There’s a new race in town this week and, according to event organizers, it’s here to stay.

All Saints Parish Twilight 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run takes place Friday evening in Meridian. The 1-mile out-and-back starts at St. Conrad Church Social Hall at 7 p.m. The 5k follows at 7:30 p.m. along the same route, but adding a loop through Butler Farm Show grounds. Father Kevin Fazio of All Saints Parish, an avid runner, says that the course is interesting, but not difficult. Traffic will be restricted on the short distance on public roads.

Race point person Katie Jordan says that the race has been in organizers’ minds and hearts since 2019, but COVID prevented them from following through on their plans. She credits a dedicated group of volunteers for making the dream a reality.

“It’s been a group effort,” she says. “Each person brings something different to the table.”

That includes runners who laid out and mark the course, fundraisers, sponsors and school families who will be on hand Friday evening for registration, course monitoring and clean-up.

All Saints Twilight 5k and 1-Mile is being held as a memorial to two alumni of Butler Catholic School, Sarah Kasunic and Emily Leyland, who “made life more beautiful for the many people they touched during their short time on this earth.” Proceeds from the race and donations from sponsors will fund scholarships in the girls’ names to Butler Catholic School which educates students from pre-school through 8th grade.

Katie expects close to 400 participants of all levels for the events on Friday. There will be families walking the 1-mile together, Butler High School cross country team members challenging the 5k and every level in between. Dogs, however, are not allowed this year, but that may change for future events.

As Katie says, “It’s nice to come together to support the cause. You don’t have to be in great shape to walk a mile with your family.”

An awards ceremony with medals for both events will follow the 5k. Top three male and female finishers and top three in age groups from 4 and Under through 13-14 earn medals. In the 5k, top three overall and first masters men and women as well as top three in age groups from 10& Under through 60+ receive medals. There’s also a medal for first hand-cycle finisher in the 5k.

The date has past to guarantee a t-shirt and drawstring goodie bag, but organizers have ordered extras and will distribute until supplies run out. You may register and pick up your packet on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Conrad’s Church on Buttercup Road in Meridian and there’s a family discount registration price to encourage participation.

All participants and spectators are welcome to stay after the awards ceremony for a post-race social with music, food including hot dogs, chips, fruit and beverages and what Katie Jordan calls “fellowship and a good atmosphere for a good cause.”

For more information about All Saints Parish and Friday’s Twilight 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run, visit allsaintsbutler.org/5k or call Katie Jordan at 814-715-1344.

Don’t forget about two other area favorite events coming up. John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k is held this Saturday at 9 a.m. in Freeport as part of Freeport International Baseball Tournament week. The 5k runs through streets of Freeport while the 10k adds an out-and-back on the Butler-Freeport Community Trail. Both distances end with a run across the outfield at James Swartz Memorial Field.

And next Saturday, Aug. 6, St. Barnabas 5k runs out-and back on rolling Meridian Road in Gibsonia. As their brochure advertises, “Run for free care. Stay for the party!”

Upcoming events

Friday, 7 p.m.: All Saints Parish Twilight 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run, Butler. 814-715-1344 or allsaintsbutler.org/5k

Saturday, 9 a.m.: John Cossy Costantino Memorial 5k and 10k, Freeport. Second race in Freeport Triple Crown runs through the town of Freeport. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Freeport/JohnCossyConstantinoMemorial5K?remMeAttempt=

Sunday, 8 a.m.: Run with the Deer Flies 15k and 25k Trail Runs. Challenging course around Yellow Creek Lake. 724-422-5323 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/PennRun/RunWithTheDeerFlies25K15K

Aug. 5, 7 p.m.: Road to Trail 5k Run and Walk, McKeesport. Starts and ends on roads, middle 2 miles through scenic White Oak Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Mckeesport/RoadtoTrail5KRunandWalk

Aug. 6, 9 a.m.: St. Barnabas Free Care 5k, Gibsonia. 724-625-3770 or FreeCare5k.com

Aug. 6, 7:30 a.m.: Two Face 10k, Wexford. Run either 10k road race, 10k trail race or both in North Park. Trail race begins at 9 a.m. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Wexford/TwoFace10K

Aug. 6, 7 p.m.: Lakeview XC Sailor’s Summer Shuffle 5k, Sandy Lake. Flat out-and-back course on bike trail at Goddard State Park. Also half-mile kids fun run for ages 10 and under. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SandyLake/SailorsSummerShuffle5k

Aug. 7, 8 a.m.: Not Another Polar Vortex 5k and 15k, Boston. Run on Yough River Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Boston/PolarVortex

Aug.12, 7 p.m.: 10th Annuaal Passavant Hospital Foundation Run/Walk, Allison Park. Held at North Park Pool area. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/10thAnnualPassavantHospitalFoundationRunWalk

Aug. 13, 8:30 a.m.: Slickville 5k Coal Mine Climb and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Slickville. Challenging 5k or easy 2 miles on Westmoreland Heritage Trail, part of Slickville Community Days. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Slickville/Slickville5kCoalMineClimb2MIleFunWalk

Aug. 13, 6 p.m.: Run for the Trail 7k Run and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Dilltown. Run on Ghost Town Trail. 724-840-5961 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Dilltown/RunForTheTrail7KRunand2MileFunRunWalk

Aug. 14, 7 a.m.: Drake Well Marathon and Half Marathon, Titusville. www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=22226PA&tab=a3

Aug. 17, 7 p.m.: Ice Cream Race 5k, Grove City. Post-race ice cream, 4th race in QUAD Series. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhigh.com

Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m.: Yinzer 4.12k and Lil’ Yinzer Fun Run, Pittsburgh. Starts at The Great Lawn on North Shore. 412-586-7785 or raceroster.com/events/2022/59528/2022-yinzer-412k

Aug. 21, 8 a.m.: UPMC Hamot/ Mayor’s Cup 5k/10k, Erie. Also 1-mile walk and Tot Trot at 9:45 A.M. erierunners.club/event/upmc-hamot-mayors-cup-5k10k/

Aug.27, 9 a.m.: Run Around the Square, Pittsburgh. Choice of 5k run or 1.5-mile fun run through Regent Square neighborhood and Frick Park. 412-780-7802 or runaroundthesquare.com

Aug. 28, 9 a.m.: Festival of Miles, Allison Park. Run 1 mile on Pie Traynor loop in North Park. Categories for open, masters, high school, 12 and under, doggie dash, strollers, non-competitive walk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/GCXCFestivalofMiles

Sept. 3, 8 a.m.: Steelers 5k Run and Walk, Pittsburgh. Also kids 160 foot fun run for ages 9 and under. p3r.org/races/steelers-run-and-walk-2022

Sept. 3, 7:30 a.m.: FAAP Fall Classic, Allison Park. Choice of 20k, 10k or 5k trail runs in North Park and on Rachel Carson Trail. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=95653

Race results

Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5k, June 18: Kevin Mauser, 1st Overall M, 16:54; Max Hudak, 2nd Overall M, 17:24; Gillian Ahrendt, 1st Overall W, 21:40; Grace Vensel, 3rd Overall W, 23:06; Eric Horn, 2nd 20-29 M, 19:37; Brad Beggs, 2nd 30-39 M, 20:09; Andrew Peigh, 1st 15-19 M, 20:06; Dennis McKenna, 3rd 30-39 M, 20:37; Don Norman, 1st 60-69 M, 20:41; Mike Zizan, 2nd 60-69 M, 23:26; Tate

Papal, 1st 14 & Under M, 24:03; Megan Madar, 1st 20-29 W, 24:03; Miko Perkovich, 2nd 14 & Under M, 24:24; Grace Frederick, 1st 14 & Under W, 25:30; Elizabeth Keffalas, 2nd 14 & Under W, 26:06; Michaela Buches, 3rd 14 & Under W, 26:36; Carolyn Grider, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:50; Tom Gorka, 1st 70+ M, 28:44; Megan Mercer, 3rd 20-29 W, 28:18; Zach Brennen, 3rd 15-19 M, 31:46; Regis Ferrere, 3rd 70+ M, 34:26; Caitlyn McConnell, 2nd 15-19 W, 36:43; Drew Sherba, 20:58; Andrew Moore, 21:15; Dillan Burkesthol, 22:27; Kurt Lesker, 22:25; John Rutkowski, 23:33; Peter Wilton, 23:50; Robert Rutkowski, 24:15; Armand Zarneger, 24:29; Derek Howell, 25:32; Jeremy Shaffer, 27:02; Brandon Hartland, 27:05; James Zecca, 27:20; Kyle McCauley, 28:42; Sarah Frederick, 30:45; Amy Buches, 30:57; Addison Buches, 30:59; Ryan McConnell, 30:31; Eric Hintemeyer, 30:31; Marissa Hintemeyer, 30:34; Bree Mueller, 30:34; Mike McKeown, 31:13; Kevin Chu, 32:10; Dana Salopek, 29:50; Justin Thomas, 33:00; Aaron Morts, 35:31; Ann Ferentino, 35:47; Marie DeFrances, 37:43; Ella Frederick, 38:15; Jake Gaily, 38:43; Martin Mauser, 38:52; Stacey Wollerton, 36:01; Luke Thomas, 38:43; Christina Thomas, 38:52; Victor Hixson, 39:34; Frederick Florian, 39:22; Giovanni Vignolo, 39:08; Matthw Thomas, 45:15; Kim Kenetz, 52:45; Lauren Thomas, 52:55; Brenda Igleslas, 59:33; Sarah Scow, 1:00:57; Brittany Pryor, 1:01:39; Adam Olsen, 1:04:14; Terry Moore, 1:05:26; Shelly Keffalas, 1:07:21; Samantha Longstreth, 1:08:07

Strawberry Days 5k, June 22: Michael Williamson, 1st Overall M, 16:38; Angie Jenny, 1st Overall W, 19:51; Hannah Gildersleeve, 4th Overall W, 22:16; Miles Jenny, 1st 12-15 M, 19:39; Harrison Haltrick, 3rd 12-15 M, 21:50; Michael Brown, 1st 65-69 M, 21:55; Scott Choura, 2nd 50-54 M, 22:22; S. Mark Courtney, 2nd 65-69 M, 22:28; Scott Meskel, 2nd 35-39 M, 22:48; David Suber, 3rd 65-69 M, 23:28; Morgan Davis, 1st 12-15 W, 24:16; Josie Jones, 2nd 12-15 W, 24:20; Kelsey Brendlinger, 1st 25-29 W, 24:31; John Armstrong, 2nd 55-59 M, 25:02; Kate Jordan, 1st 30-34 W, 25:22; Calvin Jenny, 2nd 10-11 M, 26:24; Seth Jenny, 2nd 40-44 M, 26:25; John Ciafre, 2nd 70+ M, 26:41; Bill Swanik, 2nd 60-64 M, 27:01; Cindy Suber, 1st 60-64 W, 27:14; Bethany Meskel, 3rd 35-39 W, 29:44; Debbie Courtney, 1st 55-59 W, 29:59; Teresa Glasgow, 3rd 30-34 W, 32:52; Vicki Brendlinger, 2nd 60-64 W, 33:03; Amanda Choura, 2nd 45-49 W, 35:58; Valerie Sands, 2nd 70+ W, 39:38; Robert Sands, 2nd 70+ M, 42:27; Carole Swigart, 3rd 70+ W, 48:01; Ellen Stickles, 1st 65-69 W, 50:40Evan Miller, 20:15; Jonathan Lauer, 20:33; Logan Leskanic, 23:07; Nicholas Walski, 23:24; Jeremy Dicus, 24:25; Ben Woodward, 30:38; Jessie Woodward, 30:39; James Lakin, 30:44; Bruce Barnes, 31:41; Tom McMann, 32:16; James Edmonds, 32:17; Melisa Wachowiak, 32:34; Tony Sunseri, 33:02; Amanda Dicus, 35:30; Richard Honsaker, 36:09; Stephanie McCreary, 37:04

Strawberry Days Kids Half Mile, June 22: Ben Sabella, 1st Overall M, 3:11; Patrick Meskel, 3rd Overall M, 3:30; Allie Jordan, 1st Overall W, 3:55; Mollie Riggenbach, 3rd Overall W, 4:14; Joshua Woodward, 1st 5 & Under M, 4:09; Lizzie Jordan, 1st 5 & Under W, 4:17; Emma Meskel, 1st 6-7 W, 4:35; Kiara Edmonds, 1st 8-9 W, 4:45; Keegan Riggenbach, 3rd 5 & Under M, 5:14; Jacob Meskel, 5:35; Judah Woodard, 5:35; Mylee Ard, 12:07; Jessie Ard, 12:49

Arrior 5kjune 25:Tom Lee Overall M, 9:34; Sarah Sweet, 1st Overall W, 20:50; Olivia Ziegler, 1st 9-14 W, 22:38; S. Mark Courtney, 1st 65-69 M, 22:45; Alyssa Siegel, 1st 35-39 W, 23:11; Nicole Zeigler, 2nd 9-14 W, 23:30; George Siegel, 2nd 40-44 M, 25:01; Lindsay Bressler, 3rd 9-14 W, 25:37; Mike Stevens, 3rd 65-69 M, 27:28; Stephani Hicks, 2nd 50-54 W, 28:50; Marlee Hull, 2nd 15-19 W, 1:08:49; Clair Bires, 3 15-19 W, 1:08:49; Maddie Bengel, 3rd 20-24 W, 1:10:25; Timothy Ryan, 3rd 70+ M, 1:00:48

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle