Bemis-Forslund Pie Race

Runners in a Pie Race from late 19th or early 20th c.

The annual Bemis-Forslund Pie Race is a 4.3-mile footrace named for Henry Bemis (class of 1891), who donated prizes starting in 1908, and for Gladys Hall Forslund ’26, wife of longtime Mount Hermon athletic director Axel Forslund.

Gladys started the practice of awarding apple pies to any runner who completed the course in a specified time.

Alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and friends participate in America’s longest running footrace for a chance to win a delicious apple pie, handmade by NMH Dining Services and students.

Qualifying times: Runners who complete the race within a specified time win a pie:

Women: 40 minutes or less
Men: 33 minutes or less
Masters times: 45 minutes or less (women); 38 minutes or less (men)
*Masters times refer to runners who are in or beyond their 25th reunion. ALL runners in or beyond their 50th reunion who finish the race will receive a pie.

The Tart Race (for children) takes place right before the Pie Race, around 2:30 pm, leaving from the flagpole outside Forslund.

View the Pie Race route

Watch this favorite NMH tradition in action!

The 128th Annual Pie Race was Monday, November 12, 2018.

See photos and race times from this year's race.

Contact events@nmhschool.org with any questions, or call 413-498-3600.

Runners in the 2017 Pie Race

Nhu Hoang

My philosophy is: Fail early, so you can eventually succeed.

Tabatha Collins

Struggling in a class doesn't mean that you are not good at it.

Camryn Crocker

I ask myself, “What would I want if I were a student here?”

Gretel Schatz, Director of the Dance program, instructs a dance student.

I want dance students to engage their own memory and intellect.

Hugh Silbaugh

"I’m a teacher and a dean. Teaching always comes first."

Becca Malloy

Science isn't just talk, but it certainly helps.

Mary Hefner

I love teaching AP Bio. The kids are highly motivated.

Eugene

“The best thing about NMH is the connections you make.” 

Connor

“NMH challenges students to innovate and persevere while keeping in mind the effects of our actions on the community."

Taneyah

“This community gives me the resources to grow as a student and discover passions I never knew I had.” 

Anna

“I am confident in myself and my abilities to succeed, thanks to NMH.”

Miles

"I love the freedom I have to explore what I am passionate about."

Leighlani

"NMH gives us space to experiment and gradually to grow into ourselves."

Noah

"I noticed how welcoming everyone was when I first came to campus.”

Ayleen

“The first step to excelling at NMH is embracing your own individuality.” 

Tayhee

“I appreciate the bond faculty and students have at NMH.”

Marissa

"The community at NMH is unlike any I’ve ever known, and for that I am grateful.”

Olivia

"NMH allows me to be myself in the classroom and ensures I am an articulate, curious, and courageous student.”

Aksorn

“I was initially surprised by how relaxed, yet academic, the environment is."

Maggie

Dance has taken this creative learner on an artistic journey. 

Xiaoxian (Lily)

 “My teachers told me to use my own voice, and they pushed me to think about what I really believed in.”

Abby

"The curriculum here is hard, but it’s the right amount of hard."

Ngone

“The academics are extremely rigorous, but because of the way teachers present things, it’s like, ‘I have school today!’”

Eli
Eli

“The learning you can do in a study-abroad program can outweigh anything else you can do even at a school like this.” 

Kevin

“NMH encouraged me to explore new things, try everything, and see what’s best for me.”

Isabella

“You’ll always find a place here as long as you just be yourself.”

Melvin

“There is a community here that cares about you.”