If you've ever been brought to a crawl by a near-vertical ascent on a Western Pa. backroad or cursed an out-and-back run that seems to be uphill both ways, I may have the perfect event for you.

The fifth annual FlyBy 5k and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk takes to the airfield and taxiways of Pittsburgh International Airport Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. The nearly level loop takes runners and walkers behind the scenes at the busy airport with views of aircraft and runways not experienced in normal travel.

Although runners will have exclusive use of some runways, there will be planes taking off and landing on others nearby.

This popular event returns from a year's hiatus due to COVID-19. In 2019, more than 1,500 runners and walkers attended the unique venue. This year race organizers at P3R expect more than 1,000 based on early registrations.

Allison Corbett, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at P3R, says that there's really nothing like it.

“It's a really cool, unique event,” she says, “and the only chance to race on airport runways in this area.”

In addition to its unique opportunity, FlyBy 5k is also an opportunity to set a personal best. In 2019, Andrew Zentgraf of Oakmont finished first with a 16:59 finish (5:28 pace.) Eline De Jong of Pittsburgh finished fifth overall and first woman with a time of 18:14.

The FlyBy 5k course is basically out-and-back — out on one runway and back on another. It's actually not flat, but on a slight grade. Allison says participants will get a close look at planes and parts of the airport not usually seen by the public.

FlyBy 5k and especially the 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk are described as “family friendly,” however, there is a time limit of 1 hour, 30 minutes to complete the 5k and 45 minutes to finish the 2-mile course.

Strollers are welcome and registration for kids ages 4 and under is free. Due to FAA regulations, no pets are allowed, but service animals are permitted. Also to comply with aviation rules, no spectators are allowed on the course, but they are welcome in the start/finish area.

The competitive 5k is chip timed, so there's no need to crowd the start. Competitive awards will be mailed to top three male and female finishers and to age group winners in age groups from 9 and Under through 80+. All finishers in the 5k and 2-Mile events will receive medals.

Organizers have made a few modifications for COVID safety. All staff and volunteers have been vaccinated and will wear masks. Participants and spectators should stay at a safe social distance apart, are encouraged to mask up when not running, and to use hand sanitizer located on site when appropriate.

There's plenty of parking at 100 Airside Drive parking area, but masks are required to ride the shuttle from there to the start.

As in past years, proceeds from FlyBy 5k benefit Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation. This organization enhances the experience of travelers, including military service members and their families.

You may register for Flyby 5k and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk online at raceroster.com/events/2021/49160/flyby-5k-and-2-mile-fun-runwalk-2021. There will be packet pickup at Fleet Feet Running Store in Pittsburgh on Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Race day registration opens at 8:30 a.m. at the starting area. Everyone (even babies in strollers) must be registered to have access to the course but remember, registration for kids 4 years old and younger is free.

Note from Buffalo Creek Half Marathon: The in-person event will take place on Oct. 16 as planned. Runners also have the option to switch to a virtual event if desired. Visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/Cabot/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon to switch races or for more information.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 10 a.m. Fool's Run 10k & 5k, Black Lick. Out and back on Ghost Town Trail starts at Saylor Park. 724-349-0501 or marathonauctions@gmail.com. Online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Blairsville/FoolsRun10K5K

Sunday, 7:45 a.m: FAAP Fall Classic, Allison Park. Choice of 20k, 10k or 5k on North Park Trails. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=85992

Sunday, 8 a.m.: City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5k & 10k, Pittsburgh. Point to point with finish downtown. 10k start @ 9:30 A.M. www.rungreatrace.com

Oct. 2, 7:30 a.m.: October Half Marathon, 10k Run and 5k Walk, Hollidaysburg. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hollidaysburg/BlairRegionalYMCAOctoberHalfMarathonDistanceRaces

Oct. 2, 10 a.m.: FlyBy 5k, Pittsburgh. Run at Pittsburgh International Airport. 412-586-7785 or Dylan.junker@p3r.org. Register online at raceroster.com/events/2021/49160/flyby-5k-and-2-mile-fun-runwalk-2021

Oct. 2, 10 a.m: 18th Annual Pittsburgh Steel Wheelers 5k Run/ Walk/Wheel, Allison Park. Wheelers and handcycles at 10 A.M., runners and walkers at 10:10. www.steelwheelers.com

Oct. 2, 10 a.m.: Applefest Race for any Pace 5k, Franklin. Run through downtown Franklin. 814-432-2138 or dkrizon@franklinymca.org

Oct. 2, 1 p.m.: Tuff Tornado Run, Butler. Obstacle course run for ages 4 and under through adult in Alameda Park. www.adventuresignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/TuffTornadoRun

Oct. 3, 8 a.m.: Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6k Run and Family Walk, Pittsburgh. Choice of 6.6k run or 3.3k walk, also virtual options. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/PittsburghPenguins66KRunandFamilyWalk

Oct. 9, 9 a.m.: Mahoning Shadow Shuffle Half Marathon, 10k & 5k, Punxsutawney. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/PUNXSUTAWNEYMAHONINGSHADOWSHUFFLE

Oct. 9, 8:30 a.m.: 26th Annual Fineview Step Challenge, Pittsburgh. Run hills, streets and staircases including Pittsburgh's steepest stairs (331 steps.) runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/FineviewStepChallenge

Oct. 10, 8:30 a.m.: Just a Short Run, Allison Park. Choice of 5k, 8.1 Mile, Half Marathon or 30k in North Park to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/JASR

Oct. 16, 9 a.m.: 16th Annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Cabot. Point-to-point mostly on crushed limestone rail trail. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon/Page-16

Oct. 16, 9 a.m.: North Ridge Nightmare 6.66k and 13k Trail Race, McCandless. Starts at Spillway Boat Launch in North Park. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=85758

Oct. 23, 9 a.m.: South Ridge Trail Challenge 5k, 10k or 20k, Allison Park. Run on North Park trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallenge

Oct. 24, 9 a.m: Preston Park 5k, Butler. Run through Preston Park. Special treat to the first 100 participants with a Halloween mask. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PrestonParkPrance5k?rsus=100-200-57664f22-389b-49cf-a2f7-57b38f97c9a3

Oct. 30, 9 a.m.: Freeport Girls Basketball 2nd Halloween Hustle 5k, Freeport. Out and back run starts at Monroe Road on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportGirlsBasketballHowlOWeenHustle

Race resultsMoraine Regatta Trail 5k Run, Aug. 7: Lucas Gilbert, 1st Overall M, 23:34; Autumn Dosch, 1st Overall W, 28:10; Scott Choura, 1st 50-59 M, 25:33; Matthew Sydlik, 2nd 30-39 M, 25:33; 25:33; Todd Foulk, 1st 40-49 M, 27:00; Westin Graf, 1st 18 & Under M, 28:13; Christi Klade, 2nd 19-29 W, 28:53; Shawn Ireland, 2nd 40-49 M, 29:17; Seth Sczygelski, 3rd 30-39 M, 29:53; Austin Landolino, 2nd 50-59 M, 30:40; Dan Tack, 3rd 50-59 M, 31:30; Michael Dittman, 3rd 40-49 M, 32:01; Edie Sawyer, 1st 40-49 W, 33:51; Amy Bodamer, 2nd 40-49 W, 35:41; Josh Tustin, 3rd 18 & Under M, 36:06; Terry Wingfield, 1st 60-69 M, 36:11; Krista Geagan, 2nd 30-39 W, 36:29; David Adams, 1st 70-79 M, 37:21; Jack Aulbach, 2nd 19-29 M, 37:55; Jessica Johnson, 3rd 19-29 W, 38:13; Maria Landolina 2nd 50-59 W, 41:55; Addie Deal, 1st 18 & Under W, 40:38; Laura Graf, 3rd 30-39 W, 43:26; Clinton Werner, 2nd 7-79 M, 53:33; Sofia Montoya, 3rd 18 & Under W, 1:00:05; Paul Oyler, 3rd 60-69 M, 1:25:00; Christopher Solliday, 32:14; Brian Stewart, 33:11; Zachary Liebman, 33:37; Kory Nowakowski, 34:33; Nathan Krannacker, 37:11; David Albert, 37:32; Amanda Choura, 38:45; Jen Deal, 40:38; Meagan McGreygor, 40:50; Heidi Tustin, 44:16; Maria Carle, 44:40; Jack Walk, 45:24; Laura Smetak, 47:07; Samantha-Jo Walker, 53:09; Owen Perza, 56:21; Rochelle Bowen, 57:44; Jacqueline Cross, 1:16:00; Corey Cross, 1:16:00; Maddilyn Johnson, 1:21:25; Chase Johnson, 1:21:40; Kaylynn Johnson, 1:21:41St. Barnabas 5k, Aug. 7 (finishers under 30:00): Jed Christiansen, 1st Overall M, 15:22; Katherine Fedko, 1st Overall W, 17:43; Meredith Price, 3rd Overall W, 18:27; Amy Brown, 1st Masters W, 19:33; Chad Pakozdi, 1st 20-24 M, 17:05; Kevin McLoughlin, 1st 15-19 M, 17:36; Eric Wilber, 1st 30-34 M, 18:36; Dalton Wenner, 3rd 10-14 M, 18:57; Olivia Murphy, 1st 25-29 W, 19:05; Tessa Franchi, 1st 20-24 W, 19:43; Dillon Kessy, 1st 25-29 M, 19:50; Alex Prizzi, 2nd 35-39 M, 20:52; John Hackworth, 3rd 45-49 M, 20:55; John Elston, 3rd 50-54 M, 20:59; Luke Schellhaas, 1st 9 & Under M, 21:55; Mary Daniello, 3rd 14-19 W, 22:13; Bob Ladesic, 1st 40-44 M, 22:39; Travis Domhoff, 3rd 20-24 M, 23:11; Chad Coblitz, 3rd 40-44 M, 23:21; Shelby Lloyd, 2nd 25-29 W, 24:15; Catherine Hrach, 2nd 50-54 W, 24:23; Erin Pantorero, 2nd 30-34 W, 24:24; Lori Fromlak, 1st 40-44 W, 25:11; Donald Saluga, 2nd 65-69 M, 26:46; Rene Schedlbauer, 3rd 45-49 W, 27:02; Coleen Whalen, 1st 55-59 W, 27:06; Robert Gracie, 2nd 70-74 M, 27:18; Lynn McDonough, 2nd 55-59 W, 28:12; Tony Sunseri, 3rd 70-74 M, 29:46; Judy Shaffer, 3rd 55-59 W, 29:57; Patricia Neubert, 2nd 65-69 W, 30:00; Marybeth Keally, 3rd 35-39 W, 30:22; Terry Fuller, 3rd 65-69 W, 30:25; Lisa Murslack, 2nd 60-64 W, 31:41; Robert Sands, 2nd 75-79 M, 32:55; David Gaylord, 1st 80+ M, 36:07; Valerie Sands, 1st 75-79 W, 36:42; Mark Schellhaas, 3rd 9 & Under M, 38:42; Anita Thomas, 2nd 75-79 W, 39:41; Diane Dickhart, 1st 70-74 W, 44:40; Mary Ann Thompson, 1st 80+ W, 45:07; Nancy Jeffries, 3rd 75-79 W, 49:26; Donald Cescon, 3rd 80+ M, 49:06; Vicky McKinney, 3rd 70-74 W, 56:53; Barbara Tate, 3rd 80+ W, 59:06; Elijah Ruediger, 18:51; Anuj Kaul, 20:09; Andrew Bowie, 20:31; Samuel Elston, 20:32; Audrey Dekunder, 20:45; Matthew Pantoniero, 20:52; Dane Wenner, 21:12; Harley Cochin, 21:22; Teresa Grimm, 21:36; Keith Schedlbauer, 21:38; John Armstrong, 22:31; Adrianna Grimm, 22:33; Adam Zalenski, 22:37; Philip Ladesic, 22:39; Zachary Schellhaas, 22:42; Madeline Meeuf, 22:45; Arden Flynn, 22:46; Dustin Wenner, 22:48; Larry McDonough, 23:11; Isabella Morales, 23:19; Randy Rawa, 23:54; Jeremy Pott, 23:59; Brian Pirro, 24:02; Nathan Komoroski, 24:17; Brooke Beck, 24:48; Daniel Decker, 24:48; Daniel Hogue, 24:51; Andrew Schafale, 24:52; Janell Baden, 25:25; Ken Scullion, 25:31; Tony Chan, 25:44; Nathan Tharnish, 25:59; Madeline Komoroski, 26:27; Jackson Valansky, 26:50; Emily Wohar, 26:58; Abigail Elston, 27:13; Ryan Helsel, 27:32; Ryan Helsel, 27:32; Joe Franchi, 27:48; Bob Pakozdi, 27:59; Mark McDaniel, 28:19; Mike Price, 28:34; Jim Daniello, 29:04; Holly Komoroski, 29:09; Lucas Pott, 29:15; Mark Schafale, 29:24; Shayne Cameron, 29:27; Tasha Werner, 29:28; Maegan Johnson, 29:41; Jason Spudic, 29:45; Mark Blasinsky, 29:45; Riley Carrel, 29:51; David Guo, 29:54Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle