WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — A Fourth of July tradition in Luzerne County is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The YMCA of Wilkes-Barre Bernie's Run drew more than 400 runners and walkers to the downtown Tuesday morning.
The annual 3-mile run got started at 8:30 a.m. on South River Street.
Organizers also provide a half-mile "chalk run" for kids.
The run is named for Bernie Hargadon, a previous YMCA director who founded the race.
"It's a memorial run for Bernie Hargadon, a previous YMCA director. So Bernie Hargadon was actually the founder of the Firecracker Run, which is what this race started out as. And then when he suddenly passed from a cardiac event, we decided that time to make this a memorial run for him to just help remember all of his hard work and all of his love that he had for the Y," said Mikayla Mills, the race director.
Members of Bernie's family are thrilled with the event's growth and call the patriotic race through the city a perfect tribute.
"Bernie was an avid runner, ran every day. But more than that, he was a huge proponent of downtown Wilkes-Barre," said Mary Jane Hargadon.
Some runners said this is how they start their Independence Day every year.
"This is a Fourth of July tradition for us. We've been doing this probably for the last 10,15 years," Kim Sweeney said.
"We're twin sisters, and we've been running together," Beth Davis said.
"It's just amazing all these years later, that we're 40 years later, a dream of his that began as the Firecracker Run, how now it's turned into Bernie's Run, and it just has grown leaps and bounds," said Sara Michaels, Bernie's daughter.
"The enthusiasm, new faces, old faces—it's great," Mary Jane added. "We're just thrilled that it continues, and it has grown through all the sponsors for the Y still do it. It's a great tribute to him."
This year's event benefits cancer and cardiac care programs at the Y
Check out the race results HERE.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel.