Local and National Racers Aim for Glory on Legendary 1-Mile Stretch of NEPA Road at the Giants Despair Hillclimb
Every summer, the typically quiet borough of Laurel Run, located directly southeast of Wilkes-Barre, hosts one of NEPA’s biggest summer events. If it’s the second weekend in July, it’s time for the Giants Despair Hillclimb. This yearr, from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13, this steep, snaking stretch of East Northampton Street pits drivers against the clock in a twisting and turning, 1-mile uphill sprint for glory.
For both locals and visitors from around the country, the famous Giants Despair Hillclimb weekend has grown from a simple get together on the mountain into a major regional event. Food trucks line the lot adjacent to the main pit area. Spectators fill up the sides of the hill with folding chairs and beer coolers. And even on Friday night, before all the action begins, old die-hards show up for the annual Musicfest, a laid-back evening of live local music for Hillclimb fans and arriving race teams.
Bring the kids, a few lawn chairs, a full cooler and, of course, plenty of sunscreen. And check out the world-famous Giants Despair Hillclimb.

This year’s Giants Despair Hillclimb will welcome over 120 cars and over 100 drivers. And with each taking on the mountain’s 6 daring turns at high speeds, there’s hardly a lull in the action. Spectators can line the hillside on the opening straight away, or find a coveted spot on either side of the infamous “Devil’s Elbow.”
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Bring your camp chairs and find a spot in the grove on the corner of East Northampton St. and Dickerson St. on Friday and Saturday night for the annual Musicfest. Each night features popular, local bands performing from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages.
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Get your fill of fresh barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, fresh-cut fries and so much more all weekend from a lineup of popular local food vendors like D’s on Wheels, Woss Hoggs and more. You can find all vendors in the main paddock area where all the cars are staged.

There’s no shortage of areas to view all the action. The 1-mile course starts with a quarter-mile straight away with cleared, grass areas on both sides up to turn #1. For spectators unafraid of a bit of uphill hiking, turn #2 (Devil’s Elbow) and turn #3 offer the best views of the action with cleared areas on either side of the road (Note: there is a safe crossing area just above the Devil’s Elbow).

This year, over 120 cars will take on the Giants Despair Hillclimb. You’ll see everything from modified street cars and sleek, professionally-designed racers to souped-up classics. The main paddock is open to the public and worth the time to look around, meet some of the drivers and get a close-up look at those high-speed machines.

The legendary, high-speed hill climb goes all the way back to 1906. And, through the decades, the event welcomed motorsports royalty like driver and auto designer, Carrol Shelby and NASCAR/Indy legend, Roger Penske. The first Giants Despair Hillclimb was covered by major, international news outlets including the New York Times.

Every year, the Giants Despair Hillclimb Association donates a hefty portion of its proceeds to the Laurel Run Volunteer Department. The event also supports and promotes local businesses. In addition, the Hillclimb Association also hosts a community clean-up – removing tons of refuse, fallen trees, brush and more from the mountain on East Northampton Street.
Giants Despair Hillclimb/Musicfest 2025 Schedule
All events are free, kid-friendly and parking is available in the wooded lot directly across from the main pit area on East Northampton Street.
Friday, July 11
Musicfest Lineup
6:00–6:30PM – On The Rocks
7:00–8:30PM – OZ
9:00–11:00PM – Eraser
Saturday, July 12
*Racing in all vehicle classes runs all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.– Hill opens for familiarization run (novice/first-time drivers)
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Timed Runs (# of runs dependent on time and conditions)
*Each day includes a lunch break/pause on runs at noon.
6 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Music Festival (corner of E. Northampton St. and Dickerson St.)
Musicfest Lineup
6:00–6:30PM – Moon’s Medicine Show
7:00–8:30PM – Franklin House
9:00–11:00PM – Mostly Grateful
Sunday, July 13
*Racing in all vehicle classes runs all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. – Timed Runs (# of runs dependent on time and conditions)
*Each day includes a lunch break/pause on runs at noon.
5:00 p.m. – Awards presentations at starting line area

Article Updated from its original version published on 7/3/23.

