Event Completed

7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read

Scranton, Pennsylvania
7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read official race logo - running event in Scranton, Pennsylvania
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
Scranton, Pennsylvania

About 7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read

The James D. Hill Run to Read is a 5K and 1-Mile run/walk celebrating Jim's love for running and reading. Since 2019, we've donated nearly $39,000 to Reading Is Fundamental and the Scranton Public Library. This is a family-friendly event - bring your kids for climbing, face painting, book giveaways, fun and games! For more information, please keep reading...

Pricing

  • June 1 - June 30: $20 Live / $10 Virtual
  • July 1 - July 31: $25 Live / $15 Virtual
  • Race Weekend (August 1 - August 2): $30 Live (in-person registration at packet pickup) / $20 Virtual

Live Event Info

Date  

Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 9:00 AM 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run, immediately followed by Awards, Raffles, and Refreshments

Location  

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Olive St. Trailhead. The 5K and 1-mile run/walk are out and back courses on the paved trail, both starting and finishing at the Half Marathon Pavilion.

Packet Pickup
  • Friday, August 1: 3 -7 PM at Scranton Running Company (3 West Olive Street)
  • Saturday, August 2: starting at 8 AM under the Half Marathon Pavilion
Awards

Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female runners. Medals will be awarded to the top three males and females in the following age groups: 0-29, 30-59, 60+

Raffle

50-50 cash raffle + prizes following awards at the Live Run!

Special Guests

 

Virtual Event Info

Run your virtual 5K anytime from Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, wherever you’d like, and then submit your results at the following link: Submit Virtual Results

Awards

Medals for top overall male and female, plus medals for Farthest from Scranton, Oldest, Youngest, Best Photo, and Largest Contribution.

Results

Results for the race will be at the following link: James D. Hill Run to Read Live ResultsPlease note virtual results are updated as race submissions come in.

Proceeds Benefiting 

Our Story

All those that knew Jim Hill well, knew his first and deepest love was for his family. But they also likely got dragged to a race or had to hear about a book or article, since he was eager to share his love for running and reading. His favorite part of road races was the sense of community and camaraderie; he was more than happy to start at the back of the pack and take his time. It was more about connecting and meeting new people than setting or breaking records. He participated in hundreds of races over the years, ranging from 5Ks to full marathons, even finishing the Steamtown Marathon in 2010 at age 67.

He loved libraries so much that we have pictures of him in front of countless libraries visited on trips all over the U.S. and a few in other countries. After he passed, people made donations to the Albright Memorial Library in his memory and in turn, the library set up the James D. Hill Memorial Fund. That generosity planted a seed for us to continue and grow Jim's legacy by organizing this race in his honor.

He would be flashing his bright smile to know that we've been doing this for six years now, especially because we're supporting the library and children's literacy. He always loved and connected with kids and in fact, was a big kid himself - one of the below photos was taken at the Anastasia Island Branch of the St. John's County Public Library. It was his first time volunteering there and when they asked him to dress up for Halloween, he waddled right up!

Jim was the sweetest and most selfless man we'll ever know. We lost him in 2016 after he suffered a heart attack during a 5K race in Scranton, PA. Along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, you will find a tree we planted with a plaque in his memory. Please be sure to give him a wave or a positive thought, or take a selfie when you pass by during the race.

Please join us again in celebrating Jim and his love for life, running and reading!

With sincere gratitude and to sign off as he would have...

At Your Service,

The Hill Family

Our Mission

Our mission is to grow Jim's legacy of compassion and understanding, connecting people of all colors, shapes and speeds (running and reading), through our shared love for exercise of body and mind.

