Ride. Run. Cheer! in the Electric City Classic Hill Climb

 

Registration is now open for the Electric City Classic (ECC) Hill Climb on Saturday, August 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Olive Street in Scranton. A project of Scranton Tomorrow presented by Geisinger, the ECC Hill Climb is made possible in part with support from DiscoverNEPA. The project encourages healthy living, and supports a vibrant local economy.

 

So, what exactly is a hill climb?

If you didn’t get to see the inaugural ECC Hill Climb in 2019, or if you need a quick refresher course, the hill climb is a competitive event in which professional and amateur cyclists race to the top of a steep hill while spectators cheer. Yeah. It’s that simple (but so much fun for both cyclists and spectators).

Click here to learn more and watch some awesome footage from 2019’s ECC Hill Climb.

The ECC Hill Climb is no ordinary race. The slope of Olive Street is incredibly steep, and the bricks at the top of the hill are a nod to its rich history. Participants start at the intersection of Olive Street and Prescott Avenue. From there, it’s a steep trek up the hill, and over the treacherous bricks to the finish line at Taylor Avenue.

 

New to the ECC Hill Climb in 2021.

While the inaugural event focused on professional and amateur cycling, this year’s event has expanded to include more ways for members of the community to participate. Registration fees range between $10 and $15 for adults, and children participate for free. Advanced registration is encouraged, and in some cases, required. Visit the ECC Hill Climb registration page for complete details.

 

Here are a Few Ways You Can Join in the Fun

Get on your bike and ride!

Cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels may participate in several new ECC Hill Climb elements:

• The Open Fixed Gear Hill Climb (multiple heats)
• The No Spandex Open Race (race up Olive Street once)
• U5-in-Tow: Parents pilot a bike with their kids in a trailer or ride-along! Children must be under age 5.
• Kids Ride Up Olive Street: Our youngest cyclists pedal their bikes up Olive Street once.

Helmets are required for all cycling events, so be sure to bring yours on race day. To register, click here.

Experienced cyclists (professional and amateur competitive cyclists) with USA Cycling (USAC) licenses are eligible to compete in the ECC Hill Climb’s Open Men’s and Women’s Categories. To register, click here.

 

Lace up and run.

We’re teaming up with our friends at Scranton Running Company to create the Electric City Classic 1-mile Dash. Categories include Men, Women, and U12. With multiple laps through the Hill Section, even experienced runners will find this dash to be a challenge! To register, click here.

For those who crave a fun and light-hearted competition, our Wheelbarrow Run pits teams of four against each other. Three people will push their passenger uphill in a wheelbarrow as they compete for fame, glory and swag! The passenger must remain in the wheelbarrow, and their teammates must be touching the wheelbarrow at all times. Participants will bring their own wheelbarrows to the site, and they’re encouraged to decorate them in keeping with their theme to showcase their team spirit and creativity. To register, click here.

 

Gather on the hill and cheer em’ on!

Competitors thrive on the encouragement from the crowd. On race day, don’t forget to bring your cowbells, and be ready to cheer in support of your favorite ECC Hill Climb athletes.

To learn more about the race, visit Electric City Classic online, or follow them on social media. And don’t forget to stop by Scranton Tomorrow to learn more about our initiatives to bring a better future to your Electric City.

*Featured Image (top) Courtesy of Scranton Tomorrow.