TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Brookshire Grocery Company leaders and local charity members gathered Wednesday to award local nonprofit organizations with funds raised from this year\u2019s FRESH 15 race.<\/p>\n
The 2026 race, held March 7, was record-breaking, raising $249,000 from runner registration fees. More than 4,500 runners participated.<\/p>\n
Brookshire Grocery Company leaders, the BGC Racing Team and local charity members gathered at Fresh by Brookshire\u2019s in Tyler on Wednesday for the check presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal for the FRESH 15 is to support local nonprofit organizations that serve the families here in Tyler and surrounding communities,\u201d said Jerry LeClair, interim CEO for Brookshire Grocery Company. \u201cThank 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community support drives event growth<\/p>\n
Ashleigh Endicott, FRESH 15 race director, said the community support has been overwhelming.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had the privilege of being around since year one and just seeing the growth and the community support,\u201d Endicott said. \u201cIt\u2019s like none other.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the distribution ceremony is the team\u2019s favorite day.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing able to give back this money to our charities, seeing these faces,\u201d Endicott said. \u201cAnd 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\u2019s just, it\u2019s the best feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe vet these organizations to make sure that they\u2019re doing the right thing with money, and we know they are,\u201d LeClair said. \u201cAnd it\u2019s awesome to be a part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Registration open for 2027 race<\/p>\n
Since its founding in 2014, the Fresh 15 has donated 100% of race registration proceeds totaling nearly $2 million to support local nonprofits.<\/p>\n
Through the Brookshire Communities Foundation, the company supports organizations focused on hunger relief, education, health, family well-being, first responders, and military and veterans.<\/p>\n
The 14th annual race will take place March 6, 2027. Registration is now open at fresh15k.com.<\/p>\n
Endicott said nearly 2,000 runners have already signed up for next year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will sell out and it\u2019s selling out earlier and earlier every year,\u201d Endicott said. \u201cIt\u2019s sold out in January this year.\u201d<\/p>\n