Whether part of a fall training program or run just for fun, a fall 5k is a quick way to build or maintain speed and fitness.

Hoodlebug 5k Run and Walk, this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. in Homer City, has been an Indiana Road Runners Club tradition since 2004. Originally run on an evening in July, the current time and date were chosen to coincide with Homer City Business Association’s Annual Fall Festival. The festival includes food, games, a Children’s Alley and car cruise. Participants in the 5k are encouraged to come early on race day to visit the festivities.

Hoodlebug 5k begins on Main Street near Floodway Park in Homer City and runs through the small town to the packed-gravel Hoodlebug Rail Trail. The almost level out-and-back features views of rural farms and woodlands and includes a water stop at approximately mile one and two.

The course will be familiar to anyone who’s run the event in the past three or four years. For those who wish to preview the course, there’s a link to Dean Banko’s narrated Only Eye Athletics’ video tour at indianaroadrunners.com/hoodlebug-5k.

Banko describes course landmarks, elevation and terrain changes along the way. He also gives a few coaching tips as to where to change pace for competition. Hoodlebug 5k offers competitive awards for top three male and female finishers as well as top three in age groups from 12 and Under through 70+.

Race director John Swauger expects close to 100 participants for this year’s Hoodlebug. Walkers are welcome, but dogs and strollers are not allowed on the course. It’s too late to register online but race day registration opens at 3 p.m.. in Floodway Park.

Hoodlebug 5k is one of five races held by Indiana Road Runners Club annually. Their final event for the year is the 12th Annual InFirst Bank Veteran’s Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay on Nov.5. The event on the Ghost Town Trail in Blairsville benefits Western PA Veteran’s Relief Fund. For more information about all of IRRC events, visit www.indianaroadrunners.com

“Cancer is a diagnosis, not who you are,”. That‘s the theme of the 2nd annual Bull Run 5k in Freeport, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.

Robert “Bull” Jarosinski was a stand-out football player at Freeport High School and a four-year starting linebacker at Clarion University who was inducted into the Armstrong County Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. He was also, along with daughter Julie and wife Peg, an avid runner who completed countless 5ks, half marathons and the 2017 Pittsburgh Marathon. When Bull Jarosinski passed away in 2022 from cancer, his wife planned, along with Freeport’s Chuck Sarver, a run in his honor.

On Sept. 16 at 9 a.m., Bull Run 5k runs a familiar route through the streets of Freeport. The event starts at the Freeport Event Center, formerly Freeport Junior High School, proceeds through the streets of Freeport and finishes at James E. Swartz Memorial Field where Bull Jarosinski played so many games for Freeport High School.

The 5k not only honors Bull’s memory, but continues his fight against cancer. The event benefits a local family affected by the often-deadly disease.

You may register online for Bull Run 5k at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Freeport/BullRun5kRace until Sept. 14. Day of event registration (cash or check only) opens at 7:30 a.m. at the Freeport Event Center for the 9 a.m. start.

The race will be held in conjunction with Freeport Renaissance September by the River Festival at Freeport Riverside Park. Runners are encouraged to stay after the race for food and entertainment. For more information, visit the race website.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic 25k and 50k, Youngstown. Scenic single-track course through Mill Creek Park. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Youngstown/YoungstownUltraTrailClassic

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Barber Beast on the Bay 10 Mile, Erie. Obstacle run on Peninsula Drive. 814-480-6810 or www.barberbeast.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: 39th Lee Foster Memorial 5 Mile, St. Marys. Fast out-and-back course. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SaintMarys/LeeFosterMemorial5Mile

Sunday, 7 a.m.: Erie Marathon @ Presque Isle, Erie. 814-504-2631 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/ErieMarathon

Sunday, 4:30 p.m.: Hoodlebug 5k Run and Walk, Homer City. Flat and fast course, held in conjunction with Homer City Festival. 412-289-6299 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/HomerCity/hoodlebug5k

Sept.16, 8 a.m.: Rockin’ the Knob Trail Challenge, Claysburg. Marathon, half marathon or 10k run at Blue Knob Resort. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Claysburg/RockNTheKnob

Sept. 16, 9 a.m.: Bull Run 5k Run/Walk, Freeport. Starts at Freeport Jr. High School, finishes om James Swartz Memorial Field. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Freeport/BullRun5kRace

Sept. 16, 10 a.m.: FlyBy 5k and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Moon Township. Run on Pittsburgh International Airport runway. p3r.org/races/steelers-run-and-walk-2023

Sept. 24, 8 a.m.: 46th City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5k, Pittsburgh. www.rungreatrace.com/faqs

