Some races are instant hits while others take years to build success. Two events of last weekend illustrate these two extremes.

Nearly 200 participants attended Friday’s Jaime Rosellini Memorial 5K Race/ Walk at Butler County Community College. The run and walk honored the late Jaime Rosellini, president of Dental Systems Inc. and supporter of Irene Stacy Community Health Center and other charities in the community. Rosellini died unexpectedly on April 17, 2010.

The Jaime Rosellini 5K was created by the Rosellini family to honor Jaime and to bring awareness to the community service organizations which he supported.

The Rosellini 5K attracted a strong competitive field by offering a $1000 cash prize to the first place winners and $300 for second place. Jeff Weiss of Avella won the event with his finishing time of 14:41 while Sara Raschiatore was the first female finisher in 15:20.

While the Jaime Rosellini Memorial 5K presented an example of an instant success, Saturday’s Run for Hunger Trail Challenge illustrates the opposite extreme. It’s taken six years for the event to grow to more than 100 participants.

“I had six runners the first year,” race director Tom Parenti shared. “People wondered why I did it again the next year.”

Parenti was pleased with the increase in participation as proceeds from the event benefit Freeport Meals on Wheels. Food items collected on race day are donated to Freeport Area Food Bank.

Run for Hunger has evolved over its lifetime, from a poorly marked and monitored rugged four or eight-mile course to this year’s choice of well marked and maintained ,but still rugged half marathon, gentler four- mile run or two-mile noncompetitive hike.

The three distances had separate starting times so that all participants finished at close to the same time. Everyone enjoyed the post race spaghetti dinner at Birdsfoot Golf Club.

One race that has seen steady participation numbers since its inception in 2005 is LHOT Run for Shelter 5K. Approximately 100 runners and walkers have supported this run and walk annually and are expected once again this Saturday at 9 a.m.

Run for Shelter 5K, held on Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center grounds in Butler, raises awareness of homelessness and housing issues for the Local Housing Options Team in Butler County.

LHOT is the umbrella organization for 15 to 20 government agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to keeping Butler County residents in safe, accessible and affordable housing.

Al Lane, Director of Catholic Charities, one of the eight LHOT service providers, says that LHOT plays an important role in keeping people from becoming homeless. Organizations and government agencies work together under LHOT to find solutions for each family’s unique situation.

Lane, a former Run for Shelter race director, says it’s more important than ever to help the homeless or those in danger of losing their homes. “We’ve had more than 800 requests for assistance,” Lane says. “More than 300 of these are families with young children.”

Proceeds from Run for Shelter 5K benefit organizations that directly benefit local homeless and housing providers. The event includes a kids fun run in addition to the 5K competitive run with awards for top three overall and age group winners.

Day of event registration for LHOT Run for Shelter 5K opens at 7:30 a.m. at VA Medical Center on Saturday. For more information, contact race director Buddy Turner at 724-287-4011 or wturne@ccpgh.org.

Apology issued

Apologies to masters triathlete Tom Murray, omitted from race results for Butler YMCA Triathlon. Tom completed the July 9 event in 1:08:39 to earn second place in the male 65-69 division.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 6:30 a.m.: Baker Trail UltraChallenge, Cook Forest. Choice of 50 mile ultramarathon or relay of up to 5 members. 412-512-4544 or ultrachallenge@rachelcarsontrails.org

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Mosquito Run to Fight Malaria, North Park. Choice of 5 miles, 10 miles or 5K around North Park Lake. 724-776-2300, ext. 249 or Sandra.matoushaya@wpaumc.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Local Housing Options Team Run for Shelter 5K, Butler. Run on Butler Veterans Affairs Hospital grounds benefits homeless providers in Butler County. wturne@ccpgh.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Damon Zipay Memorial 5K Run, Sharpsville. www.dzmf.org

Sept. 3, 9 a.m.: Adams Area Fire District Herb Kaufman Memorial 5K Run/ Walk, Adams Township. www.adamsarea42.com

Sept. 3, 9 a.m.: Race Against Child Abuse 5K, Indiana. Run on Hoodlebug Trail. 724-463-8595 or cflandcac@gmail.com

Sept. 4, 9 a.m.: Gatorade Steelers 5K Race, Fitness Walk and Kids’ Kick Off Run, Pittsburgh. New course. 412-697-7713 or www.steelers.com

Sept. 4, 9 a.m.: Pizza Joe’s 5K, New Castle. Also kids race at 8:40 a.m.: 724-658-1716 or jessicat@pizzajoes.com

Sept. 5, 9:15 a.m.: Buhl Day 5K, Hermitage. 724-981-3700

Sept. 5, 5 p.m.: Spartansburg Fair 5K, Spartansburg. 814-654-7504 or dean_maynard@iu5.org

