Do we really need another 5K on the fall racing schedule?

Sean Carroll, assistant director of Admissions at Butler County Community College, thinks we do.

This Saturday, BC3 will host the first 5K Cross Country Run-Walk at the school.

Carroll, who has been a runner since the 1990s, sees the run as a showcase for the campus rather than a race.

"It's a great way to spend a crisp October morning," he said.

The race is a scenic run with three loops around the green field of the college. Running on campus eliminates the need for traffic control.

The biggest hazard to runners might be a stray golf ball, as the hill was once a golf course and continues to be a favorite practice area.

The open green hill was also once part of the college cross country team's course, though the college hasn't had a team since the late '70s.

Although the original competitive course ran into the woods, Saturday's race will stick to the root- and rut-free grass for safety concerns.

Even without the roots, running on the soft surface will be different and a little more difficult for those used to running the roads.

Mike Franko of the Butler Road Race ran for the BC3 cross country team of old and advised Carroll in planning for this event.

Back in Franko's day, many two-year colleges fielded teams. Community College of Allegheny County featured a world class squad, and BC3 produced several All-Americans.

Despite the proud heritage, the Butler school has no immediate plans to revive cross country as an intercollegiate sport.

"Cross country is a relatively cheap sport," Carroll said. "But you need teams to compete against. There just aren't any two-year colleges in our conference with teams."

Even without cross country, the college still fields more teams than any other two-year school in the area. Sports include men's and women's basketball, men's golf and baseball, and women's softball and volleyball. Carroll is a coach of the women's basketball team.

Proceeds from the race will benefit both BC3 athletics and the college's alumni association.

The biggest benefit of the race, however, will be the chance to show off the beautiful campus.

Although pre-race registration has been slow, Carroll anticipates 50 to 75 participants for the inaugural event, depending upon race-day weather.

For information about the event, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, call Carroll at 724-287-8711, ext. 344, or email seancarroll@bc3.edu

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Chamber Classic Half Marathon and 5K Run and Walk, North Park. Gently rolling course around North Park Lake, cash prizes to top finishers. Race benefits local flood victims. 724-934-9700 or www.nacc.comSaturday, 9 a.m.: Race for Pace 5K, Churchill. Benefits Pace School's mental health and special education programs. 412-244-1900 or pace@paceschool.orgSaturday, 10 a.m.: Yough River Run, Ohiopyle. 5K run and walk starts at Train Station Visitor Center. 724-329-0896Saturday: Greensburg Central 5K, Greensburg. 724-836-5890Sunday, 8 a.m.: Zoo-Zilla 5K Gorilla Race, Pittsburgh. Run starts at Pittsburgh Zoo. 412-696-0150Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: Fort Day 5kK, Ligonier. 724-238-6649Sunday, 10 a.m.: Fall Classic 10K/5K/2-Mile races, Highland Park. Begins at swimming pool, part of GPRRC series. 412-276-1800 or rhannan@amiscu.com

City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5K, Sept. 26:Mitch Radella, 3rd 35-39 M, 18:36; Megan Sinicki, 1st 25-29 W, 19:00; Beth Pecora, 2nd 12-13 W, 22:18; Kelly Pecora, 1st 40-44 W, 22:20; Lynn McDonough, 2nd 40-44 W, 23:09; Ann Cheman, 4th 50-54 W, 24:10; Deb Ramage, 5th 50-54 W, 25:11; Margretta Lutz, 1st 70 and over W, 29:12David Papp, 20:33; Rob Kucenski, 21:17; Scott A. Beers, 25:43; Steve Schupp, 22:51; Vincent Rozzi, 23:20; William Kreke, 23:39; Renee Decker, 24:36; Mike O'Lare, 25:00; Shannon McDermitt, 25:15; Justin Beers, 25:21; Shannon Orr, 25:23; Ryan Behning, 25:37; Brad Dressen, 25:41; Kelly A. Dressen, 25:42; Michael McConahy, 26:11; Holly Jamison, 26:23; Lynn Behning, 26:23; George Wargo, 26:33; Cherrie Carlo, 26:39; Kimberly Leonard, 26:41; Paula Miller, 27:17; Carol Pechar, 27:27Bobby Bateman, 27:28; Amy Bateman, 27:34; Shari Murin, 27:47; Linda Hayden, 27:55; Jerry Graham, 28:41; Heather Meyer, 28:19; Carrie Scott, 28:37; Curtis Scott, 28:38; Daniel Christo, 28:54; Kelsey McDonough, 29:14; Larry McDonough, 29:14; Colin Meehan, 29:54; Rhonda Meehan, 30:00; Jennifer Shults, 30:29; Beth Southwood, 30:29; Donna Dreveniak, 30:32; Jacqueline Hudson, 30:37; Sandi Luster, 30:40; Jo Ann Luster, 30:40Regina Miller, 30:51; Sandra Wargo, 31:30; Linda Orr, 31:43; Terrie Sackett, 32:02; Lisa Eisel, 32:05; Michelle Barto, 33:36; Allison Moncrief, 34:48; Lynn Shaffer, 34:51; Karen Graham, 34:51; Wendy Nixon, 35:35; Patricia Bellizia, 35:37; Gail Richards, 35:59; Bruce Golden, 36:54; Amanda Nixon, 37:17; Laura Mariotti, 39:06; Heather Kreke, 39:45Douglas Bartosh, 39:49; Cynthia Eddy, 41:12; Michelle Mariotti, 41:35; Justin Eddy, 42:12; Deborah Mariotti, 43:04; Austin Eddy, 44:48; Deborah Josbeno, 46:17; Darien Dewitt, 48:37; Michael Thayer, 48:45; Alexandra Thayer, 48:47; Anita M. Myers, 49:20; Kevin Myers, 49:21; Linda Thayer, 49:39; Samantha Thayer, 49:39; Madison Meehan, 52:30; Judy Meehan, 52:31, Gary Eisel, 56:37; Sharon Brunish, 1:01:12; Stacy Morrisen, 1:01:17Send comments and suggestions: to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@highstream.net