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Nearly 60 runners join in Sol Lipton Run Fest in Pottsville

The Sol Lipton Run Fest was held in downtown Pottsville Sunday, drawing about 60 participants — both runners and walkers — for the annual 5K event.

The 44th edition of the race kicked off at 9 a.m. in front of City Hall. Around 30 male racers and 28 females participated, according to online race results.

The race benefits the Sol Lipton Scholarship Fund, which awards $25,000 in scholarships each year to recent Pottsville and Nativity BVM graduates.

Kelly Trabosh, 47, of Pottsville, finished first among all female racers, with a time of 21 minutes and 20 seconds. Sixteen-year-old Wyatt Hylka (no address provided) finished first among males, finishing in 19 minutes and 30 seconds.

First-place winner Wyatt Hylka, 16, crosses the finish line at the Sol Lipton Run Fest in downtown Pottsville on Sunday, Sept. 14. He finished with a time of 19 minutes, 30 seconds. (Submitted)

Participants ranged from 11 to 75 years old. Most were local to Schuylkill County, though some came from Reading, Clarks Summit, Jim Thorpe and other communities. Two participants also brought their dogs to race with them.

While the event also includes a 1.5-mile Fun Run, typically held after the main race, all participants decided to either walk or run the 5K.

Ian Lipton, executive director of the Pottsville Parking Authority, established the fundraiser in 1981, after his father, Sol Lipton, died at age 62. The Liptons had a family business — the former Nathan’s Furniture Store — located at what is now Arrow Studio & Events at 316 N. Centre.

A racer crosses the finish line with her dog at the annual Sol Lipton Run Fest on Sunday, Sept. 14, in downtown Pottsville. (Submitted)

The Lipton fund has awarded 135 scholarships to college students since it was founded. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need and leadership ability.

Trophies were awarded to the top 3 overall finishers, male and female, and the top three racers in each age group received medals.