Aside from the race, its biggest claim to fame is being the home of former Notre Dame quarterback Ron Pawlus, and in fact the Berwick H.S. football team is a perennial state powerhouse. I'm at a loss to explain its economic underpinnings because aside from a regional Penn Electric Power Plant a few miles down the road, there isn't any discernable industry. Yet the town apparently thrives, and a brief row of stately multi-turreted homes overlooking the river bespeaks a moneyed past. Townspeople by the hundreds turn out to volunteer, or simply to line the streets and cheer for the runners. The race committee has no problem getting donations for food and prizes, and in fact there is a waiting list for businesses wishing to sponsor one of the many diamond prizes awarded to the top finishers.
Runners travel from miles around to compete, some from as far away as Canada.
As for the race itself it is really something. You do not run Berwick if you are not prepared. You do not run Berwick if you are not somewhat in shape. And you definitely do not run Berwick if you are the least bit injured. The race starts and finishes downtown.