New Start in Arizona, Old Loss in Massachusetts

The former owners of a once‑popular running shop have begun a fresh chapter in Arizona, offering retirement and financial advice under the name Ascension Impact. They moved away from Springfield after their previous business, 4Run3, shut down abruptly in May. While they promoted the new venture on social media, some former supporters of 4Run3 felt the posts were intrusive and called it harassment. The Arizona business, launched in January, is run by a husband‑wife team who hold state licenses to sell life insurance. Their new focus is helping clients plan for the future, a stark contrast to the race‑organizing services they once provided. Meanwhile, in Springfield, a federal bankruptcy court finalized the winding down of 4Run3. The closure was triggered by several charities that had relied on race‑fundraisers to raise money. These organizations argued that the Murphys had funneled event proceeds into accounts controlled by 4Run3, leaving the charities with little to no reimbursement.Only $117, 000 was recovered from 4Run3’s remaining assets. After covering administrative costs of $87, 776, the charities and other unsecured creditors received a combined total of just $30, 000. This amount fell far short of the $287, 000 they had requested. Individual charities received even smaller sums; for example, one organization owed $12, 769 but got only $1, 118. The shortfall has tangible consequences. A local Boys & Girls Club that hosted annual races now must rely on external partners to manage timing and logistics. The club’s leaders acknowledge the frustration but emphasize resilience, noting that they continue to hold events for community benefit. The situation highlights how the collapse of a single business can ripple through nonprofit operations, leaving volunteers and donors disappointed. It also underscores the importance of transparency in fundraising arrangements.