Runners fill the streets of Pottsville for Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K

The event that each year gives new meaning to the term “beer run” was held in Pottsville on Saturday, with more than 3,000 runners and walkers taking part in the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K.

It was the 14th time for event, which begins and ends near the D.G. Yuengling & Son brewery on Mahantongo Street and traverses streets steep enough to test everyone’s stamina.

There were 3,095 participants, and many more came to cheer them on, making it one of Schuylkill County’s biggest events.

While some of the more skilled runners started fast out of the gate and zoomed across the finish line, many more enjoyed walking the entire course with friends and family of all ages.

Some ran in costumes, and many carried cups of beer from America’s oldest brewery along the course.

Among the participants was Pottsville native Dan Beruck, an avid runner whose completed marathons, but said that the Lager Jogger is his favorite event. He now lives in Harrisburg, and said that he returns to his hometown for the race each year as it turns into a reunion of old friends.

“I’m not trying to set a PR (personal record) here or kill myself,” he said. “It like to run it with my buds, drink some beer while we do it, and drink more beer afterwards.”

Richard “Dick” Yuengling Jr., owner and CEO of the brewery, was on hand for the race and for the street party that followed, which included live music, food trucks, and a variety of vendors.

Yuengling spoke about how many people come to Pottsville for the event, many from outside the area, and how it benefits local businesses.

“It’s such a wonderful thing for the downtown. It brings thousands of people here, and they’re having fun,” Yuengling said while posing for photos with visitors.

Friends Sammi Maccarone of Port Carbon and Christa Carey of Pottsville stressed that they don’t run but walk the Lager Jogger course each year, but they do put effort into their costumes. A few years ago they and two friends won the best costume awards when, inspired by the show Golden Girls, they dressed as the Golden Pilsner Girls.

On Saturday the two dressed as fisherwomen, carrying a rod, a net full or beer cans, and a sign saying “We would jog through field and stream for a Yuengling.”

Carey said that they look forward to the event each year.

“There is good energy here,” she said.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Team Red White & Blue, a national nonprofit that works to improve the health and well-being of military veterans by fostering physical activity, social connection, and community engagement.

Finishing first among the men in the race was Kyle Price of Milltown, N.J., who ran the course in 17 minutes and 13 seconds. It was the 13th time he’s won the Lager Jogger, and he finished six seconds ahead of runner-up Andrew Ferretti of Macungie.

The first woman to finish was Jill Norbert-Bushinsky of Allentown, whose time was 20 minutes and 49 seconds.