NAZARETH, Pa. — More than 1,200 runners and walkers kicked off the holiday season at the 19th Annual YMCA Pumpkin Pie 5K and Fun Run, hosted by River Crossing YMCA.
Participants ages 5 to 75 lined up Thursday outside the Nazareth branch at 33 Main St. for what has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most popular holiday traditions. The top three finishers in each race category earned a pumpkin pie, while all finishers received medals. The top male and female runners also took home a frozen turkey.
“We got a bright, sunny morning to celebrate Thanksgiving and being together this year,” said Crystal Messer, vice president of operations for River Crossing YMCA’s Lehigh Valley region. She noted that last year’s event took place in the rain.
“We couldn’t be more thankful to the people of our community who came together to celebrate healthy living, burn off a few calories before the big feast, and support the community impact of River Crossing YMCA,” she said.
Proceeds from the race support the organization’s community impact and financial assistance programs, which help families afford child care and fund donor-supported Pathway programs for health and wellness.
This year’s event was supported by Starting Line sponsor Keystone Financial Management and Mile sponsors Aardvark Sports Shop, Nazareth Army Navy and ShopRite.
River Crossing YMCA — formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA — is a charitable nonprofit serving more than 142,000 people annually across 12 member branches, 12 early childhood centers, 20 summer camps and 44 school-age child care programs.
More information is available at ymcarivercrossing.org.