Meghan Davis wins second straight Bridge of Flowers Classic (Video)

SHELBURNE FALLS — Mohawk Trail Regional graduate Meghan Davis won her second straight Bridge of Flowers Classic 8K on Saturday morning. The Plainfield native used her signature power-running form to finish in 32 minutes, 29 seconds.

Davis participated in the Franklin County running fixture for the 12th time.

“Shocking for sure,” Davis said. “The race itself has changed and a lot evolved over the years. It’s great seeing the different people that come out each year. It was a dream come true last year, and it’s still a dream come true.”

What always brings her back to local races and running in general is the community and the intoxicating, post-run feeling.

“The mentality and the type of people who become parts of the running community,” Davis said. “The feeling that running gives me. Mostly afterwards. Not always so fun when you are there. The feelings afterwards of just accomplishment. Feeling like you were able to move your body. It’s just something that I wanted to keep doing, knowing that the stresses of life are going to keep going.”

The current Somerville resident works at the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center as a Senior Program Associate of Scientific Innovation and Strategic Investments. Davis still finds the time to train, but incorporates some low-impact work to give herself a break from the grind of distance running.

“I know the type of training that I need to do in preparation for this race,” Davis said. “What I need to do to feel good but not overworked when I am on the starting line. Over the years I have incorporate more cross training into my schedule. Which is really helpful to me…I don’t run every single day.”

Kenyan Ezra Mutai of West Springfield, running for the Westchester Track Club, set the pavement on fire in the men’s race. Mutai finished first with a time of 26 minutes, 28 seconds. Mutai won the race for the second time in three years. The inclines during the Shelburne Falls route provides Mutai with excellent training. Mutai did not race in 2025.

“I like this race because it’s hilly,” Mutai said. “It prepares me for bigger races. It was good, I defended my title.”

Mutai is a former NCAA national champion in outdoor track and cross country during his time at American International College. He is in the Northeast-10 Athletic Hall-of-Fame.

The 46th running of the Bridge of Flowers Classic went off as smoothly as can be, with hundreds of spectators and 550 race participants between the 3K race and the 8K race. Runners dealt with temperatures in the mid-70s, with an abundance of humidity. The sun made sporadic appearances. Volunteers from Greenfield Savings Bank provided cold towels and water at the finish line.

“It’s going great,” Race Director Phil Ringwood said. “We have a solid volunteer team. That makes a huge difference for the overall runner experience. We have good weather, E.M.S and police have been doing great. Everybody seems to be having a great time.”

Virginia Krezmien of Colrain finished in fourth place (37:44). Krezmien will be a senior at Mohawk this fall. With the cross country season just around the corner, a difficult and longer race provides excellent training.

“I’ve been running pretty consistently throughout the summer,” Krezmien said. “I usually use it to gauge where I am at before the season. My practice starts in a couple weeks. I like to see how I am doing. It’s longer than our races, 5K is the max. I like to push myself here. It helps me mentally to get ready for the season.”

Pioneer Valley Regional’s Harper Hake finished fifth (38:27). Sophie Horowitz of South Deerfield placed eighth (39:18). 10-year-old Angelica Lewis of Shelburne Falls conquered the event for the third time.

“I felt like it was hard but it makes me feel good at the end,” Lewis said. “I just want to challenge myself.”

Elsewhere in the men’s race was Ashfield native Mac Sloan Anderson in third place (27:59). Liam Walker of Shelburne Falls placed fourth (28:51), while Mark Rabasco of Greenfield finished in fifth place (30:38).

In the 8K any-gender category, Liv Loehmeier finished first with a blistering time of 31 minutes, 27 seconds. Carson Richardson of Shelburne Falls won the 3K men’s race (11:41). Northampton’s Lillie Prewitt was the victor (13:48) in the women’s race. Macy Buxton of Northfield took second (16:34).

In the any-gender 3K race, Hannah Bevis took first (19:24) by a wide margin. Louis Birke of Shelburne Falls was the top local finisher in second place (22:23).

Both races serve DIAL/SELF Youth & Community Services. The organization returned as a fiscal sponsor and primary non-profit beneficiary.