In Pittsburgh, the first weekend in May is dedicated to running.

With more than 30,000 participants and over 4,000 volunteers, Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon offers something running-related for all ages and multiple species.

In 2009, race director and former collegiate runner Patrice Matamoros led a volunteer team dedicated to bringing back the popular, but financially bankrupt Pittsburgh Marathon. She and her team raised over $500,000 and hosted more than 10,500 participants in the first year of the event’s comeback.

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and its organization have grown with each successive year. Currently, Matamoros heads the newly formed P3R, Inc. The nonprofit organization conducts not only the Pittsburgh Marathon, now one of the 20 largest marathons and half marathons in the U.S., but also the GNC Live Well Liberty Mile scheduled for July 31 and the EQT 10-Miler in the fall.

Although the marathon is its primary focus, P3R has established the Liberty Mile as a unique challenge with races for every level of runner. And the upcoming EQT 10-Miler will be part of PRRO Championship Circuit, attracting world-class competition. A special Mega Ticket with entry to all three events will be available at the P3R booth at the marathon expo this weekend.

This Sunday’s marathon, half marathon and relay are the main Pittsburgh Marathon events. If you’re running on Sunday, you’ll be in the company of more than 50 world-class runners, participants representing 20 countries and all 50 states, and 11 members of the Paralyzed Veteran’s Racing Team hand cyclists.

If you’re not running, join the festivities at one of the 15 neighborhood festivals along the course or at the finish line festival at Point State Park from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check for road closures and available parking at www.pittsburghmarathon.com or on a new mobile app where you can also track your favorite runner.

Those who don’t wish to join the crush of 150,000 spectators on Sunday can still be a part of the excitement. On Friday, the Marathon Expo opens at 11 a.m. at the Pittsburgh Convention Center with free admission to packet pick-up, shopping, demos and speakers on various topics of interest to runners. There’s even a beer sampling from 4 to 7 p.m. The Expo will also be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday’s events begin on Pittsburgh’s North Shore at 8 a.m with the Pittsburgh 5K start. The race finishes downtown. At 9:30 a.m. more than 6,000 kids and parents will run from PNC Park to downtown. Many of these kids are part of the Kids of Steel program held in 120 local schools to encourage youth fitness.

The Finish Line Festival in Point State Park opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday for these two events and for a new Toddler Trot at 11 a.m. A Pet Walk at noon around the perimeter of the park is expected to attract more than 400 dogs and owners.

It seems that this weekend’s events are all about runners and running, but since 2009 the Pittsburgh Marathon has focused on being more than a race. Run for a Reason charity program with more than 2,500 charity runners will help raise over $1 million this year to support over 100 organizations nationwide.

P3R has also awarded $17,000 in Kids of Steel Physical Education Grants since 2011. “With many schools and organizations facing budget cuts, our grants can make a big difference,” says Katie Pavlich, P3R Event Program Director.

While runners complete their race one mile at a time, P3R cleans up the city one block at a time. P3R partners with GTECH Strategies and community organizations to “Reclaim the Route”, turning one abandoned block per year into a community garden. This year’s block lies along the marathon route on Frankstown Avenue and will feature a temporary art installation made from a mountain of donated canned goods.

Upcoming events

May 2, 7 a.m.: Cinco Races and Walks, Warren. Six races from 2.5k through 26.2 miles. 954-675-4684 or chuckgray@me.com

May 2, 10 a.m.: Home Run 5k, Knox. 814-797-1290 or sellfam6@windstream.net

May 2, 8 a.m.: UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh Marathon 5k, Pittsburgh. Run from North Shore to downtown Pittsburgh. www.pittsburghmarathon.com

May 3, 7 a.m.: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay, Pittsburgh. www.pittsburghmarathon.com

May 6, 7 p.m.: Run like and Animal 5k, Hermitage. 724-456-2373 or frstacrs@yahoo.com

May 9, Glacier Ridge Trail Ultramarathons and Trail Race, 6:30 A.M., Moraine State Park. 50 miles, 50k, 30k or 50 mile 5-person relay.www.glacierridgetrailultra.com

May 9, 8 a.m.: Mud on the Mountain, Seven Springs. Obstacle race, 7.7 rugged miles. www.active.com

May 9, 9 a.m.: Mars Area Public Library BOOK IT 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Mars. 724-612-9818 or carmelina.vargo@zoominternet.net

May 9, 9 a.m.: Yough River Trail 5k/10k, West Newton. 724-872-5586 or wytcnews@hotmail.com

May 10, 8:30 a.m.: Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure 5k, Pittsburgh. Also kids dash, untimed 5k run/ walk and 1 mile walk. 412-342-0500 or www.komenpittsburgh.org

May 13, 6:30 p.m.: Muskie 5k Mini Marathon and 2 Mile Walk, Jamestown. Run at Pymatuning State Park. 724-932-3186, ext. 1319 or muskie5k@yahoo.com

May 16, 8 a.m.: 5k Run/ Walk for Warriors, Saegertown. Benefits Wounded Warrior Project. 719-433-1151 or mbeckage@edinboro.edu

May 16, 8 a.m.: Altoona Curve Race 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Altoona. All participants receive ticket to Altoona Curve baseball game. tkunstbeck@hollidaysburgareaymca.org

May 16, 9 a.m.: Jumping for Java 5k and Family Fun Run, Zelienople. Also team competition. 724-777-0877 or kellymarie@lanvwa.org

May 16, 9 a.m.: Charlotte’s Run XXVI, Monaca. Flat and fast course at Beaver Valley Mall. 724-312-0914 or xandres@comcast.net

Meet U in 5 Mile and Half Marathon, Titusville. Starts at Drake Well Museum. meetunit@gmail.com

May 17, 7 a.m.: Lake Raystown Triathlon, Raystown Lake. Choice of Half Ironman, Olympic or Sprint distances. doug@americanadventuresports.com

May 23, 8 a.m.: Mars Band on the Run 10k/ 5k, Mars. Also 1k kids run. 412-526-4637 or www.marsband5k.com

May 23, 8 a.m.: Path of the Flood Historic Races, Johnstown. Choice of 5k, 10k or half marathon. Racedirector.potf@gmail.com

May 23, 9 a.m.: Run through Little Russia 5k, Erie. Run or walk through Erie’s first neighborhood, Russia Town, as part of annual Russian Festival. 814-459-1977 or jjpopoff@gmail.com

May 25, 8 a.m.: Memorial Day Human Race 5k, Meadville. Also free kids’ run. 814-807-0156 or info@ernsttrail.org

May 30, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5k, Buffalo Township. Run on Butler-Freeport Trail begins at Monroe Road. 724-353-1945 or freeport5k@gmail.com

Race results

Achilles Pittsburgh Hope and Possibility Race 5k, April 11: Steven Garand, 1st Overall M, 18:45; Lauren Henzler, 1st Overall W, 21:36; Kristen Long, 2nd Overall W, 22:57; John Armstrong, 1st 40-49 M, 21:42; Joy Gates, 1st 30-39 W, 25:27; Jewli Rotelli, 2nd 30-39 W, 25:42; Mike Drudy, 3rd 20-29 M, 27:38; Mary Fannie, 3rd 19 & Under W, 27:53; Scott McDowell, 1st 50-59 M, 28:24; Sharon Barlow, 3rd 50-59 W, 30:26; Christian Gallingane, 25:57; Sarah Drudy, 27:39; Adam McDowell, 28:24; Stella Fannie, 28:26; Marcus Fannie, 28:37; Beth Long, 32:14; Jack Harding, 36:47; Brian Kampi, 37:03; Aaron McCartney, 39:29; Alexa McCartney, 39:29; Chelsea Howser, 49:20; Brittni Krajnak, 49:21; Bethany Roefs, 1:25:59; Jim Sharp, 1:25:59

Achilles Pittsburgh Hope and Possibility Race 10k, April 11: Ryan O”Dowd, 1st Overall M, 36:16; Kate Kokal, 1st Overall W, 41:59; John Armstrong, 1st 40-49 M, 44:53; Alex Edgar, 3rd 40-49 M, 48:11; Lauren Mytinger, 1st 30-39 W, 48:13; Jewli Rotelli, 3rd 30-39 W, 54:40; Thomas McClure, 2nd 60+ M, 1:03:08; Scott Ortsey, 51:34; Joy Gates, 54:43; Jennie Couch, 54:44; Stephanie Porcello, 56:04; Christian Gallangane, 56:22; Matt Harnett, 58:19; Kristin Schnur, 1:00:38; Christina Scalo, 1:01:55; Claire Moldovan, 1:03:16; Beth Schrecengost, 1:09:45

Ole 5k, April 11: Mark Grogan, 1st Overall M, 15:44; Tara Lucot, 1st Overall W, 19:55; Kristen Suvick, 2nd Overall W, 20:39; Makara Smocer, 3rd Overall W, 21:47; Kevin Berger, 1st 45-49 M, 20:16; Dan Pollock, 2nd 55-59 M, 21:54; Laura Seitz, 1st 30-34 W, 22:26; Marin Smocer, 2nd 11-12 W, 25:05; Michael Mcnamara, 3rd 30-34 M, 25:14; Brent Steineman, 3rd 60-64 M, 25:32; Barbara Ford, 2nd 55-59 W, 28:16; Tyler Collins, 3rd 10 & Under M, 29:39; Ascanio Montemaggi, 20:58; Timothy Laylock, 21:30; John Kunzmann, 22:10; Eric Domitrovic, 22:32; Bryan Iams, 23:18; Maria Dysert, 24:28; Ryan Martin, 25:05; David Pohlod, 25:05; Jack Patterson, 25:09; Brent Steineman, 26:58; Bryan Good, 27:42; Max Kunzmann, 28:08; Matt Buchwald, 28:34; Josh Destein, 28:54; Brian Collins, 29:38; Francis Folz, 29:41; Sam Tallarico, 29:48; Samantha Mack, 31:17; William Boyle, 31:24; Chris Williams, 31:26; Jennifer Moreau, 32:12; Colleen Wilson, 32:20; Julie Voelker, 32:54; Julie Voelker, 33:01; Adam Boyle, 34:52; Michael Heins, 36:00; Jackelyn Jones, 36:03; Amy Buchwald, 39:40; Tim Gilligan, 41:05; Rena Gilligan, 41:05; Carrie Gilligan, 50:33; Ingrid Tallarico, 54:54; Austin Tallarico, 55:57

Roaring Run Earth Day Dash 15k, April 18: Bren Collins, 1st Overall M, 1:08:59; Mariann Tullius, 1st Overall W, 1:10:43; Bob Gracie, 1st 65-69 M, 1:13:36; Kelly Krieg, 1st 35-39 W, 1:28:06; Krista Novak, 1st 40-44 W, 1:28:16; Leah Kletzli, 1st 20-24 W, 1:42:31; Chad Schwendemann, 1:39:33

Roaring Run Earth Day Dash 5k, April 18: Nick Gabrielli, 1st Overall M, 20:38; Brianna Murray, 1st Overall W, 21:50; Luke Ladouceur, 26:40; Becky Johnston, 2nd 35-39 W, 29:44; Bill Johnston, 29:44; Lori Shane, 46:24; Barbara Reeser-Smiesko, 48:58

Misions Bunny Hop 5k, April 25: Stacie Stevenson, 1st Overall W, 21:27; Brody Coