PRESS PHOTOS BY SCOTT M. NAGY Participants of the Jan. 1 New Year's Chaser 10-K run and 3-mile walk, sponsored by Ironton Rail Trail Commission and Schuylkill River Runners, are off. A half marathon, a first on the IRT, was held as well. Around 200 runners were expected to take part in one of the race categories.

Participants in a New Year's Chaser half marathon Jan. 1, sponsored by Ironton Rail Trail Commission and Schuylkill River Runners, begin the race. This event was the first half marathon on the IRT. A 10-K race was also held. Around 200 runners were expected.

Despite the wet weather, participants in the 10-K and 3-mile walk are excited for the event.

The eventual top male finishers of the half marathon, Widd Lewis and Chris Short, cross the halfway line.