In 1984, to honor the celebration of our nation’s Independence Day, the Wilkes-Barre YMCA staged its first 3 mile run. That inaugural run attracted 288 runners. Since that time the event has grown to host 700+ runners annually.

The distance of 3 miles is the ideal distance because it encourages novices runners to aim for a reachable goal and it allows serious runners the opportunity to run for a personal best.

The entire course is flat, which helps both the novice and serious runner.

In 1994 after the passing of Bernie’s Hargadon, the founder of the race and the Executive Director of the Y, the race was renamed, “Bernie’s Memorial Run/Walk.”

In its 40+ plus years of existence “Bernie’s Memorial Run/Walk” has been a tremendous event for thousands of participants. It serves as an event for friends and family to participate in together. It brings activity and vitality to Wilkes-Barre’s Downtown and it is a great way to start the celebration on the July 4th!

The course will start at the intersection of S. Franklin St. and W. Market St.