SHENANDOAH - The Coal Cracker 10K is not for the timid.
To conquer this road race, runners must display physical fitness and mental toughness to make it to the end of the 6.25-mile course, most of which is on uphill terrain.
What keeps the runners coming back year after year?
The challenge.
"This is my 34th consecutive year running in this race, and it sure feels like it," Rich Hause said with a laugh.
The 81-year-old Berwick native has competed in every Coal Cracker 10K race that was ever held and attributes that to his love of a good challenge and to running.
"I haven't missed a day of running in 31 years and 21 days," Hause said. "The hills and not having any trees on a hot day are what make this race brutal."
Dan Lewis and Tom Talerico, both long-time local runners, organized this year's 34th annual Coal Cracker 10K and Fun Run held in downtown Shenandoah. The Coal Cracker 10K has become a favorite race of local runners as well as runners from all areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.
"It has a reputation for being one of the hardest courses, and it's also an old-school race, that's what attracts me here," Daniel Govern of Lenhartsville said.
Govern is part of the Pagoda Pacers Running Club in Reading and is a veteran to the race. He brought with him from his club a first-timer, Dave Gallen.
"I'm excited. Dan told me that it's a must-do race with all the pierogies and beer you could want at the end," Gallen said.
The race starts in the first block of North Main Street and heads south to the Gold Star Highway (Route 924). Then, racers turn down the Gilberton exit and head east past the 4-mile point toward the dreaded St. Nicholas Street hill. This hill extends for more than a mile until the racers have a downhill into the borough of Shenandoah. The final mile goes the length of East Centre Street toward the finish line.
There are several reasons why this race is able to continue for so long. Some enjoy the camaraderie of the participants, while others enjoy the local history of the Coal Region. Many just love the brutal hills, and others, like Jill Weaver, of Berwick, see it as a great way to bond with your children.
"My daughter and I run together a lot," Weaver said. "She's always ahead of me, so she's definitely my motivator."
This was a first-time run for both Weaver and her daughter, Megan. They wanted to get a good workout in and feel good about themselves for conquering the 10K.
When more than 200 runners finished the race, they had a "Pierogy Party" and awards ceremony to look forward to. It was held at the American Crow Bar in Shenandoah. The trophies are also a unique part of the event. More than 50 coal sculpture awards were presented in 16 age categories for men and women.
This year's overall winner, Mike Carriglitto, finished in 36.59. The 38-year-old lives in Pottstown but is a Blue Mountain High School graduate.
"I love this race because it's a hometown race and there's no 10Ks anymore," Carriglitto said. "It's just so tough, yet fun, and I always make sure to have this race on my schedule."
The first female finisher wasn't far behind with a time of 37.41. A rookie to this race, Marina Orrson, of Shavertown, knew to expect a lot of tough hills and she planned accordingly.
"I wanted to go out slower on the first 5K so that I had some energy for the hill," Orrson said.
The 23-year-old is a member of the Susquehanna River Runners Club and said that what makes this 10K so great is the entire package: the atmosphere, challenge, history and the friendly people.
A 1-mile fun run for kids 12 and under took place at 9 a.m. with around 20 participants.
In coordinating the event, Lewis set out to create a challenging race that captured the hometown hospitality of the Coal Region.
"We have great local sponsors and the runners themselves are what keep this tradition alive and thriving," said Lewis, a Shenandoah native. "This race will always stay the same as it has since 1980 because that's what the runners love."
34th annual
Coal Cracker 10K and Fun Run
Saturday in Shenandoah
MALE RESULTS
Overall winner
Mike Carriglitto 36:59
18 and under
1. Derek Mosteller 40:27, 2. Chris McCormick 42:39, 3. Matt McCormick 49:01
19-24
1. Chris Brennan 37:36, 2. Steve Dziedziak 44:36, 3. Zach Lewis 50:32
25-29
1. John Martino 38:05, 2. Brian Good 44:12, 3. Brian Pritala 50:13
30-34
1. Nick Seitzinger 40:31, 2. Robert Krammes 42:45, 3. Dan Giordano 45:05
35-39
1. Justin Ondrey 51:12, 2. Mark Chesla 51:27, 3. Jeff Higgins 52:17
40-44
1. Mike Lisnock 38:16, 2. James Blandford 38:51, 3. John Evangelista 39:54
45-49
1. Joe Drumsta 40:46, 2. Gary Clemson 40:58, 3. Kurt Grohowski 42:12
50-54
1. Jeff Hills 44:24, 2. Lee Miller 45:06, 3. Troy Seitzinger 45:20
55-59
1. Rock Warnagiris 46:41, 2. Kim Hamm 47:52, 3. Charles Bonisese 51:57
60-69
1. Max Furek 48:52, 2. Joe Kelly 1:02:29, 3. James Akins 1:04:08
70 and over
1. Jim Rehrig 51:22, 2. Rich Hause 1:40:08
FEMALE RESULTS
Overall winner
Marina Orrson 37:41
18 and under
1. Brinn DeAngelo 49:40, 2. Mary Everdale 49:46, 3. Kelsey Uholik 54:24
19-29
1. Gina Manbeck 50:42, 2. Kaitlyn McSurdy 54:49, 3. Allison Palubinsky 56:08
30-39
1. Renee Popalis 50:01, 2. Tara Grochowski 50:14, 3. Christine Reichar 51:25
40-49
1. Brenda Logan 50:10, 2. Jill Weaver 59:17
50 and over
1. Marsha Latimer 52:52, 2. Barbara Kent 59:56, 3. Sherry Akins 1:04:07
SPECIAL AWARDS
First local finisher
Brian Good 44:12
Clydsdale awards
Male - Zach Lewis 50:32
Female - Allison Palubinsky 56:08
Oldest finisher
Rich Hause (81 years old)
Youngest finisher
Joseph Karvois (12 years old)