Pittsfield Independence Day Race 1997

Race Information:

Date of Race: July 4, 1997
Location: Pittsfield, MA
Race Type: Road Run
Promoter: Berkshire Medical Center
Sponsor: Berkshire Medical Center
Scoring By: Plattsys
Weather: Partly sunny with a cool breeze
Recurring Race: Independence Day Road Race
Results: Partial (from Berkshire Eagle, July 5, 1997)

Race Description:

The race course was altered for the final time in 1997, following the parade route back to North Street after several years of the parade being held on First Street. Fran Ireland saw his second attempt at a three-peat (having won in '92, '93, '95, and '96) end in disappointment, dropping out of the race due to difficulty breathing. Dave Ward (the only other race winner since 1991) took full advantage, and won easily with a blazing 15:11. Meanwhile, the women's race was billed as a showdown between Beth Herder, Diane Tedford (who combined won six of the first seven editions of the race), and 1996 defending champion Melissa Mendel. But it didn't shape up that way, as Mendel successfully defended her title, winning by nearly a minute in 18:19. 487 runners completed the race, continuing a decade-long plateau of between 350 and 550 finishers.