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Running of the Saints

JESSUP — For the 105th year, people in Jessup are celebrating St. Ubaldo day. It’s a tradition that began in Gubbio, Italy, hundreds of years ago wh...

JESSUP -- For the 105th year, people in Jessup are celebrating St. Ubaldo day.

It's a tradition that began in Gubbio, Italy, hundreds of years ago when Bishop Ubaldo became a sign of hope for the people of Gubbio.

"When most people thought that city would be taken over, they actually elevated Ubaldo on pedestals and ran him through the streets so everybody would know Ubaldo would be safe and Gubbio would be safe, " said Larry Spegar of Jessup.

This bit of history lead to the race of the saints.

The family of St. Ubaldo wears yellow, St. George is in blue, and St. Anthony is in black.

Since so many people from the Italian city have come to the United States, the tradition continues in Lackawanna County.

"So many of the residents of Gubbio immigrated right here to Northeastern PA," said one participant.

"My mother came to the US when she was 4 years old. So, we've been doing this for a very, very long time," said Diane Mark of Jermyn.

People told Newswatch 16 that it doesn't matter what color you're wearing, at the end of the day, it's all about kindness, family, and of course, celebration.

When it comes to the race, young and old have their favorite part, "Taking the hill," said one racer.

No matter what your favorite part of the race is, every year St. Ubaldo comes in first.

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