7th Annual James D. Hill Run to ReadThe James D. Hill Run to Read is a 5K and 1-Mile run/walk celebrating Jim's love for running and reading. Since 2019, we've donated nearly $39,000 to Reading Is Fundamental and the Scranton Public Library. This is a family-friendly event - bring your kids for climbing, face painting, book giveaways, fun and games! For more information, please keep reading... Pricing June 1 - June 30: $20 Live / $10 VirtualJuly 1 - July 31: $25 Live / $15 VirtualRace Weekend (August 1 - August 2): $30 Live (in-person registration at packet pickup) / $20 Virtual Live Event Info Date   Saturday, August 2, 2025 - 9:00 AM 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run, immediately followed by Awards, Raffles, and Refreshments Location   Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Olive St. Trailhead. The 5K and 1-mile run/walk are out and back courses on the paved trail, both starting and finishing at the Half Marathon Pavilion. Packet Pickup Friday, August 1: 3 -7 PM at Scranton Running Company (3 West Olive Street)Saturday, August 2: starting at 8 AM under the Half Marathon Pavilion Awards Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female runners. Medals will be awarded to the top three males and females in the following age groups: 0-29, 30-59, 60+ Raffle 50-50 cash raffle + prizes following awards at the Live Run! Special Guests Reading Is Fundamental with book giveaways and activities for the kids!Albright Memorial Library with their world famous pop-up library!PicNick Entertainment with their Park and Play mobile climbing trailer + face painting for the kids!   Virtual Event Info Run your virtual 5K anytime from Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, wherever you’d like, and then submit your results at the following link: Submit Virtual Results Awards Medals for top overall male and female, plus medals for Farthest from Scranton, Oldest, Youngest, Best Photo, and Largest Contribution. Results Results for the race will be at the following link: James D. Hill Run to Read Live Results. Please note virtual results are updated as race submissions come in. Proceeds Benefiting  Reading Is Fundamental, the leading voice for children’s literacy in the U.S.The James D. Hill Memorial Fund, used to purchase new books at Scranton’s Albright Memorial Library. Our Story All those that knew Jim Hill well, knew his first and deepest love was for his family. But they also likely got dragged to a race or had to hear about a book or article, since he was eager to share his love for running and reading. His favorite part of road races was the sense of community and camaraderie; he was more than happy to start at the back of the pack and take his time. It was more about connecting and meeting new people than setting or breaking records. He participated in hundreds of races over the years, ranging from 5Ks to full marathons, even finishing the Steamtown Marathon in 2010 at age 67. He loved libraries so much that we have pictures of him in front of countless libraries visited on trips all over the U.S. and a few in other countries. After he passed, people made donations to the Albright Memorial Library in his memory and in turn, the library set up the James D. Hill Memorial Fund. That generosity planted a seed for us to continue and grow Jim's legacy by organizing this race in his honor. He would be flashing his bright smile to know that we've been doing this for six years now, especially because we're supporting the library and children's literacy. He always loved and connected with kids and in fact, was a big kid himself - one of the below photos was taken at the Anastasia Island Branch of the St. John's County Public Library. It was his first time volunteering there and when they asked him to dress up for Halloween, he waddled right up! Jim was the sweetest and most selfless man we'll ever know. We lost him in 2016 after he suffered a heart attack during a 5K race in Scranton, PA. Along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, you will find a tree we planted with a plaque in his memory. Please be sure to give him a wave or a positive thought, or take a selfie when you pass by during the race. Please join us again in celebrating Jim and his love for life, running and reading! With sincere gratitude and to sign off as he would have... At Your Service, The Hill Family Our Mission Our mission is to grow Jim's legacy of compassion and understanding, connecting people of all colors, shapes and speeds (running and reading), through our shared love for exercise of body and mind.
Scranton, PA

Race Events & Distances

Choose from 4 race distances available for 7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read in Scranton, PA. Registration includes timing, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments.

Virtual 5K Run/Walk

Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Scranton, PA
ScrantonPA
7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual 5K Run/Walk

How long is the Virtual 5K Run/Walk?
The Virtual 5K Run/Walk covers Distance varies.
What time does the Virtual 5K Run/Walk start?
The Virtual 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:00:00 AM.
Where is the Virtual 5K Run/Walk located?
The Virtual 5K Run/Walk takes place in Scranton, PA.

5K Run/Walk

Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Scranton, PA
ScrantonPA
7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 5K Run/Walk

How long is the 5K Run/Walk?
The 5K Run/Walk covers Distance varies.
What time does the 5K Run/Walk start?
The 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:00:00 AM.
Where is the 5K Run/Walk located?
The 5K Run/Walk takes place in Scranton, PA.

Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed)

Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Scranton, PA
ScrantonPA
7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed)

How long is the Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed)?
The Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) covers Distance varies.
What time does the Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) start?
The Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) starts at 9:00:00 AM.
Where is the Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) located?
The Virtual 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) takes place in Scranton, PA.

1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed)

Start Time
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Scranton, PA
ScrantonPA
7th Annual James D. Hill Run to Read Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed)

How long is the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed)?
The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) covers Distance varies.
What time does the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) start?
The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) starts at 9:00:00 AM.
Where is the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) located?
The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Untimed) takes place in Scranton, PA.

Registration Information

Registration is typically available online until race day (subject to capacity). Early registration is recommended for guaranteed entry and potential early bird pricing. Check with race organizers for specific event details and included amenities.

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