BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An icy prize was at the end of an annual tradition in Columbia County Thursday morning.
The 115th Run for the Diamonds Race is one that goes strong every year, and this Thanksgiving was no different.
Runners made their way on Market Street in Berwick Thursday to try and win some bling.
The Annual Thanksgiving Day Run for the Diamonds Race started over a century ago as a way to incorporate a unique and valuable prize into a local running event.
"I did not come prepared, but music came in handy, and some David Goggins too," said Runner Alejandro Bugarini.
For Bugarini, the nine-mile race was quite the challenge, and the jewelry was only part of the incentive.
"Ain't no way. I'm going to beat you," Bugarini said.
It was a competition between him and his mom to see who could finish stronger.
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"This is not a race for the weak. I think if you have enough talent, dedication, and hard work you can easily run this race," said Braeden Joyce from Ohio.
But Joyce, who came all the way from Ohio to participate, was all in and even set a personal record with a time of 57 minutes and 47 seconds.
There were more than 1,100 participants with the top seven men's winners receiving diamond rings and the top seven women's winners getting diamond pendants.
The eighth to 15th place winners received plaques.
"I bring them to their mark, shoot the gun, and then I'm pretty much done," said Officials Starter Dick Rimple.
Rimple was the official race starter on Thursday and has been a part of the Keystone State's oldest race for decades.
"It's homecoming," Rimple said.
"It's a fun race for a lot of people but some people took it more competitively so I guess it's how you take it," said Jack Kappen with the Selinsgrove Area Boys Varsity Cross Country.
More than 20 diamonds in total were given out at the annual race.
