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LAUREL RUN – Hundreds gathered on Northampton Street on Sunday for the second and final day of the annual Giants Despair Hillclimb.

Spectators lined around the base of the hill, many bringing lawn chairs and four-wheelers to watch dozens of cars of all makes, models and years rev their engines and begin their ascent.

For Georgetown resident Maribeth Galbraith, the event doubles as a big family reunion. Some members of her group even traveled from Virginia to attend the hill climb.

Prepared with chairs, quads, brews and more Galbraith and about 30 of her family and friends watched on in the afternoon sun.

“It’s just a great time with friends, family,” she said. “It’s just an awesome time.”

Finding seating and shade for her own family, Mountain Top resident Sandy Nardi is passing down a family tradition. She began attending the race as a child, often coming with her parents and grandparents. Now, Nardi is bringing her own children to the event.

“(We bring them) to be outside, and Lucas really likes race cars,” she said of her 2-year-old. “And to show them where we’re from, we grew up in Laurel Run.”

Normally, she said the family participates in both days of the event: one at “Devil’s Elbow” – a sharp turn at the top of the hill where accidents often occur and is typically reserved for a more adult crowd – and the next day down at the more family-friendly base with the kids.

With a prime viewing spot at the road’s edge, Dan Goleach said that although he didn’t personally see any accidents Sunday, he knew at least one occurred when a tow truck had to bring a car down the hill.

It wouldn’t be long until word of another accident made its way down to the base, with the crowd growing quiet as they watched an ambulance make its way up the steep hill toward the wreck.

A veteran attendee of the event, the Kingston resident brought along his friend’s son for his first hill climb Sunday.

“We’re just coming out to watch and try to guess which cars are which as they go by,” he said. “Anything that gets the Valley together and the people together is fantastic.”

“It’s cool seeing all the different, older cars,” added Goleach’s companion, 10-year-old Hunter Williams, who insisted that he would return to the event next year.

David Arron, wearing a Viking helmet, waves to corner worker Harry Stella while driving down Giants Despair during the annual Giants Despair Hillclimb on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_hillclimb7_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgDavid Arron, wearing a Viking helmet, waves to corner worker Harry Stella while driving down Giants Despair during the annual Giants Despair Hillclimb on Sunday. Fred Adams | For Times Leader

Jack Danko pushes his race car toward the finish line during Sunday’s Giants Despair Hillclimb action.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_hillclimb3_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgJack Danko pushes his race car toward the finish line during Sunday’s Giants Despair Hillclimb action. Fred Adams | For Times Leader

A vintage 1956 MGA driven by David Arron makes a run up Giants Despair.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_hillclimb4_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgA vintage 1956 MGA driven by David Arron makes a run up Giants Despair. Fred Adams | For Times Leader

Bill Feist, in a 1986 Chevrolet Corvette, starts up the hill.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_hillclimb5_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgBill Feist, in a 1986 Chevrolet Corvette, starts up the hill. Fred Adams | For Times Leader

Connor Burke drive his Riley & Scott race car up Gaints Despair in Laurel Run on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/web1_hillclimb2_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgConnor Burke drive his Riley & Scott race car up Gaints Despair in Laurel Run on Sunday. Fred Adams | For Times Leader
Giants Despair Hillclimb a family tradition for many

By Marcella Kester

For Times Leader