Sept. 10, 8 a.m.: Saxonburg Festival of the Arts 5K, Saxonburg. 724-898-2525 or mlkletzli@embarqmail.com

Sept. 10, 8 a.m.: UPMC Urgent Care Montour Half Marathon and 5K, Robinson Township. New start location. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunners.com

Sept. 10, 9 a.m.: Lee Foster Memorial 5 Mile Run, St. Marys. 814-834-2470 or jenjoe92@yahoo.com

Sept. 13, 7 p.m.: Quality Life Services 5K, Worthington. Run at Sugar Creek Rest. www.qualitylifeservices.com

Sept. 17, 7:30 a.m.: Grandparents Race 10 Mile, 5K and 1 Mile, Zelienople. Also kids fun run. 724-321-4265 or joella@zoominternet.net

Sept. 17, 8 a.m.: Youngstown Ultra Classic 25K and 50K Trail Runs, Youngstown. Run consecutive loops though Mill Creek Park. 330-638-0814 or www.neotrail.org

Sept. 24, 9 a.m.: Madden Memorial 5K Run/ Walk, Slippery Rock. www.patmadden5k.org

Sept. 17, 3 p.m.: Pittsburgh Hash House Harriers Red Dress Run/ Jog/ Hike, Pittsburgh. Starts at Church Brew Works, benefits Petrolia child suffering from a blood disorder. 724-234-3052 or www.pgh-h3.com

Sept. 18, 7 a.m.: Erie Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, Rie. Run at Presque Isle State Park. 814-504-2631 or eriemarathon.org

Sept. 25, 8 a.m.: Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5K, Pittsburgh. New starting time. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m.: City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10K, Pittsburgh. The original race from Frick Park to downtown. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Race results

Mark Courtney’s Ice Cream Race 5K, August 17: Jed Christiansen,1st Overall M,14:47; Jake Kildoo,2nd Overall M,15:22; Ben Hoffman,4th Overall M,15:57; Lindsey Snyder,1st Overall W,18:36; Leslie Kramer,3rd Overall W,19:04; Daniel Jaskowak,1st 16-19 M,15:59; Brian Tackett,2nd 30-34 M,17:50; Ryan Budnik,2nd 12-15 M,18:22; Dean Rippee,1st 55-59 M,18:34; Aaron Benka,3rd 12-15 M,18:42; Mark Courtney,2nd 55-59 M,19:19; Sarah Thompson,1st 20-24 W,20:23; Mark Casteel,3rd 40-44 M,21:08; Bryce Lowe,2nd 10-11 M,21:54; Olivia Lowe,1st 12-15 W,22:02; Tawney Murray,2nd 35-39 W,23:05; Emily Unverzagt,1st 30-34 W,23:36; Ferdinando Saglio,3rd 65-69 M,24:13; Shelly Wade,3rd 30-34 W,24:47; Patricia Neubert,2nd 55-59 W,24:56; Jonathan Kulp,2nd 9 & Under M,29:43; Jessica Brown,2nd 9 & Under W,31:35; Margretta Lutz,1st 70+ W,35:44; Sandra McConnell,1st 65-69 W,38:49; Ryan Thompson,17:16; Wes Roberts,17:26; Caleb Thrasher,17:29; Ian Brown,18:07; Brandon Wise,18:09; Van McCarren,18:09; Anthony Miller,18:23; Jake Deweese,18:26; Adam Snowden,18:29; Lincoln Larsen,19:01; Adam Lowe,19:15; Evan Miller,19:25; Brady Beech,19:34; Christopher Bloch,19:42; Alex Fertelmes,19:58; Dale Wentzel,20:13; Taquan Maxwell,20:24; John Scott-Somora,20:19; Jarett Fisher,20:44; Evyn Selden,21:26; John Ciafre,21:28; Jonathan Burdick,21:35; Kara McClain,21:35; William Osche,21:37; Thomas Somora,21:42; Clint Hartle,21:47; Tanner McKnight,21:49; John Paul Depew,22:05; Nick Wargo,22:09; Glenn Wargo,22:10; Evan Lowe,22:13; Brady Anderson,22:26; Alyssa Kunkel,22:21; Brandon Jones,22:28; Eliza Lowe,22:32; Sarah Gill,22:33; Doug Fry,22:47; Benjamin Lowery,22:49; Doug Cygan,22:54; Mike Brown,22:55; Andrew Heffner,22:58; Tim Homan,22:59; Sebastian Anastasi,23:04; Vincent Anastasi,23:06; Tanner Glenn,23:06; Russ Ryland,23:22; Abigail Jones,23:22; Jennifer Fennell,23:25; Jeff Hartzell,23:32; Jill Mercer,23:32; Dylan Myers,23:35; Casey Unverzagt,23:36; Scott Hangerliter,23:38; Madison Hamilton,23:39; Jen Nemet,23:41; Mike Bruno,23:45; Nathan Depew,23:45; Shawn Berkstresser,23:58; Jim Thrasher,23:59; Bill Swanik,24:04; Elizabeth Morris;24:13; Matt Hoover,24:17; Braydon Pyle,24:22; Katelyn Jones,24:36; Jen Beachem,24:38; T.J. Courson,25:03; Holly Kennell,25:05; Mallory Ralston,25:07; Jinny Hertweck,25:08; Holly Depew,25:21; Michelle Grossman,25:21; Bethany Stillwagon,25:21; Elizabeth Depew,25:30; Bryant Sloan,25:43; Cindy Waltemire,25:45; Stacy Matz,25:46; Ryan Purvis,25:47; A,J. Terwilliger,25:48; Leighann Goughler,25:50; Tess Haverstack,25:55; Penny Sferra,26:01; Dylan Mourer,26:06; Herman Westcott-Havens,26:07; Dick Beech,26:15; Clayton Cupec,26:18; Buddy Turner,26:18; Jacob Hilliard,26:23; Steve Maddalema,26:30; Greg Liszka,26:32; Tony Sunseri,26:37; Cynthia Johnston,26:40; Amanda Cagno,26:40; Brice Ellenberger,26:42; Karl Hart,26:43; Kara Mantell,26:45; Karen Ketler,26:51; Debbie Courtney,26:57; Jamie Hackwelder,26:57; Troy Loughry,27:00; Kelly Somora,27:01; Kayleigh Roberts,27:22; Justin Curry,27:29; Desiree Atkinson,27:30; Michael Coulter,27:38; Kristy Thrasher,27:50; Erica Hillwig,27:50; Jonathan Steward,27:53; Beth Witt,28:05; Katie McClymonds,28:10; Julie Witmer,28:13; Bev Lowe,28:14; Brian Myers,28:20; Jessica Richards,28:24; Sherrie Mazurek,28:26; Sarah Bordick,28:29; Jackie Berkstresser,28:33; Grant Curdo,28:34; Erin Hartle,28:39; Pamela Carden,28:52; Nicole Beck,28:58; Melissa Shearer,29:02; Robert Overley,29:31; Beth Graham,29:33; Ashley Motta,29:36; Robyn Stewart,29:38; Laura Cain,29:39; Michelle Brochetti,29:41; Taylor Shaffer,29:42; Richard Kulp,29:43; Nicole Basham,29:44; Kristen Keck,29:45; Tedd Nesbitt,30:07; Marina Snowden,30:09; John Whalen,30:14; Halle Culmer,30:32; Diana Climo,30:11; Amy Wongburger,30:22; Kirk Brethauer,30:24; Devi Wintrode,30:38; Cody Purvis,30:39; Erika Mayer,30:40; Heidi Wolanin,31:00; Laura Augustine,31:03; Amy Judy,31:08; Ann Boland,31:18; Megan Lowery,31:24; Rebecca Bettencourt,31:26; Bethany Bettencourt,31:27; Jennifer Grooms,31:28; Tom Burdick,31:35; Patti Doyle,31:43; Jay Fennell,31:48; David Adams,31:56; John Casteel,31:58; Vickie Turner,32:34; Margy Somora,33:30; Beth Culley,33:31; Tim Sigworth,33:41; Meg Chochola,33:46; Susan Tassey,33:55; Lori Beck,34:01; Sarah Hempel Irani,34:05; Kim Bettencourt,34:06; Anna Bettencourt,34:10; Jordan Witt,34:14; Megan Wise,34:20; Nancy Wise,34:20; Andrew Fabry,34:25; Tina Hicks,34:35; Kayla Tuzikow,34:37; Stacie Lowery,34:42; Judy Lyle,34:44; Molly Lowery,35:00; Betty Curry,35:35; Mindy McKnight,35:54; Ben Smith,36:01; Luke Bobosky,36:03; Rick Bobosky,36:03; Jackie Winston,36:05; Jerry Smith,36:06; Beverly Sloan,36:21; Abby Hile,36:36; Bridget Casteel,37:01; Ryan Berkstresser,37:02; Georgie Cupec,37:32; Erin Fabry,37:46; Shana Fry,38:37; Douglas Hayes,39:11; Donald Cescon,39:25; Deborah Hayes,40:33; Jasyn Swinney,40:43; Pam Fredericks,42:50; Clayton Cupec,Jr.,44:21; Leslie Mahood,46:16; Lisa Miller,46:52; Christina Neuch,46:58; Megan Baun,47:17; Elizabeth Baker,47:18; Kathy Lawson,47:28; Ada Rumberg,47:58; Noreen Fischer,49:08; Pam Osche,51:08; Ashley Ramer,51:08; George Beck,56:26; Jack White,57:43; Julie Cebula-White,57:52

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

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Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle <