Western Mass. Mother’s Day Half Marathon reaches 15th edition on Sunday in Whately

The 15th running of the Western Mass. Mother’s Day Half Marathon in Whately will commence on Sunday, with a large field of runners expected to participate.

Last year’s race drew 450 runners and raised nearly $100,000 for Cancer Connection, the race’s charity. Race director Sue Monahan is hoping to bring more runners to Whately on Sunday and continue raising money for a worthy cause.

The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Yankee Candle Production Facility in Whately (102 Christian Lane), and the 13.1-mile course will finish nearby at the Whately Police Station (77 Christian Lane). The 9 mile walk/fun run begins at 7:30 a.m.

“It’s going to be very similar in numbers to last year,” Monahan said. “The hope is we go a little above where we were. The weather is looking good so hopefully we have a lot of race day registrations.”

For those like Stefanie Ciesluk, the Mother’s Day Half Marathon has become a yearly tradition.

Ciesluk has competed in every race since its inception, whether that’s doing the 9-mile walk or the half marathon itself. Her house is located along the course, and her family is always there outside supporting her and all the other runners along the way.

“It’s a big Mother’s Day party as we celebrate all the runners,” Ciesluk said. “I’m super appreciative of this race. It’s gotten bigger and bigger each year. Sue is incredible and does a great job with it. You just feel good at an event like this.”

Ciesluk has seen the race grow through the years, from a small local race to one that has turned into a yearly tradition for many in the area.

“When Sue first started it she was worried that only 300 people signed up that first year,” Ciesluk said. “The next year there were 400 and it kept growing. It’s a party over there the morning of the race. There’s music, a DJ, people are having fun. Having to take a year off for COVID, you see a lot of races were never able to come back. Not this one. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

The race continues to fundraise for Cancer Connection, a nonprofit community cancer support center serving individuals and families in Western Massachusetts.

With so many unfortunately knowing someone who has dealt with the disease, Ciesluk said it makes the race all the more meaningful.

“It’s great being able to fundraise and give back to Cancer Connection,” Ciesluk said. “Raising funds is the most important part. So many people are sadly impacted by cancer. To able to run this race and know it’s all going to a local charity that’s fighting the disease and helping others is the best part.”

Ciesluk’s daughter, who is in second grade, is too young to run the race, though Ciesluk said she’ll be there cheering everyone — especially her mom — on.

“Our family will be there with the cowbells, writing chalk on the street,” Ciesluk said. “My daughter is looking forward to cheering everyone on.”

Easthampton’s Meredith Masloski has run the Mother’s Day Half Marathon each year since 2014, dedicating each run to a cancer survivor.

Masloski has raised over $2,500 for Cancer Connection this year, saying it’s the most important part of the race.

“The first year I ran I dedicated it to my late aunt, another year I dedicated it to one of my coworkers and this year I’ve dedicated it to a young lady I used to babysit for who is a breast cancer survivor,” Masloski said. “I’ll do this race every year. The response is always amazing. I’m extremely proud to hit the $2,500 donation mark.”

Knowing the money goes to a local fundraiser makes the fundraising effort an easy one for people to rally behind.

“Everything about the race is local,” Masloski said. “With these big races, you read the fine print and see there’s all kinds of fees for where the money really goes. This one everything goes right to Cancer Connection. It’s phenomenal.”

For Masloski, the vibe of the race is something you can’t find anywhere.

“It’s a great experience,” Masloski said. “The first time you complete it and cross the finish line you realize there’s nothing you can’t do.”

For Monahan, the goal is to hit the $1 million mark in fundraising. In its 14 years the race has raised over $700,000 and this year, Monahan created a new incentive to try to raise even more money. Those that raise $300 didn’t have to pay a registration fee, those that raised $2,000 received a quarter zip and so on.

“People have been really into it,” Monahan said. “We’re raising a lot of money which is exciting.”

It’s not too late to get a spot in the race. While online registration closed Friday, race day registration is available starting at 6 a.m. on Sunday at the starting line. The cost is $90 to run in the half marathon and $70 to compete in the 9 mile walk/run.