The Mashpee Recreation Department has held the Mashpee Woodland 5K Run for over 20 years. In 2011, it was renamed the Rhiannon McCuish Mashpee Woodland 5K Run/Walk.
Rhiannon McCuish was a beloved young woman who grew up in the town of Mashpee and very actively participated in town soccer, softball, and swim programs. She continued to participate in sports including soccer, basketball, softball, and track at Mashpee High School, where she still holds the record for most goals scored in soccer (boy or girl), some of which were assisted by her sister Julienne (and vice versa). In MHS girls track, Rhiannon holds the record in the long jump and shares the records in the 4×100 and 4×200 relays with her sister, Michaela, and others.
Rhiannon attended Boston University, but knee injuries prevented her from participating competitively in sports at the college level. She was a junior at BU, studying psychology, when she lost her life at age 21, in an accident, in 2007.
As part of cross training for her favorite sports, Rhiannon ran on the trails, roads, and bike path where the 5K takes place. Many of her family members and friends run, walk, or volunteer to honor Rhiannon and help make it possible for other children to participate in Mashpee town programs, such as the ones Rhiannon enjoyed.
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