The Wyoming Valley Run returned for its fourth year last Sunday, Sept. 6, with a 10-mile run from Pittston to Wilkes-Barre that benefited local nonprofits.
A field of 774 signed up for the run with 79 more participating in a 10-mile walk, five for a 10-mile hand cycle and six more participating in a virtual walk-run. Once again, the event drew participants from well beyond Northeastern Pa.
Crossing the finish line first on Public Square was Greenville, S.C., native James Quattlebaum. The 30-year-old finished in 47:29 with the course starting in downtown Pittston, crossing the Fort Jenkins Bridge for a long run down Wyoming Avenue all the way to Market Street before returning across the river into downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Quattlebaum edged out the top NEPA finisher, Greg Jaindl, 29, of Dunmore, who had a time of 49:20.
The top female finisher was Rachel Schilkowsky, 34, of Providence, R.I., in 55:33. Heidi Peoples, a staple of the area running community, was fourth in 58:14.
Among the local male age group winners were Danny Houssock (14, Plymouth), Dexter Marek (17, Wilkes-Barre), Joe Cardillo (22, Dunmore), Dylan Gearinger (29, Old Forge), Kyle Kreider (51, Mountain Top), Michael Bedrin (67, Mountain Top), Andy Seman (70, Larksville).
Age group winners on the women’s side included Olivia Banas (11, Wilkes-Barre), Brynn Negvesky (15, Old Forge), Heather Dewees (53, Harveys Lake), Ann Balonis (55, Kingston), Annet Kaminski (63, Shavertown) and Pam Putprush (66, Dallas).
All results were listed as preliminary as of Sunday evening and were subject to change. Full results can be found on the Wyoming Valley Run website.
This year’s race benefited The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA, the YMCA, Luzerne County Head Start, Northeast Sight Services and Ruth’s Place (Volunteers of America Pennsylvania). Coming into this year’s race, the event had already donated more than $35,000 to local nonprofits.