TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Brookshire Grocery Company leaders and local charity members gathered Wednesday to award local nonprofit organizations with funds raised from this year’s FRESH 15 race.
The 2026 race, held March 7, was record-breaking, raising $249,000 from runner registration fees. More than 4,500 runners participated.
Brookshire Grocery Company leaders, the BGC Racing Team and local charity members gathered at Fresh by Brookshire’s in Tyler on Wednesday for the check presentation.
“Our goal for the FRESH 15 is to support local nonprofit organizations that serve the families here in Tyler and surrounding communities,” said Jerry LeClair, interim CEO for Brookshire Grocery Company. “Thank you to our BGC Racing Team, whose passion drives this event each year, and to our runners, volunteers, vendor partners and supporters who made this another outstanding success.”
Community support drives event growth
Ashleigh Endicott, FRESH 15 race director, said the community support has been overwhelming.
“I’ve had the privilege of being around since year one and just seeing the growth and the community support,” Endicott said. “It’s like none other.”
She said the distribution ceremony is the team’s favorite day.
“Being able to give back this money to our charities, seeing these faces,” Endicott said. “And it really is our favorite day because I see the faces of those that are going to directly be impacted by what we do. And so it’s just, it’s the best feeling.”
The race includes a 15K, 5K and kids 1K held the first weekend of March each year. The event is capped at 5,000 participants.
LeClair said more runners chose the 15K distance this year, contributing to the record fundraising total. The race maxed out its 5,000-runner capacity.
“We vet these organizations to make sure that they’re doing the right thing with money, and we know they are,” LeClair said. “And it’s awesome to be a part of that.”
Registration open for 2027 race
Since its founding in 2014, the Fresh 15 has donated 100% of race registration proceeds totaling nearly $2 million to support local nonprofits.
Through the Brookshire Communities Foundation, the company supports organizations focused on hunger relief, education, health, family well-being, first responders, and military and veterans.
The 14th annual race will take place March 6, 2027. Registration is now open at fresh15k.com.
Endicott said nearly 2,000 runners have already signed up for next year’s race.
“It will sell out and it’s selling out earlier and earlier every year,” Endicott said. “It’s sold out in January this year.”
Participants are encouraged to register early, as prices will increase after July 22.
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