Pocono News Section

Run for the Diamonds in Berwick

Run for the Diamonds in Berwick - Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 4:37PM EST

Thursday, Nov 26, 2009 @ 04:37pm EST

For the 100th year runners took part in a Columbia County Thanksgiving tradition: The Run for the Diamonds.

The race kicks off turkey day in Berwick and practically brings out the entire town.

More than two thousand runners took part in century old tradition.

While this nine mile run had plenty of serious runners, what makes the Run for the Diamonds special is funny costumes with a turkey day twist.

Emily Jaskot of Baltimore drove hours to visit family and run in the race.

She was dressed like a pilgrim and said, "If we run nine miles this morning we can eat as much thanksgiving dinner as we want."

Jared Jaskot joined Emily by dressing like an American Indian.

Jaskot said, "The fun of the season. We just like to, since we don't run fast we want to do something that's interesting and exciting."

Michelle McCabe of Berwick watched the race from what’s known as the party house at mile eight of the race.

"We always anticipate, we get different play lists and you know, just have a great time. We've been planning this since the day after thanksgiving last year," said McCabe.

Geena Palermo’s family runs the party at mile eight.

She said it’s been a tradition for 15 years now.

"It's great, we play the rocky theme song and we get fired up. That's what we're here to do," said Palermo .

Eyewitness News reporter Kyla Campbell ran the race and was still running strong at mile eight.

She was followed by a man in a Superman cape and one runner who juggled the whole race.

It all wrapped at the finish line where medals were handed out and another Run for the Diamonds ended.