Start with a willing group of volunteers.

Give them a personal stake in an event's success.

Add some experience, and you've got a recipe for a successful race.

The Mars Band Boosters will conduct the second annual Mars Band on the Run 5K at 9 a.m. Saturday. The event raises money to provide auxiliary services for band members.

Band on the Run 5K begins and ends at Mars High and runs along rural roads in Adams Township. The course is certified by USATF. While the course is scenic, it consists of "rolling hills" and isn't easy.

Because this is a USATF sanctioned event, no pets, strollers or inline skates are allowed on the course.

Band on the Run has added chip timing for this year's event to ensure accurate finishing times for the more than 400 runners expected to participate.

Race director and band booster Mary Morgan said she already has more preregistrations than the total of 222 finishers in last year's inaugural event.

Although Morgan has been running since 2006 and has volunteered at many running events, Band on the Run 5K is her first race directorship. She credits her corps of volunteers from the band boosters for the success of the event.

Morgan's two children, Daniel and Grace, members of the Mars Marching Band, will be among the volunteers for Saturday's race. Members of the marching band will entertain along the course and at the finish area.

Post race festivities take place in the school cafeteria. There will be plenty of food, drinks and prizes for everyone.

It's not too late to register for Mars Band on the Run 5K, You can register or pick up your packet Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Up-N-Running Specialty Running Store in Valencia or register at Mars High from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on race day

Commemorative shirts are not guaranteed to late registrants.

For information, visit www.marsband5k.com or call Mary Morgan at 724-816-6719.

It's quality that counts

It's an unusual day for a race, but the Quality Life Cup Series kicks off its second season with a 5K race at Trinity Living Center in Grove City at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The series raises money for the Dream a Little Dream program, which fulfills the wishes of residents of area long-term care facilities.

Each of the monthly races offers cash awards to overall, masters and age-group winners. Participants completing five of the six events vie for the Quality Life Cup, which is presented to the fastest man and woman.

All participants are welcome to attend a cookout after the race.

For information call race director Mike Lysakowski at 724-431-0770, Ext. 2104, or e-mail him at MikeL@QualityLifeServices.com.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Race-A-Palooza, Lower Burrell. Choice of half marathon or 5K. 724-335-9191 or alasure@vpfymca.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Jaxson's Jog 10K and 5K Run, and 1-Mile Walk, North Park. 412-225-2310 or www.jaxsonsjog.com

May 28, 7:30 p.m.: Ogden Mile, Wheeling, W.Va. Called the "fastest mile in America." 304-233-0100, ext. 317 or www.ogden20k.com

May 29, 7:30 a.m.: Ogden Newspapers 20K and 5K Run and Walk, Wheeling, W.Va. Relay 20K starts at 8, 5K at 8:15. 304-233-0100, ext. 317 or www.ogden20k.com

May 30, 1:30 p.m. Twin Boro 5K, Oakmont. Runs through Oakmont and Verona. 412-826-1452 or palmoast@gmail.com

May 31, 8 a.m.: Human Race, Meadville. 814-373-2618 or www.ernsttrail.org

May 31, 8:50 a.m.: Mercer 5K Freedom Fun Run, Mercer. Past and present military personnel run for free. 724-699-4589 or pizzajoes@hotmail.com

June 5, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5K Run-Walk, Freeport. Held on scenic Butler-Freeport Community Trail. www.freeportcrosscountry.com

June 5, 1 p.m.: Buffalo Stampede, Freeport. Choice of 5 miles, 14.5 miles or 19.4 miles on rugged trails. 814-397-4316 or doug@americanadventuresports.com

Race results

Pittsburgh Half Marathon, May 2: Ryan Sheehan, 1st Overall M, 1:05:13; Kristin Price, 1st Overall W, 1:17:36; Jerry Maher, 3rd 40-44 M, 1:21:56; Lindsey Snyder, 3rd 25-29 W, 1:26:21; Heather Melzer, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:33:09; Hannah Cliff, 2nd 19 and under W, 1:37:02; Margretta Lutz, 1st 70 and over W, 2:42:19; Marie Knass, 2nd 70 and over W, 3:50:27Tom Stuart, 1:23:48; Michael Smocer, 1:28:20; Jared Steinmetz, 1:31:16; Dean Rippee, 1:33:20; Jennifer Antal, 1:35:59; Bridget Kachel, 1:36:03; James Wrubel, 1:36:55; Chris Ludwig, 1:37:00; Michael Finikiotis, 1:37:09; Stephen Salvatore, 1:37:55; Michael Koppler, 1:38:22; Christine Lazzara, 1:38:49; Chris Tully, 1:39:52; David Jacobs, 1:40:30; Kristin Kelly, 1:40:56; David Bowser, 1:41:41; Luke Eckley, 1:41:59; Michelle Kochan, 1:42:00; Brandon Littell, 1:42:19; Heather Healy, 1:42:33; Michael Covert, 1:42:34; Winston Shaulis, 1:42:38; Joshua Kim, 1:42:49; Joe Schmidt, 1:43:31; Sherry Zier, 1:44:33; Grant Coffield, 1:44:49; Kelly Coffield, 1:44:50; Kristen Suvick, 1:44:53; Mark King, 1:44:57; Tom Sieg, 1:45:01; Carol Powers, 1:45:19; Ryan Kennis, 1:46:19Greg Hardin, 1:46:30; Scott Ortsey, 1:47:15; Rob Waltrup, 1:48:09; Robert Todd, 1:48:15; Joseph Bellissimo, 1:48:19; Thomas Evans, 1:48:34; Nancy Blez, 1:48:40; David Adams, 1:48:41; Mateo Herrera, 1:49:26; James Brucker, 1:49:28; Mark Breedlove, 1:49:39; Mike Suvick, 1:49:43; Bill Flynn, 1:49:51; Jennifer Zangardi, 1:50:04; Don Amadee, 1:50:16; Lynn Erdos, 1:50:26; Grace Saluga, 1:50:45; Carleen Burns, 1:50:57; Thereas Cardone, 1:51:21; Amanda Johns, 1:51:29; Michael Schrock, 1:51:40; Ryan Herrie, 1:51:50; Danielle Mrdjenovich, 1:52:12; Angela Marchiori, 1:51:57; Robert Stevens, 1:52:18; Michael Dittman, 1:52:59; Matthew Clark, 1:53:18; Bill May, 1:54:21; James Druschel, 1:54:22; Anna Vioral, 1:54:35; Brian Kagrenko, 1:54:35; Kevin Snigley, 1:54:44Barry Mittermeier, 1:54:52; Maggie Guerrieri, 1:54:59; Michele Bamburek, 1:55:01; Charles Oshurak, 1:55:21; Tracy Smith, 1:55:34; Stacy Juchno, 1:55:36; John Ristey, 1:55:47; Ronald Vioral, 1:56:06; Amanda Book, 1:56:06; Robert Lozowski, 1:56:22; Michael Cratty, 1:57:01; Kenneth Fredericks, 1:57:04; Mike McCullough, 1:57:05; Steve Smith, 1:57:06; Jim Healy, 1:57:14; John Lucey, 1:57:14; Geoffrey Bebb, 1:57:17; Kemper May, 1:57:17; Jim Clark, 1:57:28; Joel Riley, 1:57:50; Corey Camer, 1:57:50; Chris Robbins, 1:57:55; Amy Scott, 1:57:58; Nancijo Pruce, 1:58:07; April Tuza, 1:58:09; Joe Tuza, 1:58:10; Joshua Black, 1:58:13Mary Grisnik, 1:58:26; George Hickman, 1:58:28; Keith Frosch, 1:58:28; Anne Conn, 1:58:35; Nathan Shepp, 1:58:40; David White, 1:58:44; Don Accamando, 1:58:57; Chris Turner, 1:59:01; Denise Cervenyak, 1:59:02; Albert Graham, 1:59:20; Bradley Kehm, 1:59:47; Michael Gibbons, 2:00:09; Carrie Beblo, 2:00:25; Veronica Keenan, 2:00:43; Cheryl Fox, 2:00:44; Marilyn Larocca, 2:00:44; Carleen Latess, 2:00:45; Pamela Taylor, 2:00:49; Lee Kriebel, 2:00:52; Ingliese Rasmussen, 2:01:11; Esther Winne, 2:01:14; William Atkinson, 2:01:31; Vickie Jeremko, 2:01:35; Stephen Hart, 2:01:49; Mary Patrick, 2:01:51; Joseph Woodall, 2:02:06; Jason Chappell, 2:02:16; Tami Kennedy, 2:02:40; Pamela Kristoff, 2:02:50Colleen McCloskey, 2:02:48; Ed Kush, 2:03:01; Thomas Murray, 2:03:15; Bill Dolan, 2:03:21; Tony Pietfcollo, 2:03:22; Jill Courville, 2:03:33; Britney Day, 2:03:54; John Choma, 2:03:59; Lacey Cochran, 2:04:10; Melissa Mahood, 2:04:12; Kristin Krause, 2:04:16; Paul Omasits, 2:04:19; Lauren McAndrews, 2:04:34; B. Prigg, 2:04:35; Don Saluga, 2:04:38; Jaime Yagusic, 2:04:49; Giovanna Szelong, 2:04:51; Christine Murray, 2:04:57; Amy Amadee, 2:04:58; Ryan Patrick, 2:05:05; Lindsay Austin, 2:05:13; Terry Fuller, 2:05:21; Neil Gregorio, 2:05:28; David Lewis, 2:05:33; Julie Codispot, 2:05:35; Adam Coone, 2:05:45; Bob Miller, 2:05:57; Dianne Brooks, 2:06:05; J.J. Hensley, 2:06:06; Sharon Millea, 2:06:06; Jeff McGill, 2:06:07; Jen Beachem, 2:06:10; David Schutt, 2:06:21Courtney Callas, 2:06:34; Wayne Toy, 2:06:41; Sarah Matusek, 2:06:46; Michelle Metz-Foley, 2:06:51; Heather Esham, 2:06:53; Michelle Sullivan, 2:06:55; Michael Sullivan, 2:06:56; Debbie Gallagher, 2:06:57; Michele Acker, 2:07:06; Rachel Rosenuasser, 2:07:15; Jenna Wilcox, 2:07:25; Timothy Ellis, 2:07:56; Kathie Blinn, 2:07:57; Nikki Nolan, 2:08:04; Mike Zatchey, 2:08:05; Maria Davis, 2:08:25; James Nickel, 2:08:31; Susan Gentile, 2:08:37; Daniel Telech, 2:08:40; Angela Boyer, 2:08:45; Lisa Wolf, 2:08:56; Neil Strosnider, 2:08:59; James Reed, 2:09:13; Susan Tirch, 2:09:20; John Scungio, 2:09:20; Jeff Bogaczyk, 2:09:23; Ralph Passarelli, 2:09:23; Michael Coyne, 2:09:29; Valerie Jordan, 2:09:29; Courtney Rovnan, 2:09:30; Veronica Jeremko, 2:09:31; Gregory Walton, 2:09:51; Robert Mowry, 2:09:51; Jeffrey Rapp, 2:10:52; Liz Frye, 2:09:59; Jonathan Cornely, 2:11:03; Holly Dupill, 2:11:06; Jocelyn Kimmel, 2:11:13; Katrina Smith, 2:11:15; Heidi Vandrak, 2:11:33; Leah Rapp, 2:12:21Heather Oros, 2:12:36; Emily Stumpf, 2:12:42; Elizabeth Heid, 2:12:50; Christopher Belt, 2:12:59; Brian Kirkpatrick, 2:13:08; William Fazenbaker, 2:13:12; Jonathan Frick, 2:13:34; Nicole Voll, 2:14:36; Neal Jennings, 2:13:42; Janine Dillon, 2:13:45; Scott Baker, 2:13:48; Maria Mager, 2:13:59; Renee Yost, 2:14:03; Viji Shankar, 2:14:13; Emily Ostlund, 2:14:25; Clifford Franklin, 2:14:19; Megan Spear, 2:14:43; Monica Kemper, 2:14:52; Mike Hueko, 2:15:10; Erica Lesko, 2:15:10; Corey Veltum, 2:15:16; Patty Zangami, 2:15:20; Thomas Kennedy, 2:15:22Linda Ankney, 2:15:26; Jill Moreman, 2:15:57; Ann Cheman, 2:16:00; Maria Foster, 2:16:08; Jennifer Do, 2:16:09; Amanda Schneck, 2:16:09; Dana Maxzon, 2:16:13; Aubrie Reedy, 2:16:14; Monica Thompson, 2:16:20; Paty Long, 2:16:20; Todd Krause, 2:16:28; Pamela Black, 2:16:34; Melissa Hanlon, 2:16:34; Nichol Dawson, 2:16:40; Laura Wise, 2:16:49; Brian Stuart, 2:16:51; Bob Andrews, 2:16:53; Lyndsey Smith, 2:17:09; Lisa George, 2:17:12; Linda Ryan, 2:17:12; Robin Rishel, 2:17:26; Christine Passarelli, 2:17:43; Peter Hyde, 2:17:44; Mark Benvenuto, 2:17:55; Dawn Cancilla, 2:18:00; Edward Imhof, 2:18:03; Jessica McKnight, 2:18:05; Debby Siedt, 2:18:06; Kathy Pasquinelli, 2:18:14; Kenneth Krause, 2:18:22; Tanya Krause, 2:18:23; Mary Whitman, 2:18:32; Rachel Frederick, 2:18:34; Katie Kukieza, 2:18:35; Christian Lockette, 2:18:44; Carol Chartier, 2:18:52; Amy Yurocko, 2:19:06; Amanda Gannon, 2:19:28; Deborah Anderson, 2:19:31Irene Katres, 2:19:31; Gary Golebiewski, 2:19:34; Nate Soriano, 2:19:38; James Zingaro, 2:19:38; Barbara Schweitzer, 2:19:47; Allyson Wood, 2:19:50; Renee Watson, 2:20:00; Jake Duke, 2:20:08; Alexis Stave, 2:20:21; James Black, 2:20:22; Kristopher Proctor, 2:20:24; James Frick, 2:20:24; Stephanie Reese, 2:20:33; Abby Clark, 2:20:45; Jason Snyder, 2:20:47; Kim Bettencourt, 2:20:48; Lauren Wagner, 2:20:51; D. Craig Russell III, 2:20:53; Brenda Maxwell, 2:21:31; Becky Smith, 2:21:34; Jennifer Cranston, 2:21:35; Thomas McClure, 2:22:22; Zoe Miller, 2:22:23; Valerie Wolenter, 2:22:26; Marcy Somora, 2:22:32; James Rolfe, 2:23:01; Shannon Zolkowski, 2:23:22; Andy McIntyre, 2:23:22; Andrea DeFabbo, 2:23:22; Alecia Flood, 2:23:23; Suzanne Platt, 2:23:29; Christine McMeekin, 2:23:41; Jennifer Stepp, 2:23:52Dawn Brahler, 2:23:59; Jennifer Shults, 2:24:00; Sherree May, 2:24:00; John Hoffman, Jr., 2:24:07; Louis Yossa, 2:24:19; Beth Skinner, 2:24:21; Jolene Peterson, 2:24:34; Kathy Proch, 2:24:43; Lisa Moss, 2:24:48; Lia Noel, 2:24:53; Nicole Lewis, 2:25:00; Nathan Neelan, 2:25:19; Jonathan Kuciak, 2:25:27; Robert Fowler, 2:25:30; David Hildebrand, 2:25:35; Amy Cooper, 2:25:53; Leighann Starkey, 2:26:03; Aubrie Reed, 2:26:14; Kelly Garbett, 2:26:22; Robert Tribbey, 2:27:35; Daena Dibucci, 2:26:42; Christian Ola, 2:27:49; Rebecca Gannon, 2:28:04; Jeanne Iasella, 2:28:12; Jessica Hamilton, 2:28:17; Richard Waltemire, 2:28:32; Diana Climo, 2:28:59Shelly Perko, 2:29:23; Bruce Fallecker, 2:29:27; Emily Neff, 2:30:04; Alexis Colonello, 2:30:18; Sherryl Lisco, 2:30:28; Jenny Brown, 2:30:57; Martha Crummy, 2:31:06; Patience Calender, 2:31:12; Stacie Brethauer, 2:31:13; Lisa May, 2:31:33; Amanda Szenyeri, 2:31:42; Rob Szenyeri, 2:31:42; Buddy Turner, 2:31:52; Paul Berry, 2:32:04; Brian Congaware, 2:32:18; Beth Ellis, 2:32:27; Amy Barkus, 2:32:28; Shauna Zulkowski, 2:32:46; Jamie Bandzak, 2:32:46; Jamie Welsh, 2:33:52; Mike Snell, 2:34:46; William Dundore, 2:34:59; Joshua Hindman, 2:35:00; Jennifer Hindman, 2:35:01; Lara Essey, 2:35:02; Brooke Warren, 2:35:25; Stefanie Lozito, 2:36:07; Tracy Caruso, 2:36:06; Rachael Markovitch, 2:36:32; Jessica Barnes, 2:36:53; Alexis Gaggini, 2:36:57; Ben Houston, 2:37:07; Christine Bellich, 2:37:29; Sherrie Mazurek, 2:37:57; Gisica Abdallah, 2:38:57; Amber York, 2:39:02; Ann Boland, 2:39:20; John Nicotra, 2:39:21; Daniel Sawyer, 2:39:21Susan Piotrowski, 2:39:37; Molly Mulcahy, 2:39:43; Elizabeth Sensenstein, 2:39:46; Barb Spreng-Volek, 2:39:48; Charles Maxwell, 2:40:16; James Rall, 2:41:02; Desiree Atkinson, 2:41:17; Carey Holden, 2:41:20; Kathryn Check, 2:41:25; Nancy McCaskey, 2:41:49; Tina Barnhart, 2:41:52; Marcia Semple, 2:42:18; Ryan Romeo, 2:43:12; Sarah Anthony, 2:43:35; Daniel Herold, 2:43:35; Amber Melo, 2:43:37; Al Lane, 2:43:43; Randon Simmons, 2:44:38; Laura Augustine, 2:44:46; Susan Tassey, 2:44:56; Lisa Kocsis, 2:44:59; Rachel Rutkowski, 2:46:03; Matthew Klabnik, 2:46:07; Leigh Ann Datt, 2:46:58; Nancy Zurzola, 2:48:11; Dana Hogue, 2:48:18; Annie Nelson, 2:48:22; Rebecca Baker, 2:48:24; Carrie Ortsey, 2:49:07; Kristin Van Pelt, 2:50:02; Alison Mirasola, 2:50:16; James Hirasola, 2:50:17; Amgie Trowbridge, 2:51:19; Crystal Horan, 2:54:19; Donald Olmstead, 2:54:33; Erica Bankowski, 3:02:34; Patricia Belliia, 3:03:58; Renee McElheny, 3:04:01; Julia Nesbitt, 3:04:01; Brenda Ealy, 3:04:29; Valerie Dryden, 3:05:03Molly Boswell, 3:06:19; Nicholas Comack, 3:07:15; Susan Prebula, 3:09:22; George Frontz, 3:09:37; Lauren Brunner, 3:10:16; Wendy Reuter, 3:11:37; Theresa McCarthy, 3:19:31; Kelly Cox, 3:21:30; Shawna Visnosky, 3:21:48; Craig Moss, 3:23:28; Mary Newman, 3:24:13; Ann Curley, 3:24:57; Lisa Vulkovich, 3:25:01; Steve Moore, 3:25:37; Dana Moore, 3:25:39; Emily Graham, 3:27:49; Lisa Schuring, 3:28:53; Lindsey Jewart, 3:28:55; William Graham, 3:30:36; Laura Watson, 3:31:21; Kenneth Ebbert, 3:31:22Jamie Gramz, 3:34:27; Gina Gramz, 3:34:27; James Beck, 3:37:38; Mimi Wilson, 3:40:53; Janet Voll, 3:41:07; Michael Helbling, 3:42:08; Pati Healy, 3:45:27; Deborah Grant, 3:45:31; Philip Johnson, 3:45:37; Rita Lane, 3:46:31; Eleanor Stupak, 3:46:58; Theresa DiPaola, 3:50:08; Kristy Thalman, 3:55:00; Colleen Coleman, 4:01:30; Heidi Diaz, 4:01:40; Michele Newton, 4:02:36; Jeni Loeffler, 4:04:42; Blanche Jackson, 4:06:34; Mandy Howison, 4:10:06; David Jackson, 4:06:35; Mary Huffman, 4:10:05; John Grajcar, 4:24:16; Ryan Smith, 4:34:56Send comments and suggestions to 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg PA 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail: lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.