BERWICK -- A little rain wasn't going to slow the pace for the 107th Run for the Diamonds in Columbia County.
More than 1,500 runners gathered in Berwick to register for the holiday tradition.
"It's a fun time," said Chantel Glynn of Mountain Top. "It's a fun time and we like to run and keep in good shape and good times with friends."
Cole Gordner usually takes part in the run, but couldn't this year after taking a semester abroad in the United Kingdom. So his friends created a cutout of Gordner to help include him in all the festivities.
"He couldn't be here with us today so we made him run with us today," said Elliot Maleski of Nescopeck.
Winners of the race do receive diamonds as a prize. Many people we spoke with say that's not what keeps them coming back year after year.
Bill Bull oversees the nine-mile race as one of the directors. He ran in the race for decades. An autoimmune disease has forced him to walk the past few, but he says he'll never stop taking part.
"It's really a work of love," said Bull. "We just love doing it and so grateful that runners come out and do it."
For many, the ultimate payoff comes after the race.
"Honestly, it makes the food at Thanksgiving taste a lot better," Maleski added. "Nine miles down the path, you can fit more turkey as it goes on and it's a lot of fun."
"It tastes the same," said Nicol Urban of Chester Springs. "You just feel less guilty about it."