Hot summer runs — they're all about the fun.

During 2020's pandemic and lockdown, we yearned for the social interaction and just plain fun of running together at summer races. Two summer favorites are back this year with “no-pressure” competition and camaraderie.

This Saturday, the John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k runs will be held through the Allegheny River town of Freeport.

The event, now in its 16th year, is held in conjunction with Freeport International Baseball's annual tournament.

The baseball tournament is unusual in that it does not award a trophy based on performance. There are no winners or losers. Teams play for the love of the game.

The John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k shares that attitude. The race recognizes the first overall male and female finishers. All others share a chance to win random drawing prizes rather than competitive awards. As co-race director Jessica Sarver says: “It's for the fun of the run.”

While less than 50 participated in last year's in-person 5k and 10k with about 20 more virtually, Jessica expects close to 100 for this year's tour of her hometown. She'll be volunteering this year at the registration table, but has run the event many times and enjoys the scenery on the streets and friendliness of spectators.

The 5k and 10k runners start together at 9 a.m. in front of Freeport Junior High School and follow a course through town on rolling hills. The 10k breaks away at the 2-mile water station to run an out-and-back on Butler-Freeport Trail's packed limestone, then meets the 5k once again for a finish in the outfield of James Swartz Memorial Field, site of Freeport International Baseball's tournament.

For the third year, the John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k will serve as the second part of the Freeport Triple Crown Series. Other races include Freeport Flash 5k/10k, held in May and Freeport Girls Basketball Howl-o-ween Hustle 5k/10k, coming up October 30. Those who complete the three races earn a commemorative T-shirt.

You may register online until Friday at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Freeport/JohnCossyConstantinoMemorial5K or at the starting area in front of Freeport Junior High School on race day. There's also a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person.

On Aug. 7, we celebrate the return of an event that's part charity, part competitive race and a large part of party with the St. Barnabas Free Care 5k in Gibsonia.

This marks the 30th running of the race, one of many events that generate more than $7 million annually for St. Barnabas Free Care Fund for patients and residents of St. Barnabas facilities.

The very competitive out-and-back race on rolling Meridian Road offers cash prizes for top three overall male and female finishers. John Simpson holds the men's course record finishing time of 14:36 while Aubry Moskal holds the women's record of 16:25. Chris Meilo is the wheelchair record holder with his finish time of 18:03.

There are also competitive awards for Masters, Grand Masters and individuals in age groups from 10-14 through 80-plus and mixed teams of 3-5. There will be pacers from Steel City Road Runners offering 7- to 13-minute mile split times for those who wish to achieve time goals.

Non-competitive runners, walkers and strollers are also welcome but pets are not allowed.

Volunteers are also needed and welcomed. Call 724-625-3770 or email ssommariva@StBarnabasHealthSystem.com to find out details about serving as a volunteer.

St. Barnabas 5k is renowned for its post-race lawn party following the race. There's music, lots of food and drinks including local beers and dozens of random drawing prizes.

If you're registered, you may pick up your packet on Thursday, August 5, 3-7 p.m. at The Washington Place at St. Barnabas. Day-of-event registration starts at 7 a.m. for the 9 a.m. race.

Saturday, 9 a.m.: John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k, Freeport. Run through downtown Freeport, second race in Freeport Triple Crown series. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Freeport/JohnCossyConstantinoMemorial5KSunday, 8 a.m.: Hermitage Arts Festival 5k and 2 Mile, Hermitage. Held at White Olympic Park. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hermitage/HermitageYMCAArtFestivalracesAug. 1, 7 p.m.: Michael R. Hardesty Memorial Scholarship 5k Run/Walk, Stoneboro. Also kids half-mile run at 6:45 P.M. 724-699-4160 or hardestyrlm@netscape.netAug. 6, 7 p.m.: Road to Trail 5k Run and Walk, Mckeesport. Run through scenic White Oak Park with a mix of road, wooded trails and grass fields. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Mckeesport/RoadtoTrail5KRunandWalkAug. 7, 7:30 a.m.: Two Face 10k, Wexford. Run 10k road race followed by 10k on trails in North Park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Wexford/TwoFace10KAug. 7, 8 a.m.: Armstrong Habitat for Humanity Raise the Roof 5k, Kittanning. Also virtual option. Run on Armstrong Rail Trail starts at YMCA. YMCArunsignup.com/Race/PA/Kittanning/ArmstrongHabitatRaisetheRoof5kAug. 7, 8:30 a.m.: Moraine Regatta 5k, Portersville. Run on Sunken Garden Trail on Lake Arthur's South Shore. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/MoraineRegatta5kAug. 7, 9 a.m.: St. Barnabas Free Care 5k, Gibsonia. Call 724-625-3770 or visit stbarnabashealthsystem.com/charities/annual-events/stbarnabas5k/Aug. 7, 10 a.m.: Healthy Living Fair, Cranberry Township. Free health screenings, education on nutrition, bone and joint health and more, food and refreshments, open skate at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. 412-641-4361Aug. 13, 7 p.m.: 9th Annual Passavant Hospital Foundation Run/Walk, Allison Park. Choice of 4k or 8k at North Park Pool Loop. Also virtual option. 412-748-6640 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/9thAnnualPassavantHospitalFoundationRunWalkAug. 14, 8:30 a.m.: Light of Life Yinzer 4.12k, Pittsburgh. Run on North Shore. 412-999-9359 or Dylan.junker@p3r.orgAug. 14, 8:30 a.m.: Slickville 5k Coal Mine Climb and 2 Mile Fun Walk, Slickville. Part of Community Days with challenging backcountry 5k route or flatter 2-mile walk on Westmoreland Heritage Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Slickville/Slickville5kCoalMineClimb2MIleFunWalkAug. 14, 6 p.m.: Run for the Trail 7k Run and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Dilltown. Run at Ghost Town Trail. 724-840-5961 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Dilltown/RunForTheTrail7KRunand2MileFunRunWalkAug. 15, 9 a.m.: Kinzua Bridge Challenge, Mt. Jewett. Choice of 10k, 5k, 2 Mile Walk or 1 Mile Fun Run starting at Kinzua Bridge Skywalk and running on Mt. Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Rail Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/MountJewett/KinzuaBridgeChallengeAug. 18, 7 p.m.: Ice Cream Race 5k (QUAD IV), Grove City. Post-race ice cream, also virtual option. 724-866-1374 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=135823Aug. 29, 7:30 a.m.: Burning Coal Marathon and Half Marathon, Rimersburg. Run out and back along Allegheny River on level Armstrong Trail. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Rimersburg/BurningCoalMarathonAug. 29, 8 a.m.: Indiana County Fair 5k, Indiana. Run starts at grandstands and runs through Fairgrounds. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/ICF5kAug. 29, 9:30 a.m.: Elk Run Volunteer Fire Company 5k/10k, Punxsutawney. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/ElkRunVolFireCompany5k10kAug. 29, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5k, Cooksburg. Out and back run along scenic Clarion River. 724-554-9511 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=134379

Edinboro Sprint Triathlon, June 5: Dan Pierce, 1st Overall M, 1:01:44; Cheyenne Noble, 1st Overall W, 1:03:43; Alex Zarger, 3rd Overall M, 1:05:37; Phil Jones, 1st 55-59 M, 1:10:53; Cathy McManus, 1st 50-54 W, 1:15:16; Stacey Shaffer, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:21:07; Linda Kruscke, 2nd 60-64 W, 2:17:02; Sarah Jones, 1:49:07; Michael Kruscke, 2:17:17Edinboro Olympic Triathlon, June 5: Matt McWilliams, 1st Overall M, 1:50:27; Desiree Terella, 1st Overall W, 2:21:34; Ray Reinheimer, 1st 35-39 M, 2:09:56; Larry McDonough, 1st 55-59 M, 2:37:06; Robert Wheathall, 1st 65-69 M, 2:54:58; Michelle Pekich, 2nd 55-59 W, 3:18:36; Paul Arters, 3:01:57Lake Wilhelm Marathon, June 6: Alan Groudle, 1st Overall M, 2:52:32; Becca Johnson, 1st Overall W, 3:13:13; Sean Fox, 3rd 30-39 M, 3:11:36; Thomas Gramc, 3:22:42; Matthew Bova, 3:51:13; Hannah Gildersleeve, 4:09:38; Jimmie Couch, 4:26:24; John Armstrong, 4:29:23; Lori Fromlak, 4:48:47; Jennie Couch, 5:16:06Lake Wilhelm Half Marathon, June 6: Ryan Budnik, 1st Overall M, 1:17:27; Leah Anne Weaver, 1st Overall W, 1:22:38; Andrew Maxwell, 1st 18-29 M, 1:25:50; Jack Kelley, 1st 30-39 M, 1:32:36; Jason Sittler, 1st 40-49 M, 1:36:34; Meredith Heusey, 1st 30-39 W, 1:45:40; Caitlyn Snyder, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:49:37; Dana Nicklas, 2nd 50-59 W, 2:03:00; Margaret Carlson, 1st 60+ W, 2:30:22; Patricia Neubert, 2nd 60+ W, 2:35:42; Riley McGee, 1:33:06; Matt Rhenish, 1:43:27; Caleb Rauscher, 1:50:33; Tim Heusey, 1:52:07; Jinny Hertweck, 2:02:30; Valerie McGee, 2:04:16; Marnie Smith, 2:08:06; Coleen Whalen, 2:10:44; Jaclyn Rauscher, 2:12:44; Wendy Wick, 2:12:59; Erin Stonebraker, 2:13:17; Kate Yeager, 2:13:17; Mary Caton, 2:13:18; Adrianna Alatorre, 2:14:11; Elle Kelley, 2:15:05; Kayla Albert, 2:17:11Summer Solstice 5k, June 16: Nathan Holmes, 1st Overall M, 17:48; Chad Pakozdi, 2nd Overall M, 17:54; Julie O'Malley, 1st Overall W, 20:08; Kenneth Bickel, 1st 18-29 M, 19:40; Zane Mcclelland, 2nd 13-17 M, 20:12; Dustin Kalkbrenner, 3rd 30-39 M, 20:40; Mark Casteel, 2nd 50-59 M, 21:24; Josh Hamilton, 2nd 18-29 M, 21:45; Kevin Condon, 3rd 50-59 M, 22:04; Tessa Szymanski, 1st 13-17 W, 22:17; Laura Hamilton, 1st 18-29 W, 23:29; Samantha Frazier, 2nd 13-17 W, 23:29; Lexi Doerflinger, 2nd 13-17 W, 23:29; Hannah Lindey, 2nd 18-29 W, 24:20; Dave Suber, 1st 50-59 M, 24:38; Lori Masters, 1st 50-59 W, 24:38; Chase Prioletti, 1st 12 & Under M, 25:41; Nicole Prioletti, 1st 30-39 W, 25:42; Jerry Porter, 2nd 12 & Under M, 26:08; Lucas Porter, 3rd 12 & Under M, 26:28; Leanne Mays, 2nd 30-39 W, 26:34; Jayson Covert, 3rd 40-49 M, 26:50; Erica Northrop, 3rd 30-39 W, 26:55; Cindy Suber, 1st 60-69 W, 27:07; Cindy Waltemire, 2nd 60-69 W, 28:29; Bob Pakozdi, 2nd 60-69 M, 29:51; Jamie Shouse, 3rd 18-29 W, 30:03; John Sestak, 3rd 60-69 M, 30:55; Lylah Robare, 3rd 12 & Under W, 31:27; Lisa Jamison, 2nd 40-49 W, 31:46; Anthony Robare, 20:44; Joshua Brenneman, 21:31; John Armstrong, 22:11; Hunter Doerflinger, 22:34; Harold Domville, 22:48; Jesse Miller, 23:07; Chad Green, 23:32; Thomas Foster, 23:34; Mitch Radella, 23:46; Clark Schwarz, 23:58; Halie Halberg, 24:00; Marie Bickel, 24:01; Brian Kalmar, 24:09; Noah Hodges, 24:44; Leah Perez, 24:54; Liam Robare, 24:55; Emily Frazier, 24:58; Zachary Porter, 25:42; James Perez, 26:17; Leshui Chen, 26:17; Jayse Covert, 26:17; Raely Fajohn, 26:25; Amelia Schwarz, 26:43; Kyler Volkman, 27:03; Josh Tustin, 27:58; Anora Robare, 28:08; Ellie Mertz, 28:41; Jessica Pyle, 28:44; Nicholas Crano, 28:50; Kory Nowakowski, 28:59; Sawyer May, 29:48; Sara Porter, 31:06; Lacey Anderson, 31:35; Joe Robare, 31:41; Meagan Greygor, 32:31; Ellie Jedrzejewski, 33:50; Deanna Sparrow, 33:50; Rick Orlowski, 34:23; Deborah Takacs, 34:55; Debbie Jamison, 35:57; Thatcher Mays, 37:04; Carol English, 38:02; Sue Ann Jones, 38:27; Heidi Tustin, 39:11; Angela Nuss, 41:46; Denise Phipps, 41:47; Janice Pakozdi-Luffy, 43:22; Marty Luffy, 43:30; Wyatt Bowman, 43:42; Ava Link, 43:44; Shannon Stanley, 43:46; Michael Zucatti, 46:13; David Murray, 46:20; Julia Murray, 46:20; Debra Kuminkoski, 47:09; Virginia Foster, 51:48; Barbara Vardabash, 54:31; Jessica Schroeffel, 59:30; Andie Arblaster, 59:30; Rachel Horner, 59:35; Michael Hilliard, 59:38; Keith Szymanski, 1:01:25Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net.Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.