Thanks to our partners at MassTrails and Bellingham DPW, new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) were installed last month at the Lake Street trail crossing. The traffic signals were paid for by a grant from MassTrails. Jesse Riedle and the rest of the team at the Bellingham DPW procured and installed the signals.
The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the 5K race hosted by the Tri-Valley Front Runners (TVFR), which raised over $8,500 to support the development and maintenance of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TVFR and especially to Mark Capparella, the dedicated race director, and his team for their unwavering support and exceptional organization of this event. At the most recent FBRTC meeting, Mark and the TVFR team presented President Cliff Winters with a donation of $5,373.56, which accounted for the net proceeds of the 2024 race.
The Tri-Valley Front Runners, the premier running organization in the Tri-Valley region, took over the production of this race in 2019 when Dave Labonte, the former director, stepped down. Steve Pohnert, a member of both FBRTC and TVFR, facilitated this transition, and since then, TVFR has continuously supported our cause. The event resumed with a virtual race in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an in-person road race in 2022, and last year, we successfully hosted our first trail race in 2023.
TVFR, founded in the early 1980s, is an all-inclusive, vibrant running club that welcomes runners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They organize a variety of events, including road races, trail runs, track workouts, and group training runs, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy living. For more information about TVFR, visit Tri-Valley Front Runners.
The FBRTC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the use and development of the SNETT. Our mission is to create, promote, and maintain a safe and accessible trail system that benefits the communities of Franklin and Bellingham. Learn more about our efforts at Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail.
The recent 5K race saw a total of 226 registered participants, with 184 finishers, marking an increase from 131 registrants and 108 finishers in 2022, and 147 registrants and 137 finishers in 2023. The success of this event is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our volunteers and the TVFR team, including 13 TVFR volunteers and an additional 14 members who participated in the race.
We would like to acknowledge and congratulate our top finishers: Andrew Bairos of Franklin, who won the overall men’s category, and Elizabeth Traphagen of Franklin, who won the overall women’s category. A total of 58 medals were awarded across various age groups, celebrating the spirit and competitiveness of all participants. Full race results can be found at 2024 FBRTC 5K Results.
The next race is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025. We look forward to another successful event and continued support from our community. For more information on how to get involved or support the FBRTC, please visit our website.
Thank you to everyone who came out for the 5k this weekend! This weekend’s event had more than double the participants than last year. We are grateful for all the sponsors, donors and volunteers who made this event happen. See you out on the trail this summer!
Race signs are now up along the trail!
With less than two weeks until the race, you still have time to register.
FBRTC 5k Online Registration
Online registration closes on Thursday, May 16.
Once online registration closes, you can still register in person.
In person registration will be available at the following locations:
Friday, May 17 : 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bib Pickup – Timeless Crossfit
90 Hayward Street, Franklin
Saturday, May 18 : 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Race Day – Grove Street Trailhead
We are also looking for a couple more volunteers to assist with the 5k.
If you are interested, sign up here.
Greetings Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail community. The FBRTC is looking for volunteers to help the morning of May 18, 2024 for our annual 5k fundraiser. Our partners at Tri-Valley Front Runners will be leading the event, but need assistance in the following areas:
We need volunteers at different times of the morning, from setting up the event starting around 8:00 AM, to supporting the race at 9:00 AM, to breaking down the event starting at 10:00 AM.
If you can help out at all, please sign up below.
Volunteer Sign Up
Less than two months until our 5k on the SNETT. Sign up today!
https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/fbrtc/FBRTC5K.php
Last month, FBRTC members met with DCR officials at the Spring Street trailhead to discuss opportunities to highlight the Wadsworth Village history and possible rest area.
The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group working to develop and support the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). Help us support and create awareness for this valuable resource. Place your order for FBRTC custom branded apparel at the link below. Select your item, fill in your purchasing information and choose a shipping option. Orders will be shipped to the group organizer (Bob Amrich) for distribution or can be picked up at a monthly FBRTC meeting. Apparel can also be shipped directly to your address for an additional cost. Apparel orders will be available approximately 2 weeks after the online sale ends on March 22. We look forward to seeing you on the trail or around town with your new FBRTC branded apparel! Thanks for your support.
Online Store hosted by Custom Ink
Last month, FBRTC President Cobi Frongillo met with Congressman Auchincloss and Franklin town officials at the Grove Street trailhead to discuss the Industrial Track extension. The FBRTC is advocating for the SNETT extension into downtown Franklin utilizing an abandoned CSX line.
We are happy to announce that the FBRTC is partnering again with the Tri-Valley Front Runners for our annual FBRTC 5K Road Race and Walk. The race is scheduled for May 18, 2024, and will be at the Grove Street trailhead. Race Registration can be found at the link below.
