WESTFIELD – The Western Mass Distance project, a post-collegiate, competitive running group based in Western Mass, will host its 2nd Annual Cross-Country Festival on September 8 in Stanley Park, Westfield. The race will host the 2nd installment of a 5 race USA Track & Field New England Championship Series in conjunction with an Open Community 5k. Teams from all over the New England region, as well as teams from New York are expected to show up to the competitive championship cross-country invitational.
The Club’s aim is to realize the potential of competitive distance running in the Western Mass area and involve Western Mass as an integral part in the New England regional racing scene.
Last year’s Festival winner in the Men’s Championship, Brian Harvey, of the Boston Athletic Association, went on to place 2nd overall at the New England Championships in November. Last year’s winner in the Women’s Championship, Kyle Feldman of Greater Boston Track Club, went on to place 3rd overall at the New England Championship. Harvey (24:49 – 8k) and Feldman (17:32 – 5k) are the current meet record holders in the men’s and women’s race respectively.
An additional prize purse is being placed up for grabs if a new meet record is established in either Championship event.
Clubs that will be in attendance include: the legendary Greater Boston track Club, the Boston Athletic Association (hosts of the Boston Marathon), and New Balance Boston. WMDP hopes to see other local organizations join to represent Western Mass, including: The Greater Springfield Harriers of the Fast Feet shoe stores, the Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club, and the Empire One Running Club, hosts of the annual Talking Turkey event.
The Club introduced the Community 5k in an effort to bring the strong local running community and recreational runners together for a fun-filled day of activity in Stanley Park.
“Cross-country is a beautiful sport that offers a slightly unique spin on distance running as it gets you off the roads and into scenic areas such as Stanley Park,” said Club founder/runner Jason Ayr, of Westfield. “The Club urges runners of all abilities to have a go at the Community 5k and experience the joys of the sport with the best runners in New England.”
Spencer Lavoie (DJ Suspence of 4Life Entertainment) will be DJing this year’s event.
The Club has already generously received support from Westfield Bank in helping put this invitational on, Club officials said.
“It promises to be a beautiful day in Stanley Park for all levels of runners, joggers, family and friends,” Ayr said. “As we always say here at WMDP, ‘Respect the Process.’”
