SCRANTON, Pa. — Finishing all 13 miles of the Scranton Half Marathon is surely something to celebrate. But, just past the finish line, drinks are being poured at the V-Spot on Providence Road in Scranton as runners take part in the 14th-mile celebration.
"We've earned it, we've all earned it here," said runner and organizer Tim Holmes.
For the past decade, the 14th mile has been held just down the road from the V-Spot at Stalter's Cafe, cut on by owner Mike Stalter. But this year, the pub sits quiet.
"All 10 years, he was right there with us, and we were working right with us, and we were working right with him getting everything set up for it last year," added Holmes.
For years, Mike celebrated every runner who came through the door. Strangers who became friends and friends who became family, like Christian Owens.
"He would always make a big deal about me finishing it. So, it was always great to go in there year after year," said Owens. "He would play music we would have a little ceremony, I would hang my medal. He would always make it such a fun day."
Now, this year, those very same runners are celebrating Mike instead. He unexpectedly passed just a week after last year's half marathon.
"He would do anything for anybody. He would be doing the very same for somebody right now and making sure this stays alive," said Holmes.
As they cross the finish line, they're carrying on those same traditions.
"I'm going to give it to his nephew today. I would love to hang [this medal] up but I know that's where Mike would want it to go. So, it feels good to be able to carry it on, and it feels good to be able to run in honor of team Stalter," said Owens.
The group cheered to the life and legacy Mike leaves behind.
"We wanted to make sure people always remember Mike Stalter and keep him in their thoughts. And he would've been taking a cheers with us right now for sure," said Holmes.
While the 13 miles is quite an accomplishment for runners across Scranton, it's that 14th mile that's truly something to celebrate.