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A DAY FOR BERNIE: A FIRST CLASS EVENT
History of the July 4th Bernie’s Memorial 3
Mile Walk/Run
In 1984, to honor the celebration of our nation’s Independence Day, the Wilkes-Barre YMCA staged its first 3 mile run. That inaugural run attracted 288 runners. Since that time the event has had over 10,000 participants.
The distance of 3 miles is the ideal distance becuase it encourages novices runners to aim for a reachable goal and it allows serious runners the opportunity to run for a personal best.
In 1991, through the diligent efforts of Dr. Charles Montante and his wife PJ, a walk was added to the event. The walk prides the growing number of walkers in Wyoming Valley the opportunity to participate in a fun, festive event.
The course of the event is superd! It starts on River Street by the Market Street Bridge. It runs along the River Commons and past the historic houses on Wilkes University’s Campus. It winds througfh South Wilkes-Barre and comes back into the Downtown area. The race ends on South Main Street and flows directly into a post-race celebration on Public Square. The entire course is flat, which helps both the novice and serious runner.
In 1994 after the passing of Bernie’s Hargadon, the founder of the race and the Executive Director of the Y, the race was renamed, “Bernie’s Memorial Run/Walk.”
In its 20 plus years of existance “Bernie’s Memorial Run/Walk” has been a tremendous event for thousands of participants. It serves as an event for friends and family to particpate in together. It brings activity and vitality to Wilkes-Barre’s Downtown and it is a great way to start the celebration on the July 4th!
Page created and updated by Joseph Barket, Wellness Coordinator