Last year, a beautiful community came together for a day of remembrance and love — all in honor of Eddie Collins. Organized by his wife Ellen and daughter Samantha, the inaugural Eddie Collins 5K was more than just a race; it was a tribute to a man who lived his life surrounded by family, friends, and community.
Held at a local brewery in Clinton, MA, the event was a resounding success. With 94 race participants and over 130 attendees throughout the day, the energy was as powerful as Eddie’s legacy. Together with the help of their friends and family, The Collins’ Family raised over $8,000 for lung cancer research through donations, raffles, and on-site fundraising.
Every runner received a complimentary event t-shirt, raffle tickets, and a 5 oz pour, courtesy of the generous host brewery. Attendees enjoyed snacks and water provided by the organizers, plus delicious eats from a local food truck. And let’s not forget the raffle baskets — themed creations like Movie Night, Margarita Magic, Charcuterie Dream, Baystate Brewery Favorites, and Dogtopia Delights had everyone hoping to win a piece of the fun.
This event was born from love — and loss. Eddie Collins, a proud local of Berlin and Clinton, MA, was a family man through and through. He and Ellen married in 1993. Eddie was a proud father of 4 (Samantha, Vanessa, Chad and Amanda), grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 4.
Eddie was a familiar face to many — the kind of guy who couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he knew. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 small-cell lung cancer in April 2023, Eddie faced it with the strength and determination that defined his life. Though he passed away just six months later, on October 3, 2023, his spirit continues to bring people together.
Now, Ellen and Samantha are gearing up for the 2nd Annual Eddie Collins 5K, returning to Clinton on Saturday, October 4, 2025! Whether you’re walking, running, cheering, or donating — this is your chance to help celebrate Eddie’s legacy while helping fund lung cancer research and awareness.
📅 Save the date and register here: Eddie Collins 5K – 2025
Let’s make this year even more meaningful. Join us as we walk, run, and remember — for Eddie, for love, and for a future free of lung cancer.
