On Monday evenings throughout the summer, Bazin Bruce Park comes alive with activity. Runners gather at the starting line, walkers chat before heading out on the course, children cheer from the sidelines and neighbors catch up while waiting for the awards ceremony. What began as a simple idea has grown into a community tradition that brings people together week after week. The Suffield Summer 5 5 5 Series was founded in 2019 by then Suffield High School student and standout distance runner Charles Brydges. Working with the Suffield Parks and Recreation Department, Brydges wanted to create an affordable weekly race that would encourage people to stay active, build community and support local charities. His vision quickly took hold, and the series has continued to grow each year.
Photo by Kim Bermani
Runners take off from the starting line during the Suffield Summer Race Series at Bazin Bruce Park in Suffield on July 13.
For the second consecutive year, Tony Bermani, along with his wife Kim and their children, Tristan and Stella, volunteered to organize and direct the series to keep the tradition going. While participants arrive ready to run or walk, the Bermani family has already spent hours preparing the course, setting up registration, coordinating volunteers, welcoming participants, timing races and organizing the awards. Their dedication has helped preserve and expand the tradition that Brydges started. The format remains as simple today as it was when the series began: five races, five kilometers and a five-dollar entry fee. Participants who prefer a shorter distance can choose the two and one half kilometer walk or jog, making the event accessible to experienced runners, first time participants, families and anyone looking to enjoy an evening outdoors.
Photo by Kim Bermani
Reid Sunshine after setting a new course record and finishing first in his age group. The course record changed hands several times during this year’s series.
The 2026 season welcomed more than 200 participants from Suffield and neighboring communities. Some came hoping to improve their race times, while others simply enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Every finisher is enthusiastically cheered on whether they are competing for a course record or crossing a finish line for the very first time. Award ribbons are presented in several age divisions, and sponsor-donated gift card prizes give participants another reason to stay and enjoy the evening together after each race.
For the second year in a row, the series supported the Stephen Bixler Memorial Fund. The cause holds special meaning for Tony Bermani, who knew Stephen personally and wanted to honor the memory of a friend, remembered for his kindness, generosity and the positive impact he had on those around him. Each Monday, participants not only enjoyed an evening of fitness and fellowship but also helped support a fund established in Stephen’s memory. Adding to the significance of the series, Stephen’s parents, Linda and Richard Bixler, attended the races, where they were able to see the community come together in celebration of their son’s legacy.
The Summer 555 Series has also given a glimpse of Suffield’s proud tradition of competitive cross country running. Charles Brydges returned this summer to set a new five-kilometer course record of 17 minutes and 37 seconds. During his time at Suffield High School, Brydges earned All State recognition and was among the state’s top cross-country runners before launching the race series as a student. Other accomplished local runners have also participated this year, including Reid Sunshine, another former Suffield High School standout who now competes for Westfield State University in cross country and track and field. Nathan Peskin, who earned All State and All North Central Connecticut Conference honors during his high school career, has also been part of the series. This summer, Tristan Bermani added his own name to the record book by setting the two and one half kilometer course record with a time of 10 minutes and 3 seconds.
The series also continues to be such a success because of the support of Suffield Parks and Recreation and generous 2026 local sponsors, including Dick’s Sporting Goods in Enfield, Hastings Farm, Hilltop Farm Store and Creamery, and Nutrition Shack of Suffield. Thanks to the vision of Charles Brydges, together with the present-day hard work of the Bermani family, they have helped create an event that reflects the best of the Suffield community.