Though I live about 15 minutes away from Borderland State Park in North Easton, Massachusetts I have never run through there. Borderland spans through three different towns (Easton, Sharon and Mansfield) and is a remarkably well maintained state park operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Today’s race was the Shining Star Turkey Trot, an inaugural race to benefit Shining Stars, Inc. The run took runners through a beautiful trail system that was packed down and of a smooth trail consistency rather than one riddled with rocks and roots. The course was about as scenic for a fall race as you can get with the run going through autumnal leaves on the ground, a crispness to the air that reminded you that it was November and a stretch of the race along a body of water with the fall sun glistening off of it.

The race was billed as a 5k but to my pleasant surprise official distance was 3.42 miles. This made me feel better since out on the course it seemed longer than a 5k and when I saw my time I was a little surprise as I felt as though I ran a pretty good race. I ran the 3.42 miles with a time of 26:39 or 7:48/miles. My time was good enough for a fifth place overall finish and I ended up winning a Road ID for my placing.

About Shining Stars, Inc.

Shining Stars, Inc., is an organization dedicated to providing services for individuals with multiple handicaps and to cultivate each individuals potential using both traditional and unique methods.

Shining Stars Inc., is a pioneer in the area of special education and rehabilitation focusing on each individual’s strengths and abilities instead of their differences.

Our long term goal is to develop a safe and accepting place for individuals with handicaps to: 1) learn every day skills; 2) work with occupational, physical, and speech therapists; 3) work with teachers both inside and outside the Shining Stars establishment; 4) create a comfortable environment which allows the individual to flourish in their capabilities.