Trail running is popular for runners of all skill and experience levels, offering a breath of fresh air and a softer surface on which to run.

And for those who live and die by the GPS, timing clock or heart rate monitor, it’s a great way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with primitive running roots.

Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll in the park or an adventurous challenge, you’ll find both at area trail runs on upcoming weekends.

The fourth Annual Leslie Sparano Summerfest Sweat 5K Run/ Walk, this Saturday at 9 a.m., is an easy out-and-back run from downtown Sharpsville and onto the scenic Trout Island Trail. The event is a tribute to Leslie Sparano, a case worker for Behavioral Health Commission of Mercer County who was tragically killed in a car accident.

Proceeds from the race fund Summerfest, an annual picnic for intellectually disabled individuals and their families with activities such as carnival games, pontoon boat rides, music and more.

Summerfest Sweat 5K course begins uphill as runners ascend across the Shenango Dam, but it’s not too steep for families with strollers and friendly dogs. Some of the disabled clients of Behavioral Health Commission and their families and friends also typically take part in the event.

Cassie Washil, wife of race director Chris Washil, says the event is very family friendly. She is not a runner, but she walked last year while her nine-year old daughter Pressley ran the 5K. Although it’s more about having fun than racing, overall men and women as well as top three in age groups from 14 and under through 70+ earn awards.

Cassie says that preregistrations for this year have already exceeded the participation numbers for 2014. Depending on weather and day-of-event registrations, race participation may top 100.

For more information about Summerfest Sweat 5K, call Chris Washil, 724-662-0130, or download an application from www.smileymiles.com.

Those who crave more adventure than just sniffing the outdoor fresh air may want to try Hills and Thrills Trail Runs on June 6 at 11 a.m. in South Buffalo Township. Hills and Thrills offers runners a choice of distances — 5 miles, 10 miles or 30K, all on mostly single track trails.

Trail runners will recognize some of the course from previous Buffalo Stampede races. Race director Tom Parenti says that if you enjoyed Buffalo Stampede, you’ll appreciate Hills and Thrills’ stream crossings, steep climbs and death defying descents, and three tunnel crossings.

Parenti assured me that anyone 5-foot-2 and shorter will have no problem running through the tunnels upright. He plans to mark any trip hazards within the dark tunnels with glow sticks.

Despite the rugged terrain, Parenti says the five mile and even ten mile distances at Hills and Thrills are accessible for beginning trail runners.

“You have to be careful and slow down,” the veteran trail ultra marathon runner advises. “If you feel like you’re going too fast down a steep hill, it’s too late.”

Parenti also advises runners to pay attention to prerace instructions to avoid getting lost on course. Mountain bikers have laid out and marked the course and Tom plans to leaf-blow wooded sections.

As in previous years of affiliation with Dash for Cash, the event includes mountain bike races and a biathlon in which participants run five miles, then bike ten.

Hills and Thrills awards only overall top finishers in each event, preferring to use its funds to reward all participants with a post-race party. As Tom Parenti says, “The after-party is the prize.”

Hills and Thrills post race party includes music and food, including pulled pork, chicken, side dishes and beer supplied by Full Pint brewing. In keeping with the theme, participants earn a commemorative pint glass instead of the ubiquitous t-shirt.

Family and friends are welcome to join the party for a $10 donation which benefits South Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department.

Day-of-event registrations are welcome beginning at 9:30 a.m. at South Buffalo Fire Department. For more information, contact Tom Parenti, 724-602-1234 or runforhunger@gmail.com. Register online at www.active.com/freeport-pa/running/races/hills-and-thrills-trail-races-2015 until June 1.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5K, Buffalo Township. Run on Butler-Freeport Trail begins at Monroe Road. 724-353-1945 or freeport5k@gmail.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: 5th Annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 5K, Grove City. 724-372-9598 or jhighland@northwood,com

Sunday, 6:30 p.m.: Musical Miles 5K, 10K and Ice Cream Party, Sandy Lake. Starts at Goddard State Park Marina. www.smileymiles.com

June 4, 6:30 p.m.: Gateway Track Mile Race, Monroeville. One mile race in heats, cash and homemade candy awards. 412-372-3212 or don_tammy@msn.com

June 6, 7 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay, Galeton. Tough but scenic. 814-274-3365 or potter@penn.com

June 6, 8 a.m.: Kennywood Park Roller Coaster 5K/10K Race, West Mifflin. Run amongst roller coasters. http://rollercoasterrace.com/races/pittsburgh-pa-10k-5k-kennywood/

