Established in 2000, the PVWRC is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization and is affiliated with the Road Runners Club of America.

Mission

The mission of the PVWRC is to support women walkers and runners, by serving as a resource for race information, training partners, and topics of interest to members.

The Club strives to be a good community citizen, highlighting local organizations, races supporting charitable causes, and providing scholarship assistance to high school seniors going on to college.

FAQ

Our Causes

The PVWRC is happy to announce a partnership with the Western Mass Girls on the Run! GOTR serves Franklin, Berkshire, Hampshire and Hampden Counties. GIRLS ON THE RUN is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls of all abilities. Whether it’s safely meeting in small teams or connecting virtually, our trained coaches are ready to help girls grow! Girls on the Run teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games.

Another cause that is near and dear to our hearts is Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts. Rachel’s Table hosts a 5k every other year to raise money to alleviate hunger and reduce the waste of food in the local area.  PVWRC chooses this race to run as our Clinic “Graduation Race” for our new members returning to and starting running. Longtime Club members volunteer with Rachel’s Table to support them throughout the year.

Scholarships

The Pioneer Women’s Running Club offers a $1,000 scholarship for college-bound female high school athlete.

PVWRC is the first and largest all women’s running club in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. The PVWRC is a civic-minded club that hopes to support a female runner in its local community through this annual scholarship fund.  To date the Pioneer Valley Women’s Running Club has awarded over $25,000.00 in scholarships.  The scholarship aims to reward a well-rounded, intelligent, civic-minded, college-bound high school senior who’s passionate about running.

The 2025 Application closed on April 1, 2025.  Check back after January 1, 2026, for next year’s application.

Contact us at scholarship@pvwrc.org if you have any questions.

 

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Congratulations to Ava Depeau, Somers High School and Marisol Benifaz, Amherst Regional High School for being awarded the 2025 Scholarships!

We are happy to announce that we were able to award TWO scholarships this year thanks to earning a $1000.00 grant from the Ironman Foundation for volunteering as a Club in the 2024 Western Mass Ironman Triathlon at Run Aid Station #6!

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Scholarships have been awarded annually as follows:

• 2025- Ava Depeau, Somers and Marisol Benifaz, Amherst Regional
• 2024 – Cecelia Allentuck, Longmeadow
• 2023 – Emily Stark, Minnechaug Regional
• 2022 – Emily Brydges, Suffield
• 2021 – Madeline Jenkins, Hampshire Regional
• 2020 – Kylie Raymond, Somers
• 2019 – Katie Dold, Monson
• 2018 – Amanda Adams, Hampshire Regional, and Amy O’Sullivan, Greenfield
• 2017 – Haley Sullivan, Easthampton
• 2016 – Madeleine Hamparian, Belchertown
• 2015 – Lindsay Wassung, Agawam, and Allison Haryasz, Longmeadow
• 2014 – Kim McCarthy, Ludlow
• 2013 – Diamonte’ Spencer, Springfield Central, and Sara Vanna, Amherst Regional
• 2012 – Madison Granger, Belchertown, and Nora Garrity, Cathedral
• 2011 – Emma Larson, Northampton, and Sarah Wilson, Suffield
• 2010 – Leah Haake, Amherst Regional
• 2009 – Kristen Veit, Holyoke Catholic
• 2008 – Lauren Litscher, East Longmeadow, and Jeileen Rivera, Springfield Central
• 2007 – Carolyn Callaghan, Minnechaug Regional
• 2006 – Nicole Potter, Ludlow
• 2005 – Rebecca Compton, Longmeadow, and Casey Kane Monaghan, Holyoke
• 2004 – Lucy Sheehan, Longmeadow, and Amanda Riderle, Amherst Regional
• 2003 – Kristina Miner, Suffield
• 2002 – Heather Wenninger, Chicopee Comprehensive