The Sweltering Summer Ultra will be held Saturday, August 14, 2921 at Clapp Park, 215 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201. There will also be a virtual version.

The event is organized by the Berkshire Ultra Running Community for Service (BURCS)

Due to covid-19 protocols and vaccinations, some runners may not be present this year but wish to participate. If so, they may sign up for the “Virtual 26.2 miler”, equivalent to 74 laps of Clapp.

Runners will earn a medal and a t-shirt. Runners are encouraged to log their virtual marathon on August 14 when runners are running at Clapp, but may complete it any time between August 1 and August 14.

Profits after costs of shipping will be donated to the AYJ Fund in the Northern Berkshires.

Runners may opt to run all at once, or on several runs during the days leading up to August 14.

All virtual participants must email their runs to : burcsresults@gmail.com with subject heading: LAST NAME – SS8 Virtual – EVIDENCE.

EVENT TIME: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Marathon, 8-Hour); 1:00 PM (5k Race Only)

PACKET PICK-UP: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM (Race Day Only); 12:00-1:00 (5k Race Only)

CHIP TIMING: Provided by Mike Melton and MCM Timing all day! Includes post-race individual lap splits to be compiled and emailed as well as hourly updated leaderboard in the 8-hour event this year. Note: Any registrations after July 7th may not receive t-shirt!

TIME LIMIT: 8-Hours for Marathon Runners (74 laps). Walker Friendly. 8-Hour Runners may elect to run or walk as many laps as they choose during the event.

LOCATION: Clapp Park, 215 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Certified dirt and cinder track that surrounds Clapp Park (.355 mile loop). Racers will start counter-clockwise, switching directions at the 4-hour mark, and are permitted to run the width of the track. Running on the grass along the outside grass surface is permitted. USATF Certification: MA13008JK.

AID STATION: Our signature aid station and bottle drop will be reconfigured to address safety concerns due to covid-19. Expect prepackaged goodies, and a no-contact bottle refill system for water/gatorade. Additionally, runners may choose to set up their own personal areas along the course. **Please ensure they are 3′ from the outside edge of track**

CONTACT: Bennjamin Griffin (Race Director) Email: benn.griffin@gmail.com Phone: 413-443-5819
Snail Mail: 53 Essex Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

AWARDS: Overall top 3 in each event, age group and relay awards **Note: Awards and medals may be different in 2021 due to time constraints**

PROCEEDS BENEFITTING: AYJ Fund, a northern Berkshire County non-profit that provides services and support for children facing a cancer diagnosis.

REFUNDS: If unable to attend, you may defer entry one year. Must be done in writing to RD before 7/11.**Notice** There will be no deferments or refunds allowed after July 11.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Assistance is needed for setup, registration, starting line, race operations, awards, aid station management, and clean up. If your friends or family members are running the race, please sign up and give us a hand. Email RD Benn with any questions at benn.griffin@gmail.com.

RACE SERIES: This is part of the BURCS BADASS race series. Points are awarded and cumulative awards are available. See the link on the right had column for details..

Note: If choosing the Marathon option – runners will have 8 hours to complete 74 laps. E-mail the Race Director, Benn Griffin at: benn.griffin@gmail.com for information.