A 5K run organized by a Weatherly teenager to benefit an organization that emerged after the Sept. 11 World Trade Center attacks attracted more than 100 participants despite threatening skies on Saturday.

Jillian Bartel, 17, who in January was crowned Miss State Capitol Outstanding's Teen at a pageant in Harrisburg, held the race to benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation.The money raised also benefited Timothy Donley of New Tripoli, a Marine Corps veteran currently on the waiting list for a smart home from the foundation.The race had 104 participants of all ages; from toddlers who walked with their parents to high school students.Jared Hinkle, 19, finished first in the race while second place went to Anthony Maguschak, 15, both of Weatherly. Tara Moser of Weatherly was the first female finisher.Bartel, daughter of William and Lisa Bartel of Weatherly, started the opening ceremonies at Eurana Park by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner."Speakers included Carbon County Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard; Jean Papay, representing state Rep. Doyle Heffley; and Weatherly Mayor Tom Connors.Connors said he personally was affected by 9/11, having grown up in Carlstadt, New Jersey.He said he moved to Weatherly about 30 years ago, but recalled that while in Carlstadt, which is across the river from New York City, "We saw those towers every day."He told the gathering in Eurana Park, "There was nobody in that town not affected."Papay said, "Today's effort shows a commitment to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty."Bartel said she hopes the 5K run will not only become an annual event in Weatherly but will continue to grow.She related the story of Steven Siller, who was an off-duty firefighter on Sept. 11, 2001.She said he was en route to play golf when he heard about the twin towers attack. When he couldn't get to his fire station by vehicle, he ran through the tunnels carrying his heavy fire gear. He never made it home.She said there are more than 30 5K runs held throughout the country for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The main run will be held on Sept. 24 in New York City.Participating in the run were two female firefighters from White Haven, Julia Raudenbush and assistant chief Melissa Romanoski, who completed the course wearing their bunker gear.They said this is a warm-up for the Sept. 24 event, in which they will participate.Bartel gave credit to her mother, who helped organize the event.The Weatherly Area High School junior said she plans to attend college, where she hopes to major in hospitality management or business.In high school, she is class president, on the prom committee, plays varsity soccer and is on student government. She also works with the Children's Miracle Network.She said she chose the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation because it constructs smart homes for military men and women.She said she was pleased with the turnout and, "I only hope for it to grow."Assisting with the event were the Weatherly American Legion Auxiliary, Weatherly Fire Department and Weatherly Fire Police.