The 49th annual Emmaus 4 Mile Classic was held April 12 at Emmaus High School.

The blue sky, sunshine, and mid-60 temperatures made for a perfect running day. Previously organized by the Lehigh Valley Road Runners, the Classic is one of the Lehigh Valley’s oldest continuously run events of its kind in the region.

The Emmaus Community Foundation took over organizing the race this year and intends on “protecting what makes this race meaningful while strengthening the community connections behind it.” The Classic is described as a “celebration of fitness, family, and local pride.”

Proceeds from the event will support projects that keep Emmaus “beautiful, vibrant, and connected.”

Bryn Mawr Racing professionally timed the race. Wes Barrett of Barrett Realty hosted the event and utilized a drone to capture the runners and race throughout the morning.

The Classic opened with approximately 40 children under the age of 14 participating in the “Fun Run” starting 9:15 a.m. East Penn School District secondary students assisted in guiding the small runners for the mile around the perimeter of the high school. Luca Zambelli, of Emmaus, finished first, Savanna Rychnovsky, of Orefield, finished second and Sage Johnson, of Coopersburg, finished third.

The four mile race began 9:30 a.m. and approximately 250 runners participated.

The course started at Emmaus High School, ran throughout the borough and finished at the high school. St. Luke’s Physical Therapy provided the warm up for the runners.

Matthew Campbell, P.T., D.P.T., led the runners through various ballistic and static stretches before the race start.

The Emmaus Fire Engine blasted its sirens as runners passed through the course. The Emmaus Ambulance Unit was on hand to render aid as needed.

Most of the runners completed the race in less than 40 minutes. Emmaus Borough Council members Roy Anders and Shane Pepe, along with Solicitor Jason Ulrich, could be found throughout the race supporting fellow member Brent Labenberg who ran the racecourse.

The race was competitive and included individuals from numerous age groups and genders. Even though Tommy Hackett (24:17) earned the first place for Under 14, Lower Macungie Middle School student Gael Cook was proud of himself for finishing in the top 10 overall and second in his age group. The eighth grade student completed the race in 26:03.

The spectators soaked up the sun cheering on all the runners.

Nasiyus, held by Taheina Johnson, cheered on all the runners waiting for dad Jeanmarc Nonirt, of Allentown, to cross the finish line. Deziaya Henry held the poster while all three cheered for Nonirt who completed the race in 32:38.

Monetary awards were provided to overall top three finishers for both males and females. Gift certificates were awarded to the first place winners of each age group.

Overall Female:

1st Place/$150 — Lauren Ferguson 25:15 (Boyertown)

2nd Place/$100 — Amanda Macknair 25:47 (Emmaus/Emmaus HS Class of 2019)

3rd Place/$50 — Maraleen Shields 28:15 (Allentown)

Overall Male:

1st Place/$150 — John Tolbert 20:20 (Bethlehem/Overall Winner)

2nd Place/$100 — Chance Macknair 21:17 (Emmaus)

3rd Place/$50 — Andrew Ferretti 21:30 (Allentown)

Age Group Female/Male:

14 and under: Morgan Heffelfinger, Tommy Hackett

15-19: Sophia Ginnona, Jacob Schaller

20-29: Noel Fresa, Kevin Waterman

30-39: Nicole Balliet, Mike Miller

40-49: Alexis Williams, Mike Pompella

50-59: Loren Speziale, Scott Susten

60-69: Vivian Foulke, Dennis McCarthy

70+: Donna Mclaughlin, Don Morrison

The Emmaus Run Inn was the title sponsor with dozens of additional sponsors supporting the event including Gross & McGinley, Wing Stop, New Tripoli Bank, Wesley Works, Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands, Schantz Funeral Home, Kappe Associates, Inc., Chris DeFrain Consulting, Fitzpatrick, Lentz, and Bubba, Campbell, Rappold, and Yurasitz Certified Public Accountants, Jack Hart LLC, E.F. Butz Agency, Hendricks and Sons, Ott Consulting, and St. Luke’s Physical Therapy.

According to the website, the Emmaus Community Foundation’s mission involves enhancing the quality of life in Emmaus through philanthropy to fund high-impact initiatives that further develop optimal community living. The Emmaus Classic continues to thrive under its leadership.