up to Host Virtual Race

From May 22nd to May 31st, walkers and runners are invited to complete a 5k to raise money for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC), the local nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and improvement of the multi-use Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT).

“After a difficult year, we are very excited to be able to welcome residents back to the Trail for some friendly competition,” says Sue Rheaume, an FBRTC volunteer and race organizer. “Now in our 10th year, the Rail Trail race continues to be a fantastic source of local recreation and fundraiser for trail improvements.”

This year’s race is a collaboration between FBRTC and Tri-Valley Front Runners, a local running group. Participants are invited to run any 5k course they choose, but there will be signage on the SNETT - starting at the Grove St. trailhead - to mark the start, turn-around, and finish locations for those that choose to run on the trail. Runners are invited to submit their times for entry into four race divisions: Male Open (49 and under), Female Open (49 and under), Male Senior (50+), and Female Senior (50+).

Each division winner will receive a gift certificate to 67 Degrees Brewing, located on Grove Street.

Walkers are also invited to participate without submitting their times.

Registration is $20 for runners and $15 for walkers. First registrants will receive COVID-safe neck gaiters, distributed by 67 Degrees.

FBRTC has stayed very active during the pandemic. Over the past year, the Committee has opened a tunnel under Prospect Street to improve trail accessibility, added a StoryWalk for families, set up signage to highlight the trail’s foliage, hosted monthly group walks and clean-ups, and launched their first-ever photo contest.

Register for the 5k event at:

active.com/running/distance-running-races/10th-annual-fbrtc-virtual-race-5k-run-or-walk-2021

Local businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact FBRTC at [email protected].

You can learn more about the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee at

franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org and Tri-Valley Front Runners at tri-valleyfrontrunners.com.