Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail 5K Run and Walk on May 17th

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail 5K Run and Walk on May 17th 

By J.D. O’Gara

Lace up your sneakers and come outdoors for the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail’s 14th annual 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, May 17th at 9 a.m. Enjoy the outdoors while supporting the continued development of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). The Run and Walk will begin at Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) Grove St. Trailhead, with parking available at 210 Grove Street, Franklin (Waters Corporation parking lot).

This event is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, making it a great outdoor activity for families and community members. Plenty of water and refreshments will be available during and after the race. Whether you’re running, walking, or simply enjoying a scenic stroll along the trail, the 5K offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and support a great local cause.

All proceeds will go towards the committee efforts to advocate for trail improvements.

Sue Fleuette, chair of this year’s 5K, explains the 30 members who comprise the 

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee  (FBRTC) have been busy continuing to advocate for improved trail safety. The group oversaw grading improvements last year, and about four months ago, the installation of rapid flashing signs, paid for by a grant, on Lake Street. The FBRTC also recently applied for a DCR grant for four new benches on the trail, two in Franklin and two in Bellingham, from Grove to Center Street.

 “It’s a Mass Trails grant, and it’s an 80/20, so they would cover 80% of it, and we would, as a committee, cover 20%. Our fingers are crossed, and we think it will all go through. We should know by June,” says Fleuette.

Future plans for the SNETT include work to be performed by the town of Franklin to extend the trail into downtown Franklin, and work to be performed by DCR to rehabilitate the trail in West Bellingham and Blackstone.

Fleuette explains that the work toward downtown Franklin encompasses about a mile and half of the rail trail.

“That’s a huge undertaking,” says Fleuette, of Bellingham, adding, “We acquired the land through CSX, so there’s a lot going on there, and it will be a big boost  to small businesses, but that’s pretty far out. It takes a long time and may take years to complete it.” The town of Franklin expressed its intent to purchase approximately 19.51 acres of unimproved land from Grove Street to Union Railroad line, Franklin from CSX Transportation, Inc. last November.  

The SNETT, which stretches from Franklin through Douglas to the Connecticut border, continues to be a valuable resource for the community. Fleuette notes that the trail has seen an all-time high daily average of 189 people.

And you can join them on May 17th, at 9 a.m., supporting this open space.

Registration is now open, with an early registration fee of $30 for adults, $25 for kids and free for seniors 70 years and older. To secure your spot, sign up early. Participants who sign up prior to midnight April 30 will receive a commemorative race gift. Learn more and register at https://www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com/fbrtc/FBRTC5K.php.

In addition to the 5K, Fleuette explains that  events will take place this spring on the Rail Trail. She advises to check the website for some planned story walks and other events.

The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee is always looking for volunteers, and Fleuette would personally love for more folks from her neighborhood of Bellingham to take part. For information, visit www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org.