It takes commitment to run a race series. It takes even more to “run” a race series. Mark Courtney has directed Mercer County Twilight QUAD 5K race series for more than three decades.

The running of Strawberry Days 5K at 7 p.m. June 24 marks the start of the 32nd Twilight QUAD series, the oldest continuously run race series in the region and one of the largest. To date, more than 50,000 finishers have completed a QUAD event with more than 150 completing the four-race series annually.

Twilight QUAD was born in the days when 5K’s were considered beginners’ races or warm-ups for the popular 10K distance. Mark Courtney’s fledgling timing company, Runner’s High, had directed a successful Triple Crown 10K Series for a number of years. Although Courtney doubted that a 5K race series held during the week could ever succeed, the QUAD has outlived his Triple Crown.

Over the years, the QUAD series has consisted of different combinations of races. Fredonia Fireman’s 5K held on July 8 this year is one of the original QUAD races. The current schedule, the same since 2012, includes Strawberry Days, Fredonia Fireman’s 5K, Dam Race on July 29 and Courtney’s Ice Cream Race on Aug. 19.

Although unified under the QUAD umbrella, each race in the series has its own style and flavor. Strawberry Days features a strawberry-themed shirt and awards strawberry pies to overall top five male and female finishers. All participants are welcome to stay after the Fredonia Fireman’s 5K for the town’s Fireman’s Festival with food and carnival rides.

Dam Race in Sharpsville has a unique out-and-back course featuring a run across Shenango Dam Causeway. And for the final and largest QUAD race, the Ice Cream Race, Mark Courtney invites all participants to his backyard in Grove City for an ice cream feast.

Courtney is determined to give runners value with each QUAD race. All courses are USATF certified. Entry fees are $12 for each race with an optional $6 t-shirt. Kids age 11 and under may opt to run the half mile Kids’ QUAD race held at each QUAD event since 1998.

Courtney’s Runner’s High Timing Service debuted chip timing at a QUAD race in 2000. Each QUAD race now gives finishers split times for each mile of the race. And while race results used to take an hour and a half, post race scoring and awards are now typically finished in 45 minutes or less.

Those who participate in all four Twilight QUAD events, 5K or kids’ half mile, earn an additional award. Past QUAD commemoratives include beach towels, sweatshirts, camp chairs and yard flags. Mark Courtney doesn’t know what this year’s award will be since he leaves that choice to wife Debbie.

Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome to run one or all of the Twilight QUAD events. All of the courses are out-and-back and fairly level. Over the years, QUAD races have hosted running stars like Bill Rodgers, Malcolm East and more recently, Jed Christianson, and national records have been set at QUAD races.

Although runners may register on the day of the events, Mark Courtney advises preregistration. It avoids standing in long lines and insures that commemorative T-shirts will be available to those who want one.

It’s easy to sign up online or download a printable application at www.runhigh.com. For more information, visit the website, call 724-866-1374 or email smc@runhigh.com.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Run on the River 5K, 10K, 2K Family Fun and Pet Walk, Lower Burrell. The 10K starts at 9:15 a.m. for those who wish to complete both distances. 724-331-3569 or jhorvatic@hotmail.com

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Ohio Pyle Trail Run and Ride Festival, Ohio Pyle. Choice of 4, 7, 13.1 or 26.2 miles on trail. http://www.americanadventuresports.com/about/the-pyle-run-6-21-14-pg72.htm

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: 29th Annual Daily American 5K/10K Run/ Walk, Somerset. 814-444-5906 or www.10k.dailyamerican.com

Saturday, 7 p.m.: Twilight Fight to the Finish 5K, Jamestown. Starts at Pymatuning State Park Pavilion 3. 724-301-1749 or waterbug920@yahoo.com

June 17, 7 p.m.: Elite Runners Summer Outdoor Series 5K or 5 Mile Trail Run, Pittsburgh. Meet at Settler’s Cabin Park for trail run and refreshments. 412-490-0880 or nickw@eliterunners.com

June 20, 7 a.m.: Chinklacamoose Marathon and Ultra, Clearfield. Challenging 50K, half or full marathon for individuals or teams. 814-765-2629 or lwhippleccd@atlanticbbn.net

June 20, 8 a.m.: Spirit of Gettysburg 5K, Gettysburg. Run on the historic route of the first fay of the Battle of Gettysburg. 570-295-1888 or ahayes@ywcagettysburg.org

June 20, 8:30 a.m.: Greater Clarksburg 10K, Clarksburg, WV. 304-672-3637 or runwithhat@yahoo.com

June 20, 9 a.m.: Butch’s Bucket Brigade 5K, Worthington. 724-464-3420 or smechling64@yahoo.com

June 21, 7 a.m.: Peace Love Half Marathon and 5K Run, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Boat House. 866-933-6221 or bstroud@catholichospicepgh.org

June 21, 8:30 a.m.: Man Up Father’s Day 5K/10K, Pittsburgh. Run on Pittsburgh’s North Shore for Prostate Cancer Awareness. 724-328-0013 or obcolefoundation.org

June 21, 8:30 a.m.: ERC Father’s Day 5K and ½ Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park, Beach 1. 814-882-5362 or twigham@gmail.com

June 24, 7 p.m.: Elite Runners Summer Outdoor Series 5K/ 5 Mile Trail Run, Oakdale. Meet at Panhandle Trailhead. Post race pizza and beverages. 412-490-0881 or nickw@eliterunners.com

June 24, 7 p.m.: Strawberry Days 5K (QUAD 1), Grove City. First race in Mercer County Twilight QUAD series. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhigh.com

June 27, 6 a.m.: Hell Hath No Hurry Trail Runs, Settler’s Cabin Park, Pittsburgh. Choice of 50 miles, 50K, 30K, 10K run on consecutive 10K loops of challenging trails. Online registration at http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=31159 or peter_kozlowski@fastmail.fm

June 27, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race, Butler. Choice of 5 miles or 2K. 724-284-4676 or www.butlerroadrace.org

June 27, 9 a.m.: Chardonnay 5K, Mercer. Run at Cool Springs Fitness Center. 724-662-1910 or www.coolspringsfitness.com

June 27, 9 a.m.: Way Off Track 10K, Templeton. Run from Nautical Mile Campground on rail trail. 724-548-7485

July 1, 7 p.m.: Groundhog Jog 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Punxsutawney. Unique awards, part of Groundhog Festival. 814-938-1008 or punxsyaccenter@gmail.com

Race results

Grove City Sunset Sprint 5K, April 29: Ben Hoffman, 1st Overall M, 17:30; Sam Archibald, 2nd Overall M, 2nd Overall M, 19:03; Herb Cratty, 3rd Overall M, 19:19; Joscelyn Seaton, 1st Overall W, 23:41; Anna Giesmann, 2nd Overall W, 24:35; Jen Beachem, 3rd Overall W, 26:02; Ben Jones, 1st 14 & Under M, 19:43; Tim Monfre, 2nd 50-59 M, 20:16; Drew Risinger, 2nd 20-29 M, 21:23; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-49 M, 22:58; Jordan Coiro, 1st 15-19 M, 23:29; Devin Bergey, 3rd 20-29 M, 23:37; Jonathan Worobey, 2nd 15-19 M, 23:38; Cory Gibson, 2nd 30-39 M, 24:49; Will Hannon, 2nd 14 & Under M, 25:46; Steve Fisher, 3rd 30-39 M, 26:00; Ruth Finley, 1st 20-29W, 27:03; Joi Calia, 1st 15-19 W, 27:11; Katherine Baldwin, 3rd 15-19 W, 27:36; Joanna LeFevre, 2nd 20-29 W, 27:40; Bethany Nelms, 3rd 20-29 W, 27:52; Jansen Dudt, 3rd 14 & Under W, 27:57; Erin Hartle, 1st 30-39 W, 29:17; Lucy Hartle, 1st 14 & Under W, 31:27; Tawnya Combs, 3rd 30-39 W, 33:56; Gracie Hartle, 2nd 14 & Under W, 34:14; Lee Faulconbridge, 1st 50-59 W, 35:14; John Antinossi, 26:57; Caroline Dudt, 28:36; Hannah Wilson, 28:37; Matt Vavro, 32:16; Sarah Blizard, 33:19; Meghann Healey, 34:49; Kellee Faulconbridge, 35:13

Jumping for Java 5K, May 9: T J. Engel, 1st Overall M, 21:40; Alaina Hicks, 1st Overall W, 23:14; Natalie Heisey,, 3rd Overall W, 26:02; Caedon West, 1st 13 & Under M, 25:49; Jason Cherry, 3rd 30-39 M, 28:28; Alexandra Gongas, 1st 13 & Under W, 28:30; Valerie McClymonds, 1st 3-39 W, 30:04; Mick Clifford, 1st 60+ M, 30:53; Leah Kletzli, 1st 20-29 W, 31:17; Takoda Bennett, 1st 14-19 M, 32:48; Alyssa Voland, 1st 14-19 W, 33:02; Cara Colucci, 2nd 20-29 W, 33:16; Emily Feighner, 3rd 20-29 W, 33:26; Kendall Spaugh, 1st 20-29 M, 33:27; Benjamin Jezovnik, 2nd 60+ M, 33:28; Johnny Patrus, 3rd 60+ M, 34:17; Alicia Wilson, 3rd 50-59 W, 36:47; Kelsey Dillon, 2nd 13 & Under W, 42:04; Katie Wethli, 2nd 14-19 W, 42:04; Amy Nestor, 2nd 40-49 W, 43:37; Jason Shuck, 29:48; David Voland, 31:30; Timothy Wilson, 32:53; Phil Colucci, 33:18; Sarah Cobern, 43:15; Jenna Rape, 57:22; Kaylee Lake, 1:06:11; Tommy Lake, 1:06:11

Glacier Ridge Trail Ultra 30K, May 9: Matt Lipsey, 1st Overall M, 2:22:06; Danielle Cerroni, 1st Overall W, 3:18:49; Heather Healy, 2nd Overall W, 3:39:36; Matthew Sudak, 3:13:57; Mark Casteel, 3:35:36; John Alexander, 3:39:17; Jim Carr, 3:39:37; Jeff Lynn, 3:45:20; Susan Moury, 4:09:01; Karen Lyle, 4:09:01; Connie Hoffer, 4:09:23; Jim Gemperlein, 4:09:50; Bob Markovich, 4:14:18; Dirk Shakely, 4:21:51; Robyn Stewart, 4:24:00; Dan Tack, 4:24:19; John DiLeo, 4:36:26; David Bowser, 4:38:05; Rick Becker, 4:48:09; Victor Vouga, 4:53:20; Nancy Bilger, 4:57:34; Jen Beachem, 5:11:54; Mindy Bish, 5:12:14; Robin Lawson, 5:13:50; Barbara McCandless, 5:17:32; Eric McCandless, 5:17:34; Julia Murray, 5:18:08; Judi Caringola, 5:20:08; Jason Kriek, 5:24:32; Chelsey Giardina, 5:24:46; Clint Hartle, 5:45:18; Duane Flowers, 5:53:41; Robert Crawford, 6:08:59

Glacier Ridge Trail Ultra 50K, May 9: Brian Frank, 1st Overall M, 4:41:44; Johanna Ohm, 1st Overall W, 6:07:45; Murray Hofmeister, 8:02:48; Neilly Buckalew, 8:40:41; Tim Ferrell. 8:40:41; Kara Plant, 8:40:44

Glacier Ridge Trail Ultra 50 Miles, May 9: Gary Twoey, 9:02:32; Brian Buchan, 3rd Overall M, 9:50:27; Melissa Goodman, 1st Overall W, 10:05:51; Tammy McGaughey, 3rd Overall W, 10:59:19; Michal Kawecki, 10:52:06; Tess Osborne, 11:11:09; Ryanne Palermo, 12:11:45

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle