Endurance will be on full display during an annual fundraiser that challenges runners to scale one of the steepest hills in Allegheny County.

Registration is open for the Run for the Hill of It, scheduled for April 26 in Aspinwall.

The course begins at the borough building and ends at Fireman’s Memorial Park, where participants will find family friendly entertainment such as mini-amusement park rides and bounce houses, face painting and ice cream.

Along the way, participants will trek Center Avenue — among the steepest roads in the Pittsburgh region. It is part of the Dirty Dozen bike challenge each fall which sees participants tackle the 13 toughest climbs in the city.

Run for the Hill of It organizer Rob Tenenini said Foxwall looks forward to the event every year because it’s a great way to connect with community members.

The 1-mile fundraiser, now in its fifth year, is scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. The cost is $45 per person and $110 per family until race day.

Presented by UPMC St. Margaret, the race benefits Foxwall EMS, which serves Fox Chapel and Aspinwall and responds to more than 1,000 emergency calls a year. Last year, the event brought in just over $10,000 after expenses.

Tenenini said the money will be used to help buy a powerload system, or mechanical stretcher lift, for the group’s newest ambulance.

“It eliminates the need for EMTs and paramedics to manually lift the stretcher into place, reducing the career-ending back injuries that are common in EMS,” Foxwall Chief Ben Shopland said.

“It’s both a safety upgrade and a huge retention tool for our EMS crews.”

The cost was $40,000, financed over four years. Shopland said he plans to use the race proceeds to cover this year’s payment.

He said the technology is “a fantastic way to invest in our crews.”

“Run for the Hill of It is a great way for community members to put their support behind that investment and support the health of their first responders, while participating in a healthy activity themselves,” he said.

Tenenini, a Foxwall board member, said the event has drawn hundreds of people in past years, some who skip the race altogether and bolt straight for the party in the park afterward.

Activities are included in the ticket cost. Also included are complimentary food and coffee trucks, a T-shirt, balloon artist and a DJ.

“We are excited to make this milestone year the best one yet,” he said.

For details and to register for the race, visit runsignup.com.