June 6, 8:30 a.m.: Izzie’s Dash 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Cranberry Township. Kids activities, food, music following the run. 724-591-6009 or izziesgifts@gmail.com

June 6, 10 a.m.: Friends of Buhl Park 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk, Hermitage. Run in Buhl Farms Park. 724-456-2373 or frstacrs@yahoo.com

June 6, 9 p.m.: Glow Run 5K and 1 Mile, McDonald. Night run with glow in the dark necklaces, post run food, music and fun. sfglowrun@gmail.com

June 7, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide, Pittsburgh. 412-422-6546 or jon.coyne@pittsburghpa.gov

June 13, 8 a.m: Run on the River 5K, 10K, 2K Family Fun and Pet Walk, Lower Burrell. The 10K starts at 9:15 a.m. for those who wish to complete both distances. 724-331-3569 or jhorvatic@hotmail.com

June 13, 8 a.m.: Ohio Pyle Trail Run and Ride Festival, Ohio Pyle. Choice of 4, 7, 13.1 or 26.2 miles on trail. http://www.americanadventuresports.com/about/the-pyle-run-6-21-14-pg72.htm

June 13, 7 p.m.: Twilight Fight to the Finish 5K, Jamestown. Starts at Pymatuning State Park Pavilion 3. 724-301-1749 or waterbug920@yahoo.com

June 20, 7 a.m.: Chinklacamoose Marathon and Ultra, Clearfield. Challenging 50K, half or full marathon for individuals or teams. 814-765-2629 or lwhippleccd@atlanticbbn.net

June 20, 9 a.m.: Butch’s Bucket Brigade 5K, Worthington. 724-464-3420 or smechling64@yahoo.com

June 21, 7 a.m.: Peace Love Half Marathon and 5K Run, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Boat House. 866-933-6221 or bstroud@catholichospicepgh.org

June 21, 8:30 a.m.: ERC Father’s Day 5K and ½ Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park, Beach 1. 814-882-5362 or twigham@gmail.com

June 24, 7 p.m.: Strawberry Days 5K (QUAD 1), Grove City. First race in Mercer County Twilight QUAD series. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhigh.com

June 27, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race, Butler. Choice of 5 miles or 2K. 724-284-4676 or www.butlerroadrace.org

June 27, 9 a.m.: Way Off Track 10K, Templeton. Run from Nautical Mile Campground on rail trail. 724-548-7485

Race results

Pittsburgh Half Marathon, May 3 (among first 2,000 finishers): Kimutai Cheruiyot, 1st Overall M, 1:03:19; Susan Jerotich, 1st Overall W, 1:13:25; Michael Smocer, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:26:43; Christopher Lazzara, 1st 40-44 M, 1:36:02; Katlyne Lutz, 3rd 16-19 W, 137:17; Michelle Kochan, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:38:27; Joseph Birch, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:42:10; Val Wolfarth, 3rd 55-59 W, 1:45:03; Tracy Mitchell, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:45:11; Daniel Spaulding, 1:11:11; Tom Stuart, 1:21:42; Gar Bercury, 1:26:11; Mark Hunkele, 1:27:48; Ryan O’Dowd, 1:28:03; Ronald James, 1:28:43; Benjamin Gardner, 1:29:53; Joe Sutara, 1:30:38; John Schlie, 1:31:45; Grant Fleming, 1:32:19; Aaron Kniess, 1:32:20; Ashton Early, 1:32:58; Duane Flowers, 1:34:12; Sarah Thompson, 1:34:32; T.R. Parry, 1:36:23; Luke Eckley, 1:36:31; Derek Priester, 1:36:32; Connor Ailes, 1:36:37; Emily Fogel, 1:36:49; Jarrod Synowsky, 1:37:01; Jim Haughey, 1:37:15; Robert Thompson, 1:37:25; Gregory Schiller, 1:37:28; Joe Remic, 1:37:30; Rob Waltrip, 1:37:32; Carly Clark, 1:37:19; Emily Arnold, 1:38:13; Alison Defurio, 1:38:30; Jonathan Profili, 1:39:13; David Fugate, 1:39:18; Megan O’Keefe, 1:39:32; Gregory Radick, 1:39:38; Jeff Leya, 1:40:15; John Richthammer, 1:40:27; John Fernandez, 1:40:29; Elizabeth Reppermund, 1:40:31; Sean Girdwood, 1:40:32; Kevin Persch, 1:40:53; Jennifer Marcotte, 1:41:04; Jonathan Bost, 1:41:21; Lori Fromlak, 1:41:37; Joel Schaeffer, 1:42:10; Michael Cortese, 1:42:19; Bryan Colonna, 1:42:37; Steven Nichols, 1:42:38; Thomas Sieg, 1:42:48; Stacey Sahr-Herman, 1:42:48; Amanda Geist, 1:43:00; Michael Ricciuto, 1:43:11; Lisa Batchelet, 1:43:16; Christine Lazzara, 1:43:23; Kate Stuart, 1:43:26; Joe Roman, 1:43:38; Evonne Patterson, 1:43:50; Christine Renaud, 1:43:58; Michelle Mjp, 1:44:02; Daniel Rossi, 1:44:07; David Findlay, 1:44:20; Jason Brehm, 1:44:25; Randon Santa, 1:44:30; Stephen Arendosh, 1:44:35; Jocelyn Stanfield, 1:44:40; Nancy Immel, 1:44:49; Steve Mote, 1:45:11; Lynn Brehm, 1:45:23; Justin Werner, 1:45:24; Michael Finikiotis, 1:45:37; Mark Shipley, 1:45:49; Mitch Radella, 1:46:15; Daniel Colbert, 1:46:17; Brittany Vogel, 1:46:26; Erin Zedreck, 1:46:29; Megan Rippin, 1:46:41; Alex Edgar, 1:47:04; Matthew Voynik, 1:47:07; John Choma, 1:47:10; Laura Seitz, 1:47:18; James Kreber, 1:47:23; Steve Lavezoli, 1:47:24; Susan Timko, 1:47:27; Sharyl Relic, 1:47:29; Dean Rippee, 1:47:31; Mary Deet, 1:47:31; Natalie Richard, 1:47:31; Jacob Mashuda, 1:47:34; Scott Ortsey, 1:47:34; Nicole Williams, 1:47:37; Jocelyn Johnston, 1:47:38; Kevin Ailes, 1:47:30; Diane Bucknum, 1:47:41; Robert Kirsopp, 1:47:43; Scott Stoner, 1:47:55; Caleb Martin, 1:47:59; Matt Wheeler, 1:48:00; Melissa Bolte, 1:48:02; Matt Flynn, 1:48:06; Heather Melzer, 1:48:06; Scott Poeppel, 1:48:11; Meagan Fogel, 1:48:13; John Alexander, 1:48:19; Dean Longwell, 1:48:27; Christi Novak, 1:48:29; Ed Maschmeier, 1:48:31; Kara Yasika, 1:48:33; Sherry Adams, 1:48:34; Katie Werner, 1:48:35; Renee Miller, 1:48:46; Eric Pasierb, 1:48:52; Amanda Sulesky, 1:48:56; Kathy Hensler, 1:48:56; Richard Hamilton, 1:48:56; Matt Hickey, 1:49:07; Ashley Beam, 1:49:07; Joel Sterniak, 1:49:14; Kelly Mueseler, 1:49:14; Judy Caringola, 1:49:20; Hannah Brewer, 1:49:24; Carrie Mohring, 1:49:26; Michele Gruber, 1:49:35; Michon Kerlin, 1:49:37; Steve Smith, 1:49:38; Casey Smallwood, 1:49:38; Nolan Fox, 1:49:42; Lori Hilton, 1:49:43; Erin Kling, 1:49:45; Shelly Iams, 1:49:54; Thomas Patterson, 1:50:01; Thomas Parsons, 1:50:01; Ryan Patrick, 1:50:02; Christian Muthler, 1:50:06; Gary Hayden, 1:50:10; Amy Peterson, 1:50:24; Gabrial Alejandro, 1:50:33; Geno Mell, 1:50:34; Roger Hyde, 1:50:49; Courtney Bell, 1:50:49; Jaime Young, 1:50:53; Elizabeth Smialek, 1:50:55; Ignacio Osio, 1:50:56; Dave Palascak, 1:50:57; Kelly Skwortz, 1:50:57; Brett Johnston, 1:51:08; Elizabeth Guido, 1:51:13; Jessica Uhrin, 1:51:13; Vince Seger, 1:51:16; William Donaldson, 1:51:17; Carolyn Lees-Hotton, 1:51:21; Laura Myers, 1:51:28; Christina Kapinskis, 1:51:43; Connie Hoffer, 1:51:47; Kelsey Kradel, 1:51:55

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle