The name says it all —Grandparents Race. This Saturday marks the 11th Annual Grandparents Race in Zelienople, an event run by, for, and in memory and celebration of grandparents.

Ann Richards conceived of Grandparents Race as a five-mile and one-mile tribute to her mother, Rose Mudicka, a resident of Lutheran SeniorLife’s Passavant Community.

She enlisted the help of daughter Joella Baker, an experienced race director, to manage the running part of the event while she garnered sponsorships and prizes and coordinated the celebration.

That relationship has worked well as Grandparents Race has expanded to include ten-mile, 5K and one mile runs with 250 finishers in 2014. The race has also raised more than $100,000 to benefit Passavant Community’s Benevolent Care Fund which provides funds for residents with financial difficulties.

Joella’s five children, Ann Richards’ grandchildren, have also played an important role in Grandparents Race. Each grandchild has designed a commemorative long-sleeved t-shirt for the race. This year will be Zac Baker’s second t-shirt design.

Grandparents Race has an event for every fitness level and preference. Baker, an experienced runner, triathlete and coach, calls the ten-mile race a “negative split course.” It’s out and back with the first half uphill. The 5K is a flat and fast loop through Zelienople around the Passavant grounds while the one-mile event is an easy out-and-back.

The ten-mile race awards trophies for top male and female finishers overall and in age groups from 14-18 through 70+. The 5K also gives awards for ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. There are special awards in the one-mile run for the youngest and oldest male and female finisher as well as awards for ages 3 and under through 70+. The fastest three families with teams of at least three members also earn awards.

There’s also a Triple Trot award for those who complete all three race distances. That’s easy for those who have trained for long distances. The ten- mile race begins at 7:30 a.m. with the 5K following at 9:30 a.m. The one-mile run and walk begins at 10 a.m.

Although there are plenty of competitive opportunities at Grandparents Race, the event emphasizes participation and fun. Several Passavant residents complete the one-mile run with walkers or in wheelchairs or scooters. And there are always a few friendly dogs taking part or watching from the sidelines.

Festivities begin early as DJ Dr. Glo begins playing pre-race. Ann Richards also arrives with pre-race donuts and bagels. Day of event registration begins at 6 a.m. All participants are urged to arrive early because parking will be limited due to construction.

No matter what distance you race, you’ll want to stay for the post race festivities. There’s music, face painting and games for the kids and plenty of food, including pizza, bagels, homemade cookies, fruit and drinks. Ann Richards has gathered plenty of prizes for the post race random drawing, including merchandise from various local businesses and tickets to a Steeler game and admission to Kennywood, Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Museum and more.

You may avoid day of event registration crowds by registering at Passavant Community on Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. And if you’re not running, you may help the cause by volunteering on race day. Contact Joella Baker, 724-321-4265 or as Baker says, “Show up on Saturday morning and say, ‘I’m here to help.’”

Upcoming eventsFriday, 7 p.m.: Scrub Run 8K or 4K Run/Walk, North Park. Run at North Park Pool loop. 412-748-6648 or steindoerferj@ph.upmc.eduSaturday, 7:30 a.m.: Grandparents Race 10 Mile, 5K and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, Zelienople. Run at Passavant Retirement Complex. 724-321-4265 or joella@zoominternet.netSaturday, 9 a.m.: Run Around the Square 5K and 1.5 Mile, Pittsburgh. Run through Regent Square neighborhood and Frick Park. 412-731-4456 or pmdirienzo@verizon.netAug. 29, 6:30 a.m.: Baker Trail UltraChallenge, Summerville. 50 mile race for individuals or relay teams of up to 5 members. www.rachelcarsontrails.orgAug. 30, 8:15 a.m.: Butler County Habitat for Humanity Youth Triathlon, Cranberry Township. Event in North Boundary Park for kids ages 6 through 16. 724-321-4265 or joella@zoominternet.netSept. 6, 9 a.m.: 27th Annual Gatorade Steelers 5K, Pittsburgh. Run ends in Heinz Field, Steelers random drawing prizes. 412-697-7713 or www.steelers.com/5kSept. 6, 9 a.m.: FAAP Fall Classic 5K and 10K, Run/Walk, North Park. Trail runs with unique awards benefits Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh. attorneymarkknapp@yahoo.comSept. 7, 8 a.m.: Distant Area Volunteer Fire Department 5K, Templeton. 814-275-1786 or barrett82@windstream.netSept. 7, 9:15 a.m.: Buhl Day 5K, Hermitage. 724-981-3500 or www.buhlcommunityreccenter.comSept. 7, 5 p.m.: Spartansburg Fair 5K, Spartansburg. 814-654-7504 or spartansburgcommunityfair.orgSept. 12, 8 a.m.: 30th Annual Festival of the Arts 5K, Saxonburg. Scenic small town run. 724-355-5059 or shoes@runpa.comSept. 12, 8 a.m.: UPMC Urgent Care Montour Trail Half Marathon and 5K, Robinson Township. Out and back course mostly on Montour Trail. 412-445-5089 or tri_coach@yahoo.comSept. 12, 8:30 a.m.: Rockin’ the Knob Trail Challenge 30K and 5 Mile, Claysburg. Run on trails at Blue Knob Four Seasons Resort. bmazur@intelmarx.comSept. 12, 9 a.m.: American Legion Post 488 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk for Veterans, East Brady. Starts at Brady’s Bend Boat Launch. fandkbeham@hotmail.comSept. 13, 7 a.m.: Erie Marathon at Presque Isle, Erie. Level course in Presque Isle State Park. 814-474-3282 or eriemarathon.orgSept. 13, 7 a.m.: French Creek Half Marathon and 5K, Meadville. Run mostly on Ernst Trail. 814-720-2924 or kristoph.ymca@zoominternet.netSept. 19, 8 a.m.: Boston Harvest 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Boston. Starts at Yough River Trail Head with 10K start at 9 a.m. and 5K starts at 9:15 a.m. teambrunazzi@gmail.comSept. 19, 8:30 a.m.: Peanut Butter Festival 5K, New Bethlehem. Also mountain bike race at 10:30 a.m. 814-275-3929 or rlhrind@yahoo.comSept. 19, 9 a.m.: Race to End Hunger 5K and 2 Mile Walk and Kids Fun Run, Hermitage. Kids run at 8:45 a.m. 724-981-0353 or mprada@foodwarehouse.orgSept. 20, 9 a.m.: Positive Steps 5K Run/Walk, Cranberry Township. Run in North Boundary Park. 724-444-5333 or Maureen@positivestepstherapy.comSept. 20, 9 a.m.: 10th Annual Elorapalooza Memorial 5K/ 1 Mile Run/ Walk/ Lollygag, North Park. 412-608-2134 or geierhaus2000@yahoo.com

Race resultsDrake Well Half Marathon, Aug. 2: Seth Jenny, 1st Overall M, 1:20:38; Mary Beth Acker, 1st Overall W, 1:33:17; Samantha Eckstein, 3rd 20-24 W, 1:54:24; Rebecca Arturo, 2:06:47; Lacey Williams, 2:08:33Roebling’s Run 5k, Aug. 8: Gar Bercury, 1st Overall M, 18:08; Nathaniel Pettit, 2nd Overall M, 18:37; Noah Bowser, 3rd Overall M, 19:36; Darian Sonafelt, 1st Overall W, 23:05; Jinny Hertweck, 2nd Overall W, 23:30; Dawn Bugajski, 3rd Overall W, 23:55; Eric Slagle, 1st Masters M, 21:08; John Misitis, 2nd Masters M, 23:08; Ron Shoentag, 3rd Masters M, 25:09; Kim Sonafelt, 1st Masters W, 25:36; Nicole Khoury, 2nd Masters W, 28:16; Katie Fuhrman, 3rd Masters W, 30:14; Austin Micko, 1st 10-14 M, 19:46; Chris McIntosh, 1st 35-39 M, 19:52; Zac Misitis, 1st 15-19 M, 19:56; Holden Stallsmith, 2nd 10-14 M, 20:18; Michael Renaud, 2nd 15-19 M, 20:52; Josh Venderlic, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:24; Ben Thoma, 3rd 15-19 M, 21:43; Seth Eismann, 1st 30-34 M, 22:26; Wyatt Rodgers, 3rd 10-14 M, 22:31; Kendrick Haverstick, 1st 20-24 M, 23:02; Scott Wetzel, 1st 25-29 M, 23:18; Bob Knobeloch, 3rd 35-39 M, 25:02; Amelia Walls, 1st 10-14 W, 25:11; Robyn Stewart, 1st 30-34 W, 25:26; Tess Haverstick, 1st 20-24 W, 25:46; John Haverstick, 1st 50-54 M, 25:59; Heather Venderlic, 1st 35-39 W, 26:13; Kris Nulph, 1st 40-44 M, 26:15; Cody Wabiszewski, 2nd 25-29 M, 26:35; Carrie Rodgers, 2nd 35-39 W, 26:13; Kaylynn Brumbaugh, 2nd 10-14 W, 28:04; Claire Lindsey, 3rd 10-14 W, 28:18; Art Black, 1st 60-64 M, 29:44; Janet Renaud, 1st 55-59 W, 30:23; Holly Quinn, 1st 45-49 W, 30:47; Leslie Bachman, 1st 40-44 W, 31:09; Luke Hassler, 1st 9 and Under M, 32:05; Ross Hassler, 2nd 40-44 M, 32:06; Ann Cheman, 1st 60-64 W, 32:58; Theresa Brodeur, 3rd 45-49 W, 34:13; Mary Kreisberg, 3rd 35-39 W, 35:49; David McConahy, 1st 70-74 M, 38:51; Kelli Connolly, 3rd 40-44 W, 39:09; Rebecca Breese, 1st 15-19 W, 39:39; David Breese, 2nd 9 and Under M, 39:40; Jackie Kattner, 1st 25-29 W, 39:41; Diane Cadwell, 1st 50-54 W, 43:13; Ava Breese, 1st 9 and Under W, 46:28; Bryon Breese, 3rd 40-44 M, 46:29; Lindsay Corle, 2nd 20-24 W, 48:13; Tom Cadwell, 1st 55-59 M, 52:14; Patrick Jones, 22:30; Caedon West, 24:29; Ryan Connolly, 25:29; Ty Misitis, 26:08; Ethan Revitsky, 26:54; Evan Quinn, 27:24; Sam Thinnes, 27:39; Justin McIntosh, 27:44; Travis Domhoff, 29:43; Devan Sonafelt, 33:14; Tanner Brahler, 45:49; Roni Anderson, 46:54; Christian Baker, 46:55; Caitlyn E. Goldinger, 53:21; Jason Brahler, 54:29Brookline Breeze 5K, Aug. 8: Daniel Lipus, 1st Overall M, 15:58; Lisa Lucas, 1st Overall W, 18:35; Bradley Christie, 23:46; Jessica Price, 26:09; John Antinossi, 26:44; Emily Fruscello, 37:16; Jaime Foose, 37:23Rimersburg Cookie Daze 5K, Aug. 8: Tom Lipse, 1st Overall M, 17:05; Ean King, 2nd Overall M, 18:09; Matt Sleigle, 3rd Overall M, 18:24; Karen Carmichael, 1st OVwerall W, 24:31; Shirley Macefe, 2nd Overall W, 24:45; TY Haines, 1st 20-24 M, 21:04; Alex Carnathan, 1st 30-34 M, 21:22; Eric Shick, 1st 45-49 M, 22:04; Gary Couper, 1st 25-29 M, 22:22; Mike Stitt, 2nd 45-49 M, 22:32; Fred Weaver, 1st 35-39 M, 23:29; Cameron Weaver, 1st 15-19 M, 25:12; Chance Buzard, 2nd 11-14 M, 25:06; Coleman Buchanan, 2nd 15-19 M, 25:12; Chase Anthony, 3rd 11-14 M, 25:57; Andrew Dick, 3rd 35-39 M, 26:10; Tod Forguer, 3rd 45-49 M, 27:10; Kelly Minich, 1st 35-39 W, 27:31; Shawn J Foster, 1st 40-44 M, 27:44; Amy Wilsea, 1st 30-34 W, 28:33; Frank Macefe, 1st 60+ M, 28:45; Drew Yoder, 1st 11-14 W, 28:53; Susan Runyan, 1st 40-44 W, 29:45; Greg Seybert, 1st 55-59 M, 30:33; Cathy Neal, 2nd 35-39 W, 31:27; Taylor Boots, 1st 15-19 W, 31:59; Shannon Rumbarger, 2nd 30-34 W, 32:27; Chase Rumbarger, 1st 10 and Under M, 32:48; Kim Beham, 2nd 45-49 W, 33:16; Jenna Buechele, 3rd 25-29 W, 33:58; Amy Milanovich, 1st 60+ W, 34:00; Morgan King, 1st 10 and Under W, 34:14; Georgia Palm, 2nd 10 and Under W, 37:11; Tenley Meyers, 3rd 10 and Under W, 38:11; Kara Foster, 3rd 11-14 W, 40:56; Larry McCauley, 3rd 60+ M, 42:02; Shawn H Foster, 3rd 15-19 M, 49:34; Calla Carmichael, 2nd 60+ W, 51:54; Koby Buzard, 28:25; Aubrey Minich, 43:22; ShaeLee Minich, 46:27Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle