It all began on the simple premise that there was no place for competitive runners to buy racing flats anywhere in the Berkshires. Over the past dozen years, Berkshire Running Center has been the centerpiece of a loyal, growing running community that has elevated the sport to a true attraction to our region, and put the Berkshires on the map for running race tourism. This has been the passion of the Kent and Shiobbean Lemme. Over the years, the BRC professionally filled a much-needed niche for running races throughout the Berkshires by providing a turnkey operation to manage races. In turn, Kent and Shiobbean have helped countless organizations raise money for worthy causes, which is often the mission of road races. Today, they have moved it to the next level with the creation of the Berkshire Running Foundation, a 501c3 with a mission to expand the reach and impact of the movement and promote the essence that the sport of running encourages; a safe, healthy and balanced life. With the lead sponsor for the popular Steel Rail Races, MountainOne, coming on board, they're off to a great start. MountainOne's Jon Denmark joins us to provide insight into their organization's decision to support the events and BRF. And both Shiobbean and Jon share their backstory on how running has become ingrained in their own lives. Also in this episode we cover: the origin story of BRC, the Green Mile origin and bringing the race back to downtown Pittsfield, running with a baby stroller (clutch Dad move), the historic Mother's Day race in Pittsfield which is the longest running consecutive all-women's race in the country (47 years), race tourism, the Berkshires' position to take advantage of qualifiers for the Boston and NYC Marathons, the purpose behind creating a non-profit entity, the refueling of the Independence Run (Fourth of July Race) in Pittsfield, running as "the oldest friend I have" to Shiobbean, stopping at Dominos Pizza to heat frozen hats and gloves during a frigid Berkshire run, Appalachian Trail economic impact, the bustling Allendale Underground community, the motivational and social aspects of running groups and more.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Shiobbean Lemme and Jonathan Denmark.