SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Braving freezing temperatures and pushing past their limits, runners and walkers took on the challenge for Scranton Running Company’s annual ‘Shiver by the River’ race.
The event featured a 5K, a 10K, and a two-mile walk, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities. As competitors crossed the finish line, awards were presented to the top male and female finishers in both races, along with age-group winners and the top overall walker.
Cutting through the chill, Jakob Seamans claimed first place in the 10K, with a time of 36 minutes and 24 seconds, sharing what the atmosphere was like as participants lined up before the race began.
“There was black ice when we were doing the warmup, and I was a little concerned. But then once you start racing, you zone out, and it just becomes fun,” said Seamans.
Fueled by his passion for running, 10K participant and age-group winner Andy Goggins said he’s just getting started this year, already setting his sights on another race in the near future.
“We’re like super big in all the running stuff around here. So, it’s kind of like a community around Scranton just built around it. I have another race coming up in May. I got 30 hours to go 100 miles. So, it’s kind of fun to do these along the way,” said Goggins.
Seamans also offered advice for beginner runners, emphasizing that races like Shiver by the River become easier with consistency, conditioning, and the determination to push yourself day after day.
“It’s just getting out every day. The more consistent you are with getting out every day, a race becomes like second nature. You don’t even think about it. For beginners, just get out every day,” said Seamans.
Shiver by the River returns with another round of events, featuring a 5K, 10K, and a two-mile walk on Saturday, February 7.