Get your racing shoes on and your helping hand out. Two runs this week benefit young and old.

Saturday’s 4th Annual Mars Band on the Run 5K benefits Mars Area Band Boosters and raises money to provide auxiliary services to the Mars Middle School and High School band program. This includes paying for instructors, purchasing musical arrangements, repairing instruments and repairing the truck that hauls equipment to the band’s performances.

Mars band members and their parents have worked hard to make this event a success and enjoyable for all participants. Although many booster members perform behind the scenes, the band will be a visible and audible presence throughout the race.

The Mars Pep Band will play the national anthem at the start and play for runners at mile three of the race. An alumni pep band, Middle School Jazz Band and a student rock band, Ozone Itch, will also play along the course. The University of Pittsburgh Pep Band will also be featured guests at the event.

Music along the course is just one thing that sets Band on the Run 5K apart from other local races. The race offers a challenging and scenic course, individual and team competition, chip timing and, as the race brochure advertises, an “Out of This World” post race party with refreshments, music and plenty of random drawing prizes.

Race director and veteran marathon runner Mary Morgan says that from the beginning, the organization set out to conduct a quality event that would build each year. This year’s registrations have already surpassed last year’s attendance. More than 500 have preregistered with many more expected by race day.

Since the race has grown so large, runners will be seeded according to anticipated finish time. Runners who expect to finish in 22 minutes or less will start in the front with slower runners next. For safety, kids 14 years old and younger will line up in the back of the pack, followed by walkers.

While kids are welcome to run the 5K, kids age 11 and under may opt for a 1 kilometer fun run instead. Unlike the 5K, the kids 1K course is level and entirely within the grounds of the Mars High School campus.

It’s not too late to register for Mars Band on the Run 5K, Saturday at 9 a.m. Runners may register at packet pick-up on Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Up-N-Running in Valencia or on race day at Mars High School.

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

While Mars Band on the Run helps young people, another area race series benefits those at the other end of the age spectrum. Don’t Stop Running 5K Race Series benefits residents of the skilled and personal care facilities of Quality Life Services of Butler.

Quality Life Services 5K series races fund the Don’t Stop Dreamin’ program. This program enhances the lives of residents by granting wishes such as a helicopter ride, Van Halen concert or trip to the casino in Pittsburgh, to name a few. Typically two or three wishes are granted each month.

The first event in the five-race series, held this Tuesday at 7 p.m., offers a fairly flat run from Trinity Living Center in Grove City. Race director Tabitha Kupec says that this is the easiest of the five races and the most well attended with approximately 90 participants expected based on previous years’ attendance.

All of the Quality Life Series races offer cash prizes to top three male and female finishers and a free meal to all participants. The post race party with residents of the facilities includes music and random drawing prizes.

Quality Life Services Series offers benefits not included at single events. Each race offers its own commemorative item beginning with t-shirts at Trinity Living Center 5K. Other races in the series offer caps, water bottles, bags and travel mugs. Runners who complete four of the five series races compete for top male and female series awards and additional prizes.

You may register for Trinity Living Center 5K on race day until 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. start. For more information, visit www.5k.qualitylifeservices.com or call Tabitha Kupec, 724-443-0770, ext. 2139. For more information about the Don’t Stop Dreamin’ program, visit www.DontStopDreamin.com.

Upcoming eventsSaturday, 8 a.m.: Ohio Valley Hospital 5K, Kennedy Township. Post race banquet of food. 412-777-6313 or nsuehr@ohiovalleyhospital.orgSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Your choice of mileage, post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSaturday, 9 a.m.: Mars Band on the Run 5K, Mars. Benefits Mars Area Band Boosters. www.marsband5k.comSaturday, 9 a.m.: Spartansburg Elementary PTA 5K, Spartansburg. Run on East Branch Rail Trail. 814-663-0662 or kepayer@gmail.comSunday: Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5k and Kids Run, Cleveland, OH. Running and walking events on a flat, fast course. www.clevelandmarathon.comMay 22, 7 p.m.: Quality Life Services 5K, Grove City. First in five-race series. 724-431-0770, ext. 2139 or tkupec@qualitylifeservices.comMay 25, 7 p.m. Fryburg Mayfest 5K, Fryburg. 814-354-2288 or fryburgmayfest@gmail.comMay 25, 9 a.m.: Run for Shelter, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park Beach 1. 814-459-8381 or rgodzwa@neo.rr.comMay 26, 9:30 a.m.: New Castle Arts Festival 5K, New Castle. Tj.burke176@gmail.comMay 27, 9 a.m.: Dahoga Dash 5K, Wilcox. 814-965-5482 or randylindberg@hotmail.comMay 28, 8 a.m.: Boalsburg Memorial Day Run, Boalsburg. Run 3.8 miles through downtown. 814-238-8162May 28, 8:50 a.m.: Mercer 5K Freedom Fun Run, Mercer. Military personnel past and present run for free. 724-699-4589 or pizzajoes@hotmail.comJune 2, 9 a.m.: A Dam Good Race 5K, Shenango Dam, Hermitage. 724-730-1437 or fpm.colucci@gmail.comJune 2, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5K, Sarver. Same course as 2011. 724-353-1945June 2, 11 a.m.: Punxsy Phil Fighters 5K Run/ 1 Mile Walk, Punxsutawney. 814-938-0495 or kellyferrent@yahoo.comJune 2, Noon: Buffalo Stampede Trail Race, Freeport. Coice of 4.5, 14.5 or 20 miles of rugged trail followed by barbeque dinner. 814-397-4316 or americanadventuresports.comJune 3, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5K, Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. 412-422-6546 or jon.coyne@pittsburghpa.govJune 9, 10 a.m.: Friends of Buhl Park 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk, Hermitage. 724-456-2373June 12, 7 p.m.: Quality Life Services 5K, Sarver. Starts at Fair Winds Manor. 724-431-0770, ext. 2139 or tkupec@qualitylifeservices.comJune 16, 9 a.m.: Dayspring Harvest Ministries 5K Race and 2 Mile Fun Walk, Ellwood City. 724-752-1600June 23, 9 a.m.: 37th Annual Butler Road Race 5 Mile Run/ 2KRun & Health Walk, Butler. Butlerroadrace.org

Race resultsDick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, May 6: James Kirwa, 1st Overall M, 2:14:09; Malika Mejdoub, 1st Overall W, 2:39:31; Kenneth Betine, 1st Overall Handcycle M, 1:32:45; Bradley Ramage, 5th Overall Handcycle M, 2:29:57; Ashli Molinero, 1st Overall Handcycle W, 2:50:25; Matt Doutt, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:55:57; Benjamin Hoffman, 3rd 19 & Under M, 3:09:28; Dean Rippee, 1st 55-59 M, 3:12:56; Mark Courtney, 3rd 55-59 M, 3:21:52; Heather Melzer, 3rdb 40-44 W, 3:35:07; Bsrbara Spreng Volek, 2nd 50-54 W, 3:46:33; Tom Gramc, 2:54:20; Brian Thomas, 2:55:19; Michael Dreves, 3:08:07; Daniel Carlino, 3:08:41; David Rod Vest, 3:10:02; Trent Wilson, 3:16:06; David White, 3:19:44; D. Covert, 3:21:52; Dan Monhemius, 3:21:52; Jeff Wiley, 3:24:21; Todd Roberts, 3:25:24; Wayne McCracken, 3:26:30; Robert Mars, 3:28:49; Ronald Hanna, 3:29:00; Darrell Martin, 3:30:12; Robert Pudlo, 3:30:53; Richard Colonello, 3:34:07; Kevin Rohm, 3:35:16; John Armstrong, 3:37:26; John Lemmex, 3:38:11; Jay Dwyer, 3:38:40; Chris Ludwig, 3:39:01; Michal Kawecki, 3:39:24; Don Briggs, 3:39:55; Bill Shepardson,, Jr., 3:41:40; Lee Ferguson, 3:41:49; Nick Lewandowski, 3:42:16; Josh Edmiston, 3:43:16; Edward Rawlings, 3:43:36; Dana Logwell, 3:49:48; Damian Skal, 3:50:36; Nick Radio, 3:51:43; Sarah Antal, 3:54:15; Danielle Rosswog, 3:55:23; Robert Lozowski, 3:56:58; Christine Edmiston, 3:57:25; Phillip O’Hara, 3:57:26; Jeff Hans, 3:57:39; Dorothy Moxie, 3:58:42; Eric Huff, 3:58:56; Pamela Fredericks, 4:00:57; Katie Jezewski, 4:01:42; Susan Moury, 4:03:22; Kimberly Salancy, 4:03:31; Jenni Loefler, 4:03:32; Ferdinando Saglio, 4:03:49; Tracy Newman, 4:05:31; Amy Formica, 4:06:01; Emily Morse, 4:06:32; Dino Scialdone, 4:08:02; Donna Terwilliger, 4:08:12; Heather Slater, 4:08:18; Brandon Savochka, 4:08:46; Travis Kelly, 4:09:22; Marilyn Larocca, 4:09:50; Michael Labarre, 4:10:11; Jonathan Shank, 4:12:28; Matt Keibler, 4:14:22; Michael Stitt, 4:14:39; Jeffrey Gray, 4:15:22; Brian Kile, 4:15:53; Christopher Walsh, 4:16:07; Michael Porcelli, 4:16:35; Neal Franchock, 4:16:54; Tim Weil, 4:18:54; Janet Reedy, 4:17:53; Beth Reppermund, 4:17:55; Kyrene Haynes, 4:17:56; Jinny Hertweck, 4:18:18; Linda Ankney, 4:18:56; Matt Marshall, 4:19:41; Gabriel Sawhney, 4:40:42; Craig Marino, 4:20:43; John Davis, 4:21:24; Amy Mattern, 4:22:16; John Alexander, 4:22:14; Erica Cappabianco, 4:22:40; Margaret Saludis, 4:23:13; James Gascoine, 4:23:19; Abby Clark, 4:23:25; Kathy McCroskey, 4:23:34; Mark Hess, 4:26:02; Wendi Lincoln, 4:26:19; James Hodgson, 4:27:33; Vincent Klanowski, 4:27:55; Dina McCaskey, 4:28:33; Robert Todd, 4:29:02; Amanda Fernandez, 4:29:47; Craig Hunt, 4:30:51; Josh Boudreau, 4:31:11; Kelli Hartman, 4:31:22; Colleen McCloskey, 4:31:56; Scott Ortsey, 4:32:08; Andrea Steiner, 4:32:16; Franklin Wilson, 4:33:02; Michael Kaczmarek, 4:33:23; Richard Kisic, 4:34:32; John Dannhardt, 4:35:05; Shane Messina, 4:35:50; Jason Venturella, 4:36:04; Mary Moody, 4:36:59; Leslie Stofko, 4:36:59; Gabriel Alexander, 4:37:31; Julianne Glaser, 4:37:39; Scott Hart, 4:39:25; Holly Depew, 4:39:57; Andrea Ferko, 4:40:31; Eric Rudish, 4:40:28; Ronald Cushman, 4:41:03; Lawrence Lutz, 4:42:02; Sean Martin, 4:42:20; Craig Lutzic, 4:43:45; Zachary Nichols, 4:49:42; Brett Fox, 4:49:44; Thomas Parenti, 4:50:32; Troy Mohney, 4:50:44; Gregory Walton, 4:50:53; David Jackson, 4:51:01; Pierre Khoury, 4:52:02; Danielle Kelly, 4:52:58; R. Jake Huff, 4:53:42; Michael Gannon, 4:53:45; Amy Leonard, 4:54:13; Avery Lawson, 4:54:47; Rachel Venturella, 4:54:48; Jeffrey Skal, 4:55:05; Charles Huth, 4:55:39; Jason Acerra, 4:56:00; Andrew Super; 4:56:14; Amy Condrick, 4:56:28; Yenpeng Kao, 5:01:15; Philip Graves, 5:03:48; Troy Demaster, 5:05:34; Gloria Caceres, 5:05:34; Henry Spreng, 5:06:21; Manal Jordan, 5:07:07; Jessica Graham, 5:07:41; Carrie Smith, 5:08:03; Andrea Wong, 5:08:55; Carol English, 5:09:32; Karen Walzer, 5:09:52; Bob Cunningham, 5:11:30; Ricardo Baron, 5:12:44; Aaron Stanley, 5:19:27; Cody Ludwig, 5:19:40; Ryan Richards, 5:19:56; Daniel Bolina, 5:20:19; Tara Gilson, 5:21:10; Justin Curry, 5:22:06; Bill McDonnell, 5:24:33; Lauren McDonnell, 5:24:33; Robert Zukas, 5:25:23; Joseph Venturella, 5:26:30; Michael Regal, 5:26:44; Lisa Myers, 5:27:56; Kevin Beck, 5:28:46; Tracy Gaggiani-Savochka, 5:29:24; Madeline McKain, 5:30:40; Millie McKain, 5:53:41; Greg Fender, 5:32:56; Michael Miller, 5:39:45; Alfred Schnabel, 5:43:56; Laura Augustine, 5:54:34; Louis Yossa, 5:46:20; Heather Mikita, 5:47:12; Jefferson Draper, 5:50:14; Ann Boland, 5:56:25; Nicole Murray, 5:56:45; Shin Orui, 5:57:41; Christine Bellich, 6:04:54; Nick Minto, 6:05:41; Dave Byers, 6:06:49; Glen Chaffee, 6:09:26; Tama Bently, 6:12:05; Stephanie D-Abamo, 6:14:25; Rebecca Zahora, 6:20:25; Mike Grabowski, 6:23:24; John Murphy, 6:51:25; Marianne Murphy, 6:51:26; Thomas McLaughlin, 6:51:46Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net