This lad and lassies were getting ready for the Pittston St. Patrick Day’s Leprechaun Loop on Saturday morning. Left to right: Amelia Scardo, 2, Peyton Lutkowski, 5, Carl Lutkowski, Jr., 5.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
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Runners kick off for the annual Leprechaun Loop, a one-mile run/walk in downtown Pittston prior to the start of the 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
Cory Cannon, of Plymouth, runs the one-mile loop in St. Patrick’s Day style, rocking a kilt on Saturday.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
The overall winner of the one-mile race Michael Branley, 17, with a time of 5:46.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
Gabby Griffith, 8, leads the way with dad Dave Griffith in tow as they cross the finish line.
Tony Callaio | For Times Leader
PITTSTON — The fourth annual Leprechaun Loop brought over 200 area residents out to kick off the city’s St. Patrick’s activities with a spirited one-mile loop around the city.
Participants ranged from youngsters accompanying their parents to retirees out for a brisk stroll to serious runners hoping to finish well.
Most of the runners embraced the St. Pat’s spirit, clad in great variety of green items, including head gear that lit up as they ran and green glittery face paint.
Tiffany Ferentino, organizer of the fun event, said four years ago when the parade committee were looking for another event to round out the day’s activities, they thought that a fun run through the city of Pittston would be a great way to show of the city to participants and add a bit of activity to the day. The event was open to all ages — both humans and canines.
“There’s a lot of dogs that run the parade,” she said. “It seems like more and more every year.”
Parents were welcome to push strollers through the course, with many using blankets to shield babies from the chilly temperature and intermittent wind.
And although the event was open to walkers and casual runners, some participants were looking forward to the event as part of their training.
Dave Griffith, from Hanover Township, brought out his daughters Chloe, 10, and Gabby, 8, for some vigorous running.
Chloe is training for participation in the Striders Triple Crown and was aiming for a 10- to 11-minute mile.
Gabby, not a regular runner, was happy to cheer on her sister. When she heard that there was a “10 and under” category, Gabby said of her sister, “I know she’s going to win.”
Both girls were clad in green and boasted large glittery bows that they were sure would stay atop their head no matter their speed.
Aiden Horn and his father Bill Horn traveled from the Poconos to participate as part of their training.
“His coach encouraged him to enter,” Bill Horn said of his son.
The two were impressed, not only with the course of the race, but also Pittston.
“The murals are like those in bigger cities,” Bill Horn said.
The two brought along their friend Chris Horn, who came from New York to participate.
Kelly, who’s Irish, appreciated the St. Pat’s theme of the race.
In addition to awards for best time, participants were also able to earn awards for best costume.
Ferentino said she is always impressed with the creativity of participants, who often add layers of green glitter, body paint and headwear.
“Two ladies dress every year, complete with tutus and leotards,” she said.
Another youngster, who had a shot at a top prize, was dressed as leprechaun from head to toe, she said.
Ferentino said the event has continued to grow every year, with each race bringing both old timers and newcomers of all abilities, most who stayed to enjoy the parade.
The fun run benefits the Care and Concern Clinic and Ryan’s Run.
“It’s a great chance not only to have a good time, but to benefit the community,” Ferentino said.