Event has raised more than $9k for lung cancer research
What began as a loving tribute to Eddie Collins has become a meaningful annual tradition for his family, friends and community.
In October 2025, Eddie’s wife, Ellen, and daughter, Samantha, hosted the second annual Eddie Collins 5K in Clinton, MA. The event brought together approximately 120 to 130 people and raised an incredible $9,104 for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.
Sixty-nine participants took part in the 5K run and walk, with many pushing strollers, pulling wagons or bringing their dogs along for the day. Every participant received a complimentary event T-shirt, raffle tickets, an LCRF wristband and a five-ounce pour courtesy of Sterling Street Brewery, which once again served as the event’s host.
Participants and guests were also treated to complimentary water, bananas, clementines and protein and granola bars, while The Taco Dude food truck kept the crowd well fed throughout the celebration.
One of the highlights of the event was an impressive collection of 19 themed raffle baskets. Local businesses and supporters contributed experiences and prizes ranging from brewery favorites and fitness packages to family outings, date nights, spa treatments, seasonal décor and even a fire pit complete with a s’mores-making kit. Two participants were also selected through a random race bib drawing to receive $50 gift cards to a popular sneaker store.
The community’s generosity extended far beyond race day. Twenty-three sponsors supported the event in addition to Sterling Street Brewery, and 16 local businesses provided in-kind donations for raffle baskets and prizes. Attendees could also support the fundraiser by making donations for T-shirts, raffle tickets and bags of kettle corn or by giving directly to the cause.
Together, these contributions helped the Collins family exceed the previous year’s fundraising total and make an even greater impact on lung cancer research.
Remembering Eddie Collins
The event was created in memory of Edward “Eddie” Collins, a proud local of Berlin and Clinton, Massachusetts, who was deeply devoted to his family and community.
Eddie and Ellen married in 1993. He was the proud father of four children — Samantha, Vanessa, Chad and Amanda — as well as a grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of four.
Eddie was a familiar face throughout the community and the kind of person who rarely went anywhere without running into someone he knew. In April 2023, he was diagnosed with stage 4 small-cell lung cancer. Eddie faced the disease with the strength and determination that defined his life before passing away six months later, on October 3, 2023, at the age of 67.
Through this annual event, Eddie’s spirit continues to bring people together while creating hope for families affected by lung cancer.
Join the Third Annual Eddie Collins 5K
The Collins family is now preparing for the third annual Eddie Collins 5K Charity Road Race on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Sterling Street Brewery in Clinton, MA.
The 5K run and walk will begin at 11 a.m. ET, with race-day registration available from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Participants can expect another memorable day of running, walking, brews, food, raffles and community all while helping fund research for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of lung cancer.
Registration is $35 through September 30, then $40 through race day. Event shirts will be provided to registrants.
Whether you run, walk, donate or come out to cheer on the participants, you can help the Collins family continue Eddie’s legacy and advance lifesaving lung cancer research.