After a five-year hiatus, the Hippie 5K Run/Walk made a triumphant return to Lehighton on Saturday.

More than 80 runners and walkers took part in the event held at the Lehighton D&L Trailhead, hosted by the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development in association with the Business Education Partnership and St. Luke’s Carbon Campus.

Medals were awarded to runners of different age categories ranging from 14 years old and younger to 70 plus. Patrick Matsinko, of Lehighton, was the overall winner of the 5K.

“The last time this was held was, I believe, in 2018. We’re happy to bring it back,” said Marianne Rustad, President of Operations of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development. “All our (Chamber) staff is on site, community volunteers are on site. We had 70 who pre-registered, plus there will be more who just show up today to take part.”

“The money raised here today goes to our Business Education scholarship fund,” Rustad said. “The students who are to receive the scholarships are volunteering here today; that is one of the requirements to qualify for the scholarship.”

Emma Martinez, a senior at the Palmerton Area High School, is one of the scholarship recipients and volunteered her time operating the photo booth along with Gabi Davis from Albrightsville, a senior at Jim Thorpe High School.

“I was involved with Future Business Leaders of America at my school,” Martinez said. “My adviser reached out to the chamber. Also, I am a runner, I like to run. It’s an extra fun opportunity.”

Participants enjoyed free refreshments, a fun photo booth, giveaways, and chair massages by Breeze Massage Therapy. The event was also broadcast live by Colossal Community Podcast.

Sponsors of the Hippie 5K are St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus, Lehighton Outdoor Center, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Marion Hose Bar, Lehighton Walmart, Breeze Massage Therapy, The Jim Thorpe Rotary, Wild Edge Wellness, and The Neffs National Bank.