In case you need a reason to stretch your legs for a good cause in this crisp New England fall weather, mark your calendar for Sunday, October 18 when Pam’s Run will step off at 8:30 am as a virtual 5K walk or run. Sponsored by the Bedford Neighbor Brigade, the local event may be just what you are looking for. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to join Pam’s Run.
Amy Mason, Bedford Neighbor Brigade Chapter Leader, explained, “Pam’s Run began in 2012 and has been held annually in Wayland, MA. It is going virtual this year due to Covid-19.
“Bedford’s Neighbor Brigade Chapter will be taking part in the event via a 5K course here in town. We’ll be staggering the start times to keep everyone safe, wearing masks, and staying socially distanced. It’s virtual in the sense that instead of hundreds of participants, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers all gathering together in Wayland, runners and walkers this year will have the option to follow a 5K Bedford route on October 18 or create their own 5K or 10K route anywhere they like during the week of October 18-24. Pam’s Run has been rated as one of the top 10 Best Road Races in Massachusetts and attracts over 600 participants each year.”
Bedford resident Cindy Walsh shared a recent Facebook post and her encouragement, “Hi Everyone, I’m on the Bedford Neighbor Brigade team for Pam’s Run in October. Neighbor Brigade is an amazing community-based network of people who help each other when times are tough. I hope you’ll support our fundraising efforts. If you can’t, that’s okay too. Cheer us on as we do a Virtual 5K/10K. And thanks!”
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
So many things in our lives have changed or been impacted since March 2020 – many things of major importance, and a myriad of smaller things that need a workaround or are just plain old annoying and inconvenient. One thing that has not changed is the way Bedford residents care about and take care of one another. There are examples of caring throughout our town.
The 250 volunteer members of the Bedford Neighbor Brigade have made a difference for those in need, person by person.
Mason reported, “Our volunteers are standing by to help our neighbors in temporary crisis such as an accident, cancer, other illness, surgery, etc. with meals, errands, grocery shopping, dog walking, checking in on the elderly, and donating goods to local food pantries. Sadly, rides to appointments have been discontinued at this time due to Covid but will return when it is safe to do so.”
A recent Neighbor Brigade clothing drive generously helped a newly-relocated Bedford family and their young children to get ready for colder weather.
About Pam’s Run
You may be wondering, “Who is this person named Pam and why does she have a run named for her?” Pam’s Run is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Pam Manikas Washek, Amy Mason’s dear friend and high school classmate.
Pam founded the Neighbor Brigade and was a tireless champion for families facing a sudden life crisis. Following a personal cancer diagnosis in 2002, Pam established a local network of volunteers to assist others as others had helped her. In 2010, Neighbor Brigade was incorporated as a non-profit organization and has grown to more than 30 chapters across Massachusetts, with others extending into New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Washington; throughout all the chapters, more than 3,000 volunteers are involved.
Although Pam lost her cancer battle in 2012, her tireless commitment to families continues to inspire Amy and many others. Pam’s Run is a meaningful day to celebrate our wonderful community while raising funds for Neighbor Brigade.
How to Participate in Pam’s Run
Please consider joining the Bedford Neighbor Brigade’s Team here. Registration is $40 and includes your choice of a Pam’s Run tee-shirt or bandanna.
Donations/fundraising is optional, and every donation is greatly appreciated, and each helps to manage recipient requests/needs and the recruitment of volunteers to fulfill those requests sensitively, quickly, and free of charge.
Participants are also welcome to register and run or walk on their own on whatever date works best for them between October 18 and 24.
Pam’s Run — October 18, Registration form: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/47557/Groups/798435
Need Help, or Want to Volunteer?
If you need assistance or want to become a Neighbor Brigade volunteer, visit http://www.neighborbrigade.org/ or email Amy Mason, Bedford’s Neighbor Brigade Chapter Leader, at [email protected] for more information.
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