2nd annual Run for the Hill of It brings in $12K for emergency services

Wexford resident Jeff Rixie was crowned King of the Hill after making his way to the top of Center Avenue in Aspinwall in record time.

The winner of the second annual footrace fundraiser, “Run for the Hill of It,” finished in just under six minutes.

He was one of nearly 400 people to participate in the event, hosted April 30, on one of the region’s steepest roads.

“It was a success,” said event coordinator Rob Tenenini.

Registration was up nearly 40% over the 276 participants in 2022. Of that total, nearly 100 people ran the one-mile course. There also was the option to walk, making it a family-friendly outing.

The first woman to cross the finish line – Queen of the Hill – was Mallory Bernstein, of O’Hara, with a time just under nine minutes. “Kid of the Hill” title went to 10-year-old Jack Borland, also of O’Hara, who finished just under eight minutes.

The course wound from the Aspinwall Borough building along Commercial Avenue, up Center Avenue to the fire station and then circled back to Aspinwall Firemen’s Memorial Park.

Sponsored by UPMC St. Margaret, the run/walk benefits Foxwall EMS and the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department.

Tenenini said the increased participation and sponsorships netted nearly $12,000, which will be split between both organizations.

It is double the amount raised last year.

“We would like to thank all of the sponsors as this event would not be possible without them,” Tenenini said. “We look forward to conquering Center Avenue again next April.”

A post-race celebration featured food and beverage trucks, a balloon artist, face painter, DJ and an inflatable obstacle course and slide.

Foxwall, a nonprofit founded in 1978, serves both Fox Chapel and Aspinwall. The group answers about 1,000 calls a year.

Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department members respond to about 560 calls a year.