LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Main Street in Pittston is no stranger to traffic, but on Sunday, it won't be cars lining the street. Instead runners will be making their way through the city as part of the 2nd Annual Wyoming Valley Run.
Race director Ben Robinson says coordinating a race like this through seven municipalities takes a lot of teamwork.
"The municipalities already knew what to expect, and everybody's been so, so much more supportive just because they know we're about now they know what the plan is, and everybody's been really, really helpful," said Robinson.
Cooperation from businesses is needed too. Some small businesses will be giving up a few hours or a day of business for the cause. Green Dog Barkery in the Midway Shopping Center has decided to close for the day.
"We're only open till three, normally on Sunday, so if we're going to open at noon, noon to three is such a short time to be open as it would be,' said General Manager Scott Pertl. "We hope for the best of day, a beautiful day and a great opportunity for everyone to have a fun run as well as raise money for charity."
Money from the road race's registration fees will benefit five local charities.
"Last year, we raised $10,000. We'll hopefully be able to do that plus more this year, but based on our budget, hopefully, a little bit more," said Robinson.
Walkers will start at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, and runners will hit the road at 8 a.m.
The 10-mile route goes through Pittston, West Pittston, Exeter, and most of Wyoming on a completely closed Wyoming Avenue.
It's at the Midway Shopping Center near the border of Wyoming and Forty Fort boroughs, where the traffic pattern begins to change and a portion of Wyoming Avenue will be open to traffic and runners at the same time.
"You're on the northbound lanes, and once we hit the Forty Fort municipality, it's just the one lane closest to the curb," said Robinson.
In Kingston, the runners will have BOTH northbound lanes while traffic will continue going south.
"It'll be the one lane in the Wilkes-Barre. And then once we hit Wilkes-Barre, all the police have all the streets shut down until the finish line," explained Robinson.
Right now, there are 300 volunteers to help with runners' needs and direct traffic along the course.
"But the more, the merrier, even if people are just cheering on, helping with Road, road shut-offs or aid stations, we have, we have something for a little bit of everybody," added Robinson.
If you want to volunteer along the route, you can reach out to the race at wvrvolunteer@gmail.com