JERSEY SHORE The running of the 39th Annual Tiadaghton Race kicked-off the events for the 50th Anniversary of the Jersey Shore Town Meeting last Saturday.
Over 100 runners and walkers participated in this year's event.
The 10K run and the 5K run/walk began at 8:30 a.m. in 68 degree weather.
The final runner crossed the finish line one hour and 11 minutes later in a sunny 82 degrees.
As the tired yet smiling runners crossed the finish line, comments such as, "way too hot," "brutal," and "awful," filled the air as they all grabbed an icy water bottle. Dennis Wolfe of Williamsport, a 15-year participant of the race, joked, "It wasn't too bad but I like seeing people suffer."
History repeated itself as this year's winner was again Wilson Riccardo, 19, of Lock Haven.
Riccardo crossed the finish line of the 10 kilometer race a foot ahead of his friend and mentor, Rick Clendaniel, 27, of Trappe.
"Rick and I are life partners now that we crossed the line together," Riccardo joked as runners from the 5K laughed and clapped.
"My wife's not going to think that's too funny," Clendaniel commented.
Riccardo said, "Seriously, this race is a lot of fun and I always enjoy participating here and supporting the YMCA. Rick helped me out a lot in high school and it was fun to run with him in a competitive event."
He said his friend usually wins, but this time they kept the pace together.
Riccardo clocked in at 37.50, a minute behind his time last year; Clendaniel is also credited with the same time.
Francesca Mahalak, 34, of Jersey Shore, was the first female to cross the finish line in the 10K race.
Instant Results Race Management manned the finish line again this year for the 13th time, according to timekeeper Frank Gaval.
The five kilometer race had 45 participants with Aaron Fisher, 16, of Lock Haven in first place at a comfortable lead of 19.54. Caleb Lidick, also from Lock Haven, came in second place at 22.35. Tiffany Payne, 20, of Painted Post, N.Y., was the first female to finish at 23.51.
The proceeds from the annual Tiadaghton Run help support the YMCA's Strong Kids campaign, Executive Director Elisabeth Miranda said.
"The program helps provide scholarship assistance to kids and families who otherwise could not afford the membership and program fee,"?she said.
"The Jersey Shore Branch of the YMCA offers over $100,000 in scholarships each year. This community's continuing support of the YMCA programs helps to keep the community strong. This is one of our major fundraisers and we couldn't do it without the staff and volunteers generously giving their time and energy to make this race a success,".
Event director Seth Welsh added, "It takes a lot of dedication by the YMCA staff, volunteers, and community helpers who assisted today and throughout the year leading up to the race to make this event happen along with co-sponsors - Jersey Shore State Bank and Klein and Rizzo Inc. CPA."
Refreshments followed the event with a brief awards ceremony honoring the participants with trophies and metals in age divided categories.
