Run For the Hill of It to benefit Foxwall EMS, Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services

O’Hara resident Adam Janosko feels the burn at the same point every year.

An avid runner, Janosko is a repeat participant in the Run For the Hill of It fundraiser in Aspinwall and said it’s just at about Eighth Street when it really sets in.

The race, although only 1 mile, treks up Center Avenue — one of the 10 steepest hills in Allegheny County.

“It’s rough, but it shouldn’t be a deterrent,” Janosko said. “People are intimidated by the hill, but there’s a walking division, too. The event is really about families and community.”

The third annual run will kick off at 9 a.m. April 28 at the borough building.

Proceeds benefit Foxwall and Southern Allegheny Volunteer Emergency Services.

Last year’s race brought in $12,000, Tenenini said.

Foxwall is the primary responder for Fox Chapel and Aspinwall. Situated at 749 Hemlock Hollow Road in Fox Chapel, the group answered 1,500 calls last year.

Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services, formed in June after the merger of the Aspinwall and Sharpsburg fire departments, responded to more than 600 calls last year.

Post-run activities at Firemen’s Park are as much of a draw as the race itself, coordinator Rob Tenenini said.

“There are a lot of activities geared to all ages,” said Tenenini, a Foxwall EMS board member.

There will be ice cream, a doughnut truck, a coffee truck, an inflatable obstacle course, a face painter and a balloon artist.

All amenities are included in the ticket cost. Early-bird pricing is available for anyone who registers by April 21 on the runsignup.com.

The event has grown in its first two years from 75 people in 2022 to 385 last year, Tenenini said. Organizers are hoping to see at least 400 participants this time around.

For Janosko, the run combines his passion for fitness and family.

He participated each of the first two years and looks forward to another successful race.

“I want to support it. It’s for such a good cause,” he said.

“It’s a great event for the community, and that’s the big draw for me. Plus, there is a sense of accomplishment when you get to the top of that hill.”