Pleasant Mount Boy Scouts host the Firecracker 5K on the Fourth of July

PLEASANT MOUNT — Summer is traditionally the time period in which high school distance runners begin building themselves up for the fall cross country season.

Not coincidentally, it’s also a time when local organizations start sponsoring 5Ks all across the region. Longstanding events like the Perkins Race and Habitat for Humanity’s Run for the Roses are two of Wayne County’s main attractions.

There are many more, though, each race offering up something unique for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

Independence Day Tradition

On Monday morning, the Fourth of July, all eyes were on Pleasant Mount as nearly 100 competitors turned out to participate in the Firecracker 5K.

The event is hosted each year by Boy Scout Troop 407 and kicks-off a full day of Independence Day festivities that attracts thousands of visitors to the small, tight-knit community.

Ron Skubic, longtime Scoutmaster of the Pleasant Mount Troop, acts as Race Organizer. He’s passionate about Scouting and genuinely thankful for all the help his young men receive.

“I’m so grateful to the community for supporting us the way they do every year,” he said just moments after the final finisher crossed the line.

“Like a lot of other things these days, Scouting has become very expensive and it’s hard on parents. So, we really appreciate every little bit of help we get throughout the year.”

Proceeds raised by the 2022 event will be used to help send Scouts to the annual summer camp, which takes place this coming weekend at Goose Pond.

“This is such a wonderful organization,” Ron said. “I wish more parents would come out and observe everything we’re about. I’ve been doing this for a very long time and I can honestly say that Scouting offers a better way of life ... especially in these difficult, challenging times.”

On the Dais

Skubic called competitors to the starting line at precisely 7:28 Monday morning. Two minutes later, runners and walkers alike were off on their epic journey.

Hundreds of spectators lined the 5K course, which began at the junction of routes 670 and 371 in the shadow of St. James Church.

A slight incline offers the race’s first challenge right out of the chute. However, the layout quickly flattens out as runners leave the paved surface in favor of a dirt road about a half-mile from the start.

“It reminds me of a typical cross country course more than a road race,” said Nick Paradies, a veteran of the Firecracker 5K who hails from Middletown, New York.

“I like that it starts earlier in the morning so it isn’t brutally hot. Plus, there are lots of trees and shaded areas along the way. It’s pretty flat and fast. I always enjoy it.”

Paradies was the first male runner home at this year’s race. A multi-sport athlete who participated in cross country and football during his varsity years at Middletown High School, Nick posted a time of 20:58.33.

Owen Price chased Paradies all the way to the line, earning runner-up honors among male entrants.

A 2022 graduate of Forest City Regional, Price excelled as a member of the varsity volleyball team during his high school years. And while Owen started off the summer just running for fun, now he thinks he’ll be entering other local 5Ks in the coming months.

“To be honest, I was really flying on the way to the finish line because it’s pretty much all downhill,” Price said. “My only real goals for today were to finish under 23 minutes and hopefully get into the Top 10 overall.”

As it turned out, Price accomplished both of those goals. Owen notched a time of 21:59 and wound up in third place … which brings us to the day’s headline story.

Kate Korty comes from a family chock full of highly-decorated runners (including older siblings Matthew and Rachel) who’ve all competed in cross country at Forest City and track at Carbondale Area.

The tall, willowy 15-year-old is coming off a brilliant freshman cross country campaign in which she powered her way to a second place finish in Class A at the 2021 District Two Championships. Kate then earned a bronze medal at the PIAA state meet.

On Monday, Korty appeared to be picking up right where she left off with yet another outstanding effort. Kate breezed to this year’s Firecracker 5K crown with a with a sizzling time of 19:36.26.

“I really enjoy running this race,” Kate said after accepting a gold medal for winning her age bracket and a trophy recognizing her as this year’s overall champion.

“It’s kind of become a family tradition, especially since we live in Pleasant Mount. The people are really nice and it’s a pretty easy course. Right now I’m just starting my training for the fall, so I need to focus on getting my time down.”

By the Numbers

While Korty and Paradies captured this year’s individual crowns, several other local runners turned in solid outings.

Jared Oyler of State College and Ethan Becker rounded out the overall front five. Oyler posted a time of 22:02.46 and Becker stopped the clock at 22:31.41.

Jacob Paroby of Old Forge finished sixth (22:35.90), followed by Honesdale’s Tiffany Leventhal (22:39.58). Craig Borders (23:14.78), Mary Kate Grady (23:19.63) and Kate Oyler (23:25.50) closed out the Top 10.

The first three finishers in each age bracket, male and female, were awarded medals at the post race ceremony which was held in the old Pleasant Mount School gymnasium.

There, Skubic emphasized just how much work Scouts like Ryan Notari, Josh Notari and Andrew Trotter put in to make this year’s Firecracker 5K such a success.

“It’s all about them,” the longtime Troop 407 Scoutmaster said. “I’ve been involved here since 1995 and I see how important doing the things we do, like going away to camp, is to all of them.”

Runners from as far away as New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia apparently agree, making the long trek to Pleasant Mount for the race. Entry fees are integral in getting those Scouts to camp.

The annual weeklong event is held each summer at Goose Pond just outside Lake Ariel. Cost for each Scout to attend is $430.

“I remember when it was just $50 to go,” Ron said. “I don’t think most folks realize how much that week means. It’s really important to them.”

If you’d like to find out more about Troop 407, show your support or even make a donation to the cause, stop by a meeting any Friday night starting at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Mount Community Hall.

Please contact Ron Skubic with any questions at 570-448-2074.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Firecracker 5K Independence Day Pleasant Mount Korty Paradies Boy Scouts