Sept.24, 9:30 a.m.: 46th City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10k, Pittsburgh. www.rungreatrace.com/faqs

Oct. 1, 9 A.M.: #Get Nebby 5k, Butler. Run/walk in Alameda Park in memory of Missy Barto. wolfcreektrackclub.com/event/get-nebby-5k/

October 14, 8 a.m.: FAAP Race/Walk, Allison Park. Run on North Park Trails with choice of 20k starting at 8 a.m., 10k at 9:30, or 5k at 10:15. faap5krace.yolasite.com

Oct.14, 8:30 a.m.: Fineview Step Challenge 5 Mile and 2 Mile, Pittsburgh. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/FineviewStepChallenge

Oct.14, 9 a.m.: Mahoning Shadow Shuffle Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, Punxsutawney.

runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/PUNXSUTAWNEYMAHONINGSHADOWSHUFFLE

Oct. 15, 8 a.m.: Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6k Run and 3.3k Family Walk, Pittsburgh. Benefits Mario Lemieux Foundation and Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. runsignup.com/pens66k?_cldee=XCEaAPHpdMQffcnhEm8oC9fFc-Wwphi6eMdXOQHO9wlZrGbwQ7BXMGvFszDSWHs5&recipientid=contact-9e82a227da5de51180c50050568153f8-6eda01f7403c422aa1029ab38152b662&esid=3b8cacc7-0f2b-ee11-bdf4-002248268ac5

Oct. 15, 2 p.m.: Buffalo Creek 5k, Worthington. Kids run immediately following. 724-543-1120 or acampbell@mechlingheller.com

Oct. 21, 9 a.m.: 18th Annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Cabot. Point-to-point on Butler-Freeport Trail. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Cabot/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon

Oct. 21, 8 a.m.: LECOM Costume Caper 5k Family Fun Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Held in conjunction with Pittsburgh Monster Pumkins Festival. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/PittsburghLECOMCostumeCaper5k

Oct. 22, 9 a.m.: Preston Park 5k, Butler. Run on Preston Park drives and trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PrestonPark5k?rsus=100-200-601f95ac-9bcd-4317-9901-6472ff9f26f1

Oct. 29, 9 a.m.: Highland Fall Scramble 12 Miler, Cook Forest. Run on remote portions of North Country Trail through Cook Forest State Park. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=104907

Race results

Roaring Run Race to the Moon 5k, July 15: Samuel Plazio, 1st Overall M, 17:28; Amy O'Donnell, 1st Overall W, 19:47; Jacob McClymonds, 1st 15-19 M, 20:48; Brian Murslack, 2nd 30-39 M, 21:57; Travis Domhoff, 2nd 20-29 M, 23:20; Audrey Fowkes, 1st 14 & Under W, 24:13; Denise Whitacre, 2nd 40-49 W, 24:25; Andrew Whitacre, 29:25

Cranberry Township Community Chase 5k, July 15 (finishers under 53:00): Sawyer Shoup, 1st Overall M, 18:48; Julian Varlotta, 2nd Overall M, 18:53; Jacob Marshall, 3rd Overall M, 19:54; Sydney Heltzell, 1st Overall W, 23:43; Lora Grasso, 2nd Overall W, 24:33; Lee Marshall, 1st 50-59 M, 19:54; Kevin Berger, 3rd 50-59 M, 21:57; Philip Ladesic, 1st 15-19 M, 22:00; Mario Greco, 2nd 20-29 M, 22:31; Brad Jones, 2nd 30-39 M, 23:15; Nathan Cygnarowicz, 1st 10-14 M, 24:00; Jeremy Boren, 3rd 40-49 M, 24:01; Zachary Engelhard, 2nd 10-14 M, 24:17; Cristian Berries, 3rd 20-29 M, 24:19; Dan Hogue, 3rd 30-39 M, 24:43; Chris Eason, 1st 60+ M, 24:53; Leanne Welch, 2nd 3-39 W, 26:06; Tracey Weaver, 1st 50-59 W, 26:22; Emma Ladesic, 1st 10-14 W, 26:41; Christina Dreher, 3rd 30-39 W, 26:46; Olivia Hennon, 2nd 10-14 W, 27:08; Bobyn McKnight, 2nd 40-49 W, 27:21; C. Mitchell, 3rd 10-14 W, 27:26; Julia Griffith, 1st 20-29 W, 27:28; Tracie Brody, 2nd 50-59 W, 27:33; Erin Hart, 3rd 40-49 W, 27:46; Kirsten Maybach, 1st 15-19 W, 28:31; Martin Stoughton, 2nd 60+ M, 28:35; Chloe Kuntz, 3rd 15-19 W, 28:43; Ashley Ford, 2nd 20-29 W, 29:00; Dione Stauber, 3rd 50-59 W, 29:30; L. Medici, 2nd 9 & Under M, 29:42; George Weir, 3rd 50-59 M, 29:58; Audrey Vidmar, 3rd 20-29 W, 30:10; E. Jaworski, 3rd 9 & Under M, 30:16; C. Polk, 1st 9 & Under W, 30:20; Alex Hennon, 2nd 15-19 M, 30:23; Lisa Murslack, 1st 60+ W, 30:28; Margaret Carlson, 2nd 60+ W, 31:13; Renee Gliptis, 3rd 60+ W, 32:20; E. Deller, 2nd 9 & Under W, 44:23; Brody Schmitt, 3rd 15-19 M, 51:02; I. Bernes, 3rd 9 & Under W, 46:47; Leonard Zuba, 24:06; Nick Mazzeo, 24:49; Anthony Hochuli, 24:54; Benjamin Saxe, 24:55; Colton Barber, 25:09; Owen Aslin, 25:26; Brian Donatelli, 25:32; Josh Venderlic, 26:21; Vijay Murthy, 26:41; Tia Singleton, 26:52; Jaison Moslander, 27:02; Janel Edwards, 27:03; Justin Ball, 27:08; Allen Jiang, 27:35; Vasilii Surov, 27:42; Jordan Mcpeek, 27:50; Brian Gielarowski, 28:14; Eric Snyder, 28:23; Caleb Gretz, 28:25; Alfonso Maldonado, 28:25; Dacny Escalante, 28:33; Ryan Fish, 28:37; Don Feitl, 28:45; B. Kane, 28:52; Ziva Schmitt, 28:53; Amanda Presto, 28:53; Vitaliy Marburger, 28:58; A. Kane, 29:00; James Sanders, 29:02; Rick Bowers, 29:03; Matthew Gardner, 29:05; E. Gretz, 29:10; Daniel Strebel, 29:32; Lauren Scott, 29:33; Jamie Knauff, 29:43; Agustin Medici, 29:43; Sergiy Marburger, 29:55; Sue Blaney, 30:03; Isaiah Gretz, 30:06; Josh Gretz, 30:06; Todd Changoway, 30:12; Nick Sasala, 30:17; Carrie Ohorodnyk, 30:19; M. Cygnarowicz, 20:24; Niluefer Zuba, 30:48; Christopher Robinson, 30:48; Dan Stoner, 30:54; Tia Singleton, 30:58; Logan Symons, 30:59; Stacy Juchno, 31:07; C. Polk, 32:03; Daniele Kusuke, 32:06; Matthew Brodie,32:23; Mariela Ramos,32:36; Katie Gretz, 32:51; Gina Baugh, 33:11; Sienna Summers, 33:12; A. Medici, 33:29; Caitlyn Brodie, 33:38; Michael White, 33:48; Natasha Cygnarowicz, 33:49; Tim Mischik, 33:54; Victor Murillo, 34:23; Alexa Hennon, 34:29; Kayla Moslander, 34:31; Jessica Moslander, 34:32; Michelle White, 34:46; Lisa Zierden, 34:51; Shelby Goehring, 34:54; J. Kaunert, 35:02; Jeff Kerstetter, 35:15; Eric Kaunert, 35:22; Ed Hernandez, 35:31; Kathryn Polk, 35:56; Julie Marburger, 35:56; Dhy Keefer, 37:43; Emily Mitchell, 38:21; Radhika Ganesan, 38:32; David Cassesse, 38:47; Heather Venderlic, 39:09; Rob Vandenburgh, 39:23; L. Vandenburgh, 39:23; Rick Walters, 39:59; Alycia Sell, 40:02; Kevin Engelhard, 40:23; Emily Engelhard, 40:38; Jessica Burr, 41:30; Lawrence Han, 42:14; Rene Lara Cado, 42:27; Angela Fabiola Mota Balderas, 42:55; John Deller III, 44:22; Christine Patton, 45:36; Jennifer Esterheld, 46:08; Michael Benes, 46:56; Jocelyn Christiansen, 46:58; H. Haase, 50:06; Michael Haase, 50:06; Brandon Dukes, 50:54; Timothy Cowell, 51:00; John Cowell, 51:02; H. Haase, 51:27; Stephanie Haase, 51:32; Amanda Benes, 52:57

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle