On one of region's steepest roads, Aspinwall's Run for the Hill of It benefits emergency services

An avid runner, Adam Janosko admits he was feeling the burn when he crossed the finish line at the top of Center Avenue in Aspinwall during last year’s Run for the Hill of It fundraiser.

The Shady Side Academy track coach can’t wait to do it again.

“That hill is really steep; it’s part of the Dirty Dozen,” Janosko said, referring to the annual cycling challenge where fitness enthusiasts tackle the region’s most vertical hills.

“But this race is all about community, and it’s not terribly competitive. There’s the option to walk it if you want.”

Sponsored by UPMC St. Margaret, the 1-mile run/walk through Aspinwall will benefit Foxwall EMS and the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department.

This year’s event is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 30.

The cost before March 13 is $35 for runners and $30 for walkers and for those who plan to skip the hill but join post-race activities in Aspinwall Firemen’s Memorial Park. A festival-like atmosphere will include complimentary food and beverage trucks, a balloon artist, face painter, DJ and an inflatable obstacle course and slide.

“The purpose is for the community to get to know the local first responders and for the local first responders to get to know the community, while also trying to raise some funds in the process,” event coordinator Rob Tenenini said.

The course takes participants from the Aspinwall Borough Building along Commercial Avenue, up Center Avenue to the fire station and then circles back to the park.

There is a modified course for walkers who aren’t as eager to tackle the entirety of Center Avenue. Both paths lead to Firemen’s Park off Ninth Street for the after-party.

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.

Tenenini said last year’s inaugural event was a success, drawing more than 75 people. It brought in $5,700, which was split between the two groups for operational costs.

First to cross the finish line last year was Andrew Byersdorfer, 17, of Cheswick with a time of 6:51 and Erin Sondej, 37, of Tarentum with 6:54.

“My favorite part of this is that it’s community-based,” Janosko said.

“It’s great for families, and there was lots of fun afterward at the park. You don’t have to be a runner to take part.”

Registration is open at runsignup.com.

T-shirts are not guaranteed for anyone who registers after April 10.

Packet pickups will be from 3 to 6 p.m. April 28 at the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department on First Street.