This country sets aside one day each year to thank and honor veterans for their military service — Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

But this Sunday, runners can thank those currently dedicating their lives to the protection of our freedom and safety by running a unique race.

Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5K in Allison Park raises money to send morale-building care packages to troops serving the United States throughout the world.

Care package are based on individual and unit wish lists and can include international phone cards, DVDs and CDs, books, games and snack items.

Race director Alice McLaughlin expects more than 300 participants for this year's fourth-annual benefit race through Hampton Community Park. She has encouraged students and families from St. Mary's School in Glenshaw, where she serves as cross country coach, to enter the race for fun and fitness.

"It's a great community event," McLaughlin says. "Everybody benefits."

The race is held within the boundaries of Hampton Park, minimizing traffic during the race. The course, which begins and ends at the park's Alcoa Pavilion, is described as rolling with one major hill in the middle.

Runners and walkers will be treated to entertainment along the course. The run begins with an ROTC honor guard and the singing of the national anthem. The barbershop quartet Three Rivers Four will sing and bagpiper Charles Gleddich, completely outfitted in kilt and tall hat, will play what McLaughlin describes as "stirring" music.

In keeping with the spirit of Veterans Day, two student orators from St. Mary's School will recite Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address.

All participants will want to stay for a post race all-American buffet. The feed features hot dogs and apple pie, along with the more traditional runners fare of fruit and bagels. Drinks include water, coffee and hot cocoa.

Runners and walkers, fast and slow, are welcome at Operation Troop Appreciation 5K. Last year's winners, Doug Basinski and Heather Melzer, finished in 17:22 and 19:14 respectively. The event also welcomes recreational runners and walkers. Friendly dogs on leashes can walk in the back of the pack with their owners.

Participants event can contribute items to fill Operation Troop Appreciation's wish list. Items previously mentioned will be accepted. You also can find out about hosting an Operation Troop Appreciation item drive at your school, church or business.

Day-of-event registration for Operation Troop Appreciation 5K opens at 7 a.m. for the 8:30 a.m. start. Get there early to get a T-shirt and goodie bag.

For information, call McLaughlin at 412-486-6999, email Gerardmac977@aol.com or visit www.operationtroopappreciation.org

Upcoming Events

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Gomer Davis Pumpkin Chase, Wilmerding. 412-823-9000 or skalinoski@ymcapgh.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Armstrong County YMCA Fall Classic 5K-10K, Kittanning. 724-545-9622 or k_knepshield@yahoo.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Pittsylvania XC Challenge, Pittsburgh. Cross country run through Frick Park with 2K distance for ages 11 and under, 4K for ages 12 to 15, 6K for ages 16 and older. 412-885-2537

Nov. 15, 9 a.m.: Fight for Life 5k Run-Walk, Apollo. 724-568-2517 or dzukas@cancer.org

Nov. 15, 9 a.m.: Hofacre 5K Run-Walk, Moon Township. 412-397-3426 or clarkj@rmu.edu

Nov. 19, 6:45 p.m.: Run the Lights, Hartwood Acres. Fun run through Festival of Lights. Strollers welcome but no dogs or bicycles. runthelights@verizon.net

Nov. 27, 9 a.m.: Gobbler's Gallop, Ellwood City. Choice of 10K at 9 a.m. or 5k at 10 a.m. Also 5K non-competitive walk anytime. 724-758-6227

Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m.: Gobble Wobble, Hermitage. Run through Buhl Park. gobblewobble@yahoo.com

Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m.: Latrobe Turkey Trot 5K, Latrobe. 724-537-4331 or jeannelpremsn.com

Race results

Cochranton Area Greenways Nickel Plate 5K, Sept. 27: Dan Dygert, 1st Overall M, 18:45; David Stougr, 2nd Overall M, 19:48; Don Brockett, 3rd Overall M, 19:55; Heather Papinchak, 1st Overall W, 21:39; Leslie Woolstrum, 2nd Overall W, 25:19; Lindy McCartney, 3rd Overall W, 25:49; Jim Bell, 1st Overall Walker M, 36:06; Lynn Laver, 1st Overall Walker W, 37:24; Donna Laver, 2nd Overall Walker W, 37:39; Kathy Johnston-Lawhead, 3rd Overall Walker W, 40:36; Robert Dallas, 2nd Overall Walker M, 45:26; Ron Hoffman, 3rd Overall Walker M, 53:30; Kristopher Kocan, 1st 30-39 M, 20:08; Tim Dunn, 2nd 30-39 M, 20:18; Mick Quen, 3rd 30-39 M, 24:25; Rod Brest, 1st 60 and over M, 24:41; Laurie Whitney, 1st 40-49 W, 27:51; Rebecca Maynard, 1st 30-39 W, 28:55; Dana Hogue, 1st 40-49 M, 29:15; Michelle Jackson, 2nd 40-49 W, 29:29; Cindy Mason, 3rd 40-49 W, 31:11; Sandy Howick, 1st 50-59 W, 49:41; Chris Peterson, 2nd 50-59 W, 49:42; Laurie Schrechengost, 3rd 50-59 W, 50:08; Elizabeth Ford, 1st 70 and over W, 53:51

Good Samaritan Hospice 5K, Sept. 28: Matt Drohan, 1st Overall M, 20:37; Michael Fiorina, 3rd Overall M, 22:03; Kristy Brown, 1st Overall W, 24:55; Chuck Moody, 24:26; David Drane, 24:52; Peter Heil, 27:30; Jason Kelley, 28:34; Dana Hogue, 28:34; Pamela Heil, 29:26; Eric Douchess, 32:37; Caulen Heil, 34:46; Wendy Zavasky, 40:57; Rob Amend, 41:58; Amy Amend, 41:59; Mike Radella, 42:45; Shirley Reinard, 43:14; Lammy Reinard, 43:16; Carson Heil, 43:57; Nathan Zavasky, 43:58; Elaine Gabal, 44:57; Anzie Kelley, 47:56; Grant Gabal, 47:56; Lora Drane, 48:03; Ronald Cavasky, 52:32; Derick Cavasky, 52:32; Carol Shoenig, 53:54; Katie Brose, 54:57; Mary Kusluch, 55:02; Kathy Kusluch, 55:03; Jaclyn Kusluch, 55:04; Lori Kusluch, 55:05Joshua Hartman, 58:58; Nicole Hartman, 59:02; Michelle Hartman, 59:03; Kelly Onofer, 59:19; Bernadette Shipeck, 1:02:55; Frank Shipeck, 1:02:56; Mary Jane Dimond, 1:05:00; Barbara Thomas, 1:05:00

Birdsfoot 5K, Oct. 3: Tyler Luke, 1st Overall M, 24:16; Amy Formica, 1st Overall W, 24:27; Wendy Recio, 2nd Overall W, 25:33; Daniel Lowe, 3rd Overall M, 28:04; Margretta Lutz, 3rd Overall W, 32:33; Beck Blair, 1st 10 and under M, 57:45; Kathy Blair, 1st 60 and over W, 57:55; Jonny Hardt, 1st 20-29 M, 57:58; Michelle Lindsay, 1st 20-29 W, 58:10

Birdsfoot 10K, Oct. 3: Dorothy Moxie, 1st Overall W, 58:24; Tom Parenti, 1st Overall M, 59:51; Patricia Neubert, 2nd Overall W, 1:00:35; Sam Anderson, 2nd Overall M, 1:16:56

Elderton 5K, Oct. 3: Doug Craft, 1st Overall M, 18:00; Brian Forester, 2nd Overall M, 18:07; Rich Makin, 3rd Overall M, 18:43; Mary Jean Bujdos, 1st Overall W, 19:10; Connor Gossett, 1st 11-15 M, 21:19; Hunter Baxter, 1st 10 and under M, 24:25; John Baxter, 2nd 30-39 M, 24:26; Brooke Zukowski, 1st 10 and under W, 51:17; Kelly Livermore, 1st 40-49 W, 53:06; Shawna Zukowski, 33:06Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail: bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.