Zombies chasing runners; runners covered in colored cornstarch. What’s the running world coming to?

As evidenced by last weekend’s Run for Your Lives Zombie Run at Switchback Raceway in Butler and the previous week’s Color Me Rad 5k at Washington County Fairgrounds, runners want more from their events than just a start and finish line. Run for Your Lives added an obstacle course and keep-the-flag game to the 5k-plus run. Color Me Rad drenched runners in colors along the course.

And yes, it is difficult to run fast with a mouth full of cornstarch. But speed isn’t the goal of these alternative events which offer fun as the main attraction and regularly sell out across the country.

It wasn’t always this way. In its infancy, distance running was a sport that few wished to challenge. The first Boston Marathon in 1897 had 15 entrants and only 10 finishers. And when women were finally officially recognized in 1972, only five finished the event.

When I began running in 1978 — in the wave of the first running boom — most of my friends considered races serious athletic endeavors. We trained, we raced, we finished as fast as we could.

Nowadays, running is more popular than ever. And it seems that running has evolved from an endurance challenge for ascetics, masochists and driven Type As to, at times, a traveling party.

Large marathons like New York boast of crowd support and tours of the city. The Rock-’n-Roll brand is known not for its fast race courses but for its entertainment. Our own City of Pittsburgh Marathon boasts “music by the mile” and a scenic tour through the city of bridges. Everywhere, people are choosing their destination races based not on the course itself but what is added to the event.

Because more people are running, more different people are running. Running events today satisfy not just those focused on performance, driven to excellence and dedicated to training, but those who use running as a vehicle to a more satisfying social experience.

I’ll admit, for an old-school road racer like me, attending a non-racing event requires a shift in attitude. But once in a while, running for fun is fun. Here are a few suggestions if you’re ready to step off the competitive track.

As the brochure advises, “Tap into the spirit of the hala-kahiki!” at the Pineapple Classic 5k obstacle course in Hartwood Acres on Sept. 15. Participants 12 years and older can climb, crawl, bounce and bend their way through the 5k course. Hawaiian-theme costumes are encouraged and there’s a luau following. It’s all to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

If obstacles and costumes aren’t enough fun, add a dog. Race for Pace Run/Walk 5k in Churchill on Oct. 15 holds a 1-mile dog walk starting at 9:05 a.m., immediately after the competitive runners have started.

Instead of competitive prizes for humans, this event awards dogs in categories of best costume, biggest dog, longest ears, owner/dog look-alike and best kisser (the dog, not you). Each dog participant receives a goody bag and there will be plenty of petting going on (again — the dog, not you) at the Pace School for kids with autism and other learning challenges.

Try a trail. The Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club is the oldest running club in the Pittsburgh area. It promotes running and walking for all, not just the swift, and sponsor monthly bare-bones, low-cost events. Its Harry Holland G-U-T-B-U-S-T-E-R on Nov. 22 offers a choice of challenges and distances from 2-to-8 miles on Frick Park trails. Get to know trail running in a location where you can’t get lost among runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

The ultimate in non-racing running fun combines all of the above: Costumes, a few dogs, trails and getting lost and adds beer to all of this. The Hash House Harriers, the “Drinking club with a running problem” holds events weekly throughout the Pittsburgh area. There’s no cost to try an event. All it takes is running shoes and an open mind. Check their schedule at www.pgh-h3.com.

Upcoming Events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.: MoJo Sports Group Run, Seven Fields. Run three to seven miles with friends. 724-772-2808

Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.: Good Form Running classes, Elite Runner and Walkers, Robinson Township. Free classes help runners improve form. Sign up at www.eliterunners.com. Call 412-490-0881 for more information.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Saxonburg Festival 5k, Saxonburg. Final race in Saxonburg Distance Series. 724-898-2525

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Montour Trail Half Marathon, 5k Run and 5k Fun Walk, Robinson Township. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunners.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Adams Area Fire Department Herb Kaufman Memorial 5k Run/ Walk, Mars. Run in Adams Community Park. reneehay@zoominternet.net

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Music on the Hill Festival 5k Run/ Walk, Oil City. 814-673-9606 or debra.grove3@gmail.com

Sunday, 9 a.m.: FAAP Fall Classic 5k Run and Walk. Starts behind North Park pool. Part road, part trail run, walk or mountain bike benefits Philippine orphans. attorneymarkknapp@yahoo.com or faap5krace.yolasite.com

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Denny’s Picnic Challenge, South Park. Choice of 1, 3 or 6 miles with Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club. 412-952-9474

Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Don’t Stop Runnin’ 5k, Apollo. Run at West Haven Manor, final run in series. www.5k.qualitylifeservices.com

Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m.: Peanut Butter Festival 5k, New Bethlehem. Also mountain bike race at 10:30 A.M. rlhrinda@yahoo.com or www.newbethlehemarea.com

Sept. 15, 9:30 a.m.: Pineapple Classic 5k, Hartwood Acres. Run and obstacle course, costumes encouraged. 412-395-2873 or www.pineappleclassic5k.org

Sept. 16, 7 A.M.: Erie Marathon, Presque Isle State Park, Erie: Also half marathon at 7:30 A.M. and 5k Fun Run at 7:15 a.m. www.eriemarathon.org or email eriemara@yahoo.com

Sept. 16, 2 p.m.: Run to Remember 5k, West Kittanning. 724-548-7836 or leighharvey@windsteam.net

Sept. 16, 10 a.m.: Apraxia 5k Walk, North Park. 412-343-7102 or casana@apraxia-kids.org

Sept. 16, 2 p.m.: Run to Remember 5k, West Kittanning. 724-548-7836 or leighharvey@windstream.net

Race Results

Ice Cream Race 5k, Aug. 15: Job Christiansen, 1st Overall M, 15:37: Danny Jaskowak, 3rd Overall M, 16:07; Angelina Peck, 1st Overall W, 18:07; Lindsey Snyder, 2nd Overall W, 18:20; Leslie Kramer, 5th Overall W, 19:17; Aaron Benka, 1st 12-15 M, 16:34; Ryan Budnik, 2nd 12-15 M, 16:46; Ryan Thompson, 3rd 16-19 M, 17:07; Jeff Lynn, 2nd 40-44 M, 19:05; Mark Courtney, 1st 55-59 M, 19:35; Jordon Hausladen, 3rd 20-24 M, 19:45; Mary Jaskowak, 3rd 16-19 W, 20:03; John Ciafre, 21:09; Melissa Sabella, 2nd 30-34 W, 21:32; Catherine Jaskowak, 1st 12-15 W, 21:33; Hannah Sanford, 2nd 12-15 W, 21:34; Olivia Lowe, 3rd 12-15 W, 21:43; Dorothy Moxie, 1st 45-49 W, 22:14; Jennifer Fennell, 2nd 45-49 W, 22:20; Kris Poloyac, 1st 40-44 W, 22:28; Holly Bauer, 2nd 35-39 W, 22:41; Sarah Antal, 2nd 40-44 W, 23:21; Landon Ketler, 1st 8-9 M, 23:45; Benjamin Anastasi, 2nd 8-9 W, 26:18; Patricia Neubert, 3rd 55-59 W, 26:28; Alayna Lowe, 3rd 8-9 W, 29:17; Dezso Csizmadia, 3rd 70+ M, 29:21; Logan Witmer, 1st 6 and Under W, 30:55; Valerie Sands, 3rd 65-69 W, 33:15; Judy Lyle, 2nd 60-64 W, 36:17; Lucy Hartle, 1st Under 6 W, 37:48; Margretta Lutz, 1st 70+ W, 38:14; Nate Amon, 2nd 6-7 M, 43:06; Brandon Wise, 17:12; Ian Brown, 17:21; Jason Anna, 17:30; Ryan Whiteman, 17:32; Alexander Knaby, 17:35; Alexander Edmonds, 17:57; Brian Tackett, 17:58; Anthony Miller, 18:26; Van McCarren, 18:36; John Scott Somora, 18:41; Brady Beech, 18:46; Adam Lowe, 18:47; Josh Jones, 18:50; Evan Miller, 18:51; Heath Neely, 19:05; James Highland, 19:09; John Paul Depew, 19:15; JT Fleming, 19:24; Brandon Pyle, 19:37; Gabe Cordon, 19:40; Philip Springirth, 19:40; John Armstrong, 19:58; Mark Casteel, 20:36; Jonathan Burdick, 20:36; Joshua Depew, 20:41; Alyssa Kunkel, 20:41; Bryce Lowe, 20:42; Thomas Somora, 20:56; Matt Drohan, 21:00; Ty Reeher, 21:01; Carl Catedral, 21:01; Kara McClain, 21:15; Aaron Depew, 21:16; Greg Gaghan, 21:18; Ben McKnight, 21:29; Clint Hartle, 21:32; Doug Cygan, 21:38; Madison Hamilton, 21:45; Sherry Adams, 21:50; Michael Miller, 22:03; Michael Labarre, 22:05; Samuel Poloyac, 22:10; Madison Przicina, 22:10; Rebecca McClure, 22:13; Reuben Pink, 22:20; Blake Banko, 22:21; Nathaniel Nuss, 22:26; Christi Novak, 22:27; Ben Hamilton, 22:41; Abigail Jones, 22:48; Dylan Myers, 22:57; Jacob Hughes, 23:02; Jill Mercer, 23:07; Sebastian Anastasi, 23:11; Tabitha Donaldson, 23:12; Ryan Myers, 23:14; Tod Horner, 23:14; Kemper May, 23:15; Keith Quisenberry, 23:22; Eric Bishop, 23:29; Katelyn Jones, 23:30; Andrew Hefner, 23:52; Karl Hart, 23:39; Matt Beilstein, 23:40; Hunter Best, 23:47; Dteven Smiley, 23:48; Heather Porter, 23:52; Cole Kriebel, 23:55; Jinny Hertweck, 23:56; Mike Brown, 24:02; Scott Hangliter, 24:07; Jim Smiley, 24:12; Kristen Casteel, 26:24; Michael Bruno, 24:31; Donald Wallace, 24:32; Grant Curdo, 24:36; Holly Fennell, 24:39; Tedd Nesbit, 24:58; Samantha Drohan, 25:01; Zackery France, 25:03; Chad Pakordi, 25:05; Jackie Shakely, 25:07; Donna Eshenbaugh, 25:13; Elizabeth Depew, 25:13; Nathan Depew, 25:29; Lauren Karenbauer, 25:30; Jenna Whitmer, 25:35; Kelly Macrae, 25:37; Katie Roitz, 25:42; Ella McDermott, 25:44; Tammy Myers, 25:47; Jamie Hackewelder, 25:49; Pete Allen, 25:49; Karen Ketler, 26:02; Tina Hicks, 26:08; AJ May, 26:10; Julie Skal, 26:11; Vincent Anastasi, 26:18; Courtney Quisenberry, 26:18; Robert Laverick, 26:19; Debbie Courtney, 26:27; Scott Eshenbaugh, 26:35; Brian Myers, 26:38; Jonathan Stewart, 26:39; Scott Campbell, 26:42; Trent Donaldson, 26:55; :eeann Kriebel, 27:03; Sean Weber, 27:10; Cindy Waltemire, 27:15; Cloey Wallace, 27:15; Jen Beachem, 27:22; Tess Haverstick, 27:23; Robyn Stewart, 27:24; Anna Harp, 27:26; Ron McDermott, 27:28; Kelly Somora, 27:43; Justin Curry, 27:49; Eliza Drohan, 27:55; Sarah Huth, 27:58; Tony Sunseri, 28:04; Ann Himes, 28:07; Mercedes Wallace, 28:10; Sarah Mitchell, 28:12; Steve Maddalena, 28:19; Jacob Beck, 28:25; Amanda Cagno, 28:38; Amy Judy, 28:40; Scott Hepler, 28:47; Jon Moon, 28:52; Jennifer Cygan, 28:53; David Adams, 28:59; Sarah Bordick, 29:10; Robert Sands, 29:12; Jodi Caldwell, 29:15; Evan Lowe, 29:16; Jennifer Bess, 19:19; Robbin Rihel, 29:22; Gillis Harp, 29:37; Mark Sloan, 29:43; Meg Chochola, 29:53; Laurie Jack, 30:00; Beverly Lowe, 30:04; Maggie Corey, 30:07; Richard Beech, 30:09; Andrew Fabry, 30:20; Emily Deitrick, 30:35; Natalie Mason, 30:38; Candy France, 30:39; Michellem Brochetti, 30:46; Jay Fennell, 30:47; Chris Minotti, 30:54; Charlie Nesbit, 30:54; David Peck, 30:55; Jamie Knauff, 31:24; Jennifer Grooms, 31:25; Buddy Turner, 31:56; Melissa Shearer, 31:56; Samantha Clarke, 32:02; Rebecca Woods, 32:06; Kurt Gomez, 32:08; Terry Reeher, 32:10; Erik Hardy, 32:14; Sally Smiley, 32:29; Megan Wise, 32:35; Joel Yudt, 32:35; Dave Edwards, 32:40; Matt Lynn, 32:49; Teresa Glasgow, 32:51; Laurie Beech, 32:53; Erin Fabry, 32:53; Autumn Saltmar, 32:53; Kim Bassani, 32:56; Kirk Brethaver, 33:00; Alexis Reeher, 33:11; Tanner Gross, 33:19; Kellee Faulconbridge, 33:18; Erica Lynn, 33:25; Becky Farren, 33:28; Alison Altman, 33:28; Emilee Altman, 33:28; Tricia Corey, 33:30; Jada Mason, 33:32; Connie Laughner, 33:51; Sam Hapler, 34:20; Monica Hapler, 34:22; Beth Culley, 34:25; Elizabeth Foringer, 34:31; Vanessa Drohan, 34:40; Ava Marini, 34:51; Carlie Atwood, 35:11; Nicole Beck, 35:39; Bridget Casteel, 36:27; Carri Pakozdi, 37:02; Bethany Gomez, 37:51; Margy Somora, 39:21; Nancy Eiger, 38:21; Jamie Beilstein, 39:27; Gretchen Pink, 39:31; Jennifer Vogt, 40:08; Colton Bowser, 41:02; Shelby Bowser, 41:03; Chris Saltmar, 41:29; Diane Fajohn, 43:12; Michael Leonard, 43:33; Christopher Sprando, 43:40; Sheila Berna, 44:02; Laura Amon, 45:07; Lori Wise, 45:23; Lisa Emmett, 47:34; Alexis Bush, 47:34; Sandy Anderson, 50:19; Diane Filer, 51:27; Amber Swope, 52:36; Donna Pakozdi, 52:58

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.