Maybe you think there’s nothing new about a 5K race in North Park. But think again.

This Sunday’s FAAP Fall Classic 5K and 10K isn’t the usual run around the lake. The Fall Classic, which benefits Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, begins with a gong instead of a starter’s gun and ends with Tinikling, the national Filipino dance, performed by members of FAAP Dance Troupe, and handmade bamboo awards for age group winners from ages 10 and under through 70+.

Rather than run the usual North Park 5K and 10K race routes emanating from the Boathouse, FAAP Fall Classic begins and ends at the Harmar Pavilion near North Park Pool and follows that area’s wooded trails. The 5K course, used for the race’s entire seven-year history, is a gently rolling loop on mostly gravel park roads and single-track. The 10K distance, first run in 2013, is more rugged and technical with an 80-foot killer uphill in the middle.

Race director and founder Mark Knapp thinks that last year’s 10K winner Jim Trautman is one of the few competitors who actually ran up that hill. The hill evidently didn’t slow him down, as Trautman finished the 10k in 40:12.

Cynthia Sanchas won the 2013 women’s race with a finishing time of 55:14.

Mark Knapp, himself a longtime trail runner, advises only experienced trail runners to challenge the 10K, but calls the 5K distance “beginner-friendly.” I joined Mark and a few North Park Trail Runners for a practice run on the course and found it relatively smooth with only a small section of what could be termed technical.

All participants, including walkers, will appreciate the well-marked and monitored route. The 5K is not only a great beginners’ trail race. It’s great for speed-racers too. Steve Strelick holds the 5K men’s course record with a finishing time of 16:31. Tammy Slusser’s women’s record of 19:56 was set at the event’s inaugural running in 2008.

FAAP Classic is a race with personal attachment for Mark Knapp. He and wife Irna, a Filipino American, are both board members of the 58-year old FAAP. This organization has a history of service, cultural education and charity throughout the Pittsburgh area.

FAAP promotes Filipino culture through participation in events and festivals such as Pittsburgh Folk Festival. The organization offers scholarships for outstanding Filipino American students. FAAP’s charitable efforts have provided more than $60,000 to the mission of Queen of Peace Orphanage in the Philippines.

This year’s FAAP, in addition to providing funds to purchase baby formula for Queen of Peace orphans, will offer assistance to victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in November of last year. With its direct connections with people in the Philippines, FAAP can enlist community organizations, contractors and suppliers to help in rebuilding devastated areas while supporting the local economy.

If you plan to attend Sunday’s FAAP Fall Classic 5K and 10K, day of event registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at Harmar Pavilion for the 9 a,m. start. The registration offers a special discount for a family of four.

For more information, contact Mark Knapp at attorneymarkknapp@yahoo.com. For more information about FAAP, visit www.thefaap.org.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Montour Trail Half Marathon and 5K Run, Robinson Township. Mostly level on Montour Rail Trail. 412-445-5089 or www.montourtrail.org

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Saxonburg Festival of the Arts 5K, Saxonburg. 724-898-2525 or mlkletzli@embarqmail.com

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Barber Beast on the Bay, Erie. 10-mile obstacle course challenge including sand, trails and more than 20 obstacles. 814-874-5802

Sunday, 9 a.m.: FAAP Fall Classic 5K and 10K Race/walk, North Park. Cross country race on North Park trails, handmade awards. attorneymarkknapp@yahoo.com

Sept. 13, 8:30 a.m.: Rockin the Knob Trail Challenge 5 Mile and 30K, Claysburg. bmazur@intelmarx.com or www.alleghenytrailrunners.com/rockin-the-knob

Sept. 13, 10 a.m.: Superhero 5K and 1 Mile Kids’ Fun Run, Butler. Dress like your favorite superhero for this run at Alameda Park. 814-319-7938 or jwalker0904@yahoo.com

Sept. 14, 7 a.m.: Erie Marathon and Half Marathon, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle Rotary Pavilion. 814-504-2631 or www.eriemarathon.org

Sept. 14, 4:30 p.m.: Run to Remember 5K, West Kittanning. 724-548-7836 or r2r5k@arm-tek.net

Sept. 20, 8 a.m.: Greensburg Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Greensburg. 724-205-6450 or www.greensburghalf.com

Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m.: Mighty Moraine Man Triathlon Festival, Moraine State Park. Two day event with sprint, Olympic and Half Ironmen, Aqua Velo, Relay and Mighty Crazy races. 724-321-4265 or www.mightymoraineman.com

Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m.: Peanut Butter Festival 5K, New Bethlehem. 814-275-3929 or rlhrinda@yahoo.com

Sept. 20, 9 a.m.: The Pineapple Classic 5K Obstacle Race, Hartwood Acres. Hawaiian themed obstacle course run. 412-395-2883 or www.pineappleclassic5k.org/wpa

Sept. 20, 9 a.m.: United Way of Clarion 5K and 10K, Clarion. Cash prizes for top three overall. 814-226-8760 or uwclarion.org

Sept. 20, 9 a.m.: Patrick J. Madden Memorial 5K, Slippery Rock. 724-504-6338 or www.patmadden5k.org

Sept. 21, 9 a.m.: Stepping Forward for Down Syndrome 5K/1K Run/Walk, Butler. Starts at Alameda Park’s Carousel Shelter. 724-290-5244 or nsequitesffds@gmail.com

Sept. 21, 9 a.m.: 8th Annual Elorapalooza Memorial 5K/ 1 Mile, North Park. Benefits Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Elora’s HOPE. 412-608-2134 or geierhaus2000@yahoo.com

Sept. 27, 9 a.m.: Pumpkin Fest 5K Run/ Walk, Rural Valley. 724-664-0734 or mccaslin123@comcast.net

Sept. 27, 9 a.m.: Butler Lions Club Scoot and Toot 5K, Butler. Starts at Alameda Park’s Carousel Shelter. 724-287-4059 or jbindernagel@theblindassociation.org

Sept. 27, 9 a.m.: American Legion Post 488 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk for Veterans, East Brady. fandkebeham@hotmail.com

Sept. 28, 9 a.m.: Positive Steps 5K Run/ Walk, Cranberry Township. Run through North Boundary Park. 724-444-5333 or maureen@positivestepstherapy.com

Oct. 4, 8 a.m.: October Half Marathon, 10K Run and 5K Walk, Hollidaysburg. www.hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Race results

Cranberry CUP 5K, Aug. 2: Benjamin Gardner, 1st Overall M, 17:16; Nick Lucot, 2nd Overall M, 18:25; Tim Converse, 3rd Overall M, 18:28; Alex Taylor, 1st 14-19 M, 18:36; Clayton Taylor, 2nd 14-19 M, 18:38; Jennifer Bole, 1st Overall W, 19:11; Christina Mackrell, 2nd Overall W, 19:23; Tara Lucot, 3rd Overall W, 20:18; Mitch Radella, 2nd 35-49 M, 20:27; Stacy Turner, 1st 35-49 W, 20:43; Megan Rippin, 2nd 35-49 W, 20:56; Chrystal Zinkham, 3rd 35-49 W, 20:58; Mitchell Weaver, 3rd 14-19 M, 21:25; Bob Matchett, 3rd 35-49 M, 21:25; Marlaina Weaver, 1st 14-19 W, 22:17; Jessica Troiano, 2nd 20-24 W, 22:21; Will Bruno, 1st 13 & Under M, 22:23; Evan Vandewater, 2nd 13 & Under M, 23:25; Brian Anderson, 1st 50-59 M, 23:28; Sarah Robb, 3rd 20-34 W, 23:31; Pam Taylor, 1st 50-59 W, 24:32; Christopher Smith, 3rd 13& Under M, 24:51; Morgan Williams, 2nd 14-19 W, 25:18; Emily Kavanagh, 1st 13 & Under W, 25:40; Courtney Moody, 2nd 13 & Under W, 25:52; Ava Romano, 3rd 13 & Under W, 27:53; Lisa Zierden, 3rd 50-59 W, 28:06; Bill Rippin, 1st 60+ M, 31:06; Rita Rippin, 1st 60+ W, 38:17; Sharon Gallagher, 2nd 60+ W, 43:32; Robert Mathett, 3rd 60+ M, 48:58; David Losos, 21:52; Mike Rossi, 22:50; Phillip Anderson, 23:05; David Radonovich, 23:07; Joe Pohl, 23:11; Allen Long,23:37; Scott Kavanagh, 23:58; Jon Haverstick, 24:12; Jeff Gooch, 24:15; Alfred Schnabel, 24:46; Kristin Mihlfried, 25:21; Marcus Might, 25:41; Noah Vandewater, 25:2; Mark Vandewater, 25:54; Tony Bruno, 26:08; Lana Kramer, 26:44; Mark Bidoli, 26:47; Jerry Sain, 27:01; Trina Shockey, 27:07; Lesley Bachman, 27:25; Gary Mcclintock, 27:33; Erin Mcclintock, 27:33; Joe Remic, 27:40; Jamie Remic, 27:40; Kim Veon, 27:53; Allison Romano, 27:54; Jeff Ptak, 28:05; Ashish Maini, 28:15; Michael Dowdell, 28:40; Ann Soroka, 28:59; Elana Kriess, 29:02; Lisa Wilson, 29:19; Kara Buggy, 29:24; Tim Buggy, 29:24; Betsy Rae, 29:56; Brooke Miller, 30:04; Karey Vandewater, 30:21; Tracie Baker, 30:43; Beth Hewko, 30:44; Jake Eubanks, 30:55; Matthew Boettcher, 30:55; Leila Channaj, 31:02; Nathan Glunt, 31:04; Lisa Boettcher, 31:10; Cherri Buggy, 31:12; Casey Shea, 31:30; Michelle Dean, 31:45; Jean Might, 32:35; Karen Kavanagh, 32:36; Mindy Pry, 32:55; Matthew Soroka, 32:55; Kirstin White, 33:44; Erin Nicotra, 33:48; Tonya Dudak, 34:27; Erin Shea, 36:15; Brady Eubanks, 36:39; Susan Mahoney, 39:04; Emma Nicotra, 40:14; Renee Smith, 40:29; Nancy Ling, 43:32; Diane Burns, 44:07; Michelle Convery, 48:54; Jim Convery, 48:54; Victoria Matchett, 51:22; Maria Matchett, 51:22; Joe Murray, 52:36; Marylynne Beneroski, 53:57

LHOT Run for Shelter 5K, Aug. 23: Jacob Morrison, 1st Overall M, 19:29; Brent Collins, 2nd Overall M, 19:40; Greg Schiller, 3rd Overall M, 20:18; Shirley Macefe, 1st Overall W, 23:13; Julie Codispot, 2nd Overall W, 23:37; Olivia White, 3rd Overall W, 24:11; David White, 1st 40-44 M, 20:23; Matt Drohan, 1st 45-49 M, 22:08; Tim Morrison, 2nd 40-44 M, 22:25; Jack Codispot, 1st 12-15 M, 23:21; Aden Llewellyn, 1st 11 & Under M, 24:25; Carrie Smith, 1st 35-39 W, 25:02; Frank Macefe, 1st 65-69 M, 25:12; Jeremaih Weiland, 1st 25-29 M, 25:17; Ian Llewellyn, 2nd 12-15 M, 26:03; Claire Morrison, 1st 12-15 W, 26:07; Jacob Jewart, 3rd 12-15 M, 26:11; Daniel Fleet, 1st 35-39 M, 26:43; Nathan Douey, 2nd 35-39 M, 27:05; Chase Depew, 2nd 11 & Under M, 27:37; Aaron Depew, 3rd 40-44 M, 27:38; Robert Sands, 1st 70+ M, 28:53; Debra Kuminkoski, 1st 50-54 W, 29:37; Brian Beals, 1st 30-34 M, 29:55; Mary Donna Ravasio, 1st 45-49 W, 30:19; Christine Bruns, 2nd 35-39 W, 30:25; Dezso Csizmadia, 2nd 70+ M, 30:41; Carol English, 1st 55-59 W, 31:15; Tasha Werner, 1st 40-44 W, 31:29; Chris Diamond, 1st 50-54 M, 31:31; Zachary Jewart, 1st 16-19 M, 32:16; Rochelle Graham, 2nd 30-34 W, 32:28; Cindy Cipoletti, 2nd 40-44 W, 32:28; Sheila Moore, 2nd 50-54 W, 33:04; Jennifer Walker, 3rd 30-34 W, 33:37; Richard Esquivel, 2nd 25-29 M, 34:14; Stephanie Mong, 2nd 25-29 W, 34:35; Sonya Kremer, 3rd 40-44 W, 36:15; Katie Davidson, 1st 16-19 W, 36:16; Michelle Kovach, 2nd 45-49 W, 36:25; Kevin Mcafee, 1st 55-59 M, 37:29; Michael Sleigher, 2nd 65-69 M, 37:52; Tom Turner, 2nd 55-59 M, 42:05; Donna Birckbichler, 2nd 55-59 W, 42:05; Kimberly Mcafee, 3rd 55-59 W, 42:22; Brenda Mcafee, 3rd 50-54 W, 42:39; Brandie Birckbichler, 3rd 35-39 W, 44:10; Jessica Fetter, 3rd 25-29 W, 45:10; Paige Curtis, 2nd 16-19 W, 45:19; Kathy McDonald, 3rd 45-49 W, 48:46; Bette Peoples, 1st 60-64 W, 56:53; Adam Morrison, 26:13; Michael Jewart, 34:03; Nathan Mercer, 36:11; Tracy Ammon, 36:25; Carrie Richardson, 38:07; Teri Connelly, 38:08; Kendall Bruns, 39:11; Karen Gliebe, 45:16; Denise Lavenets, 48:50; Brenda Mcafee, 56:51; Pamela Beck, 56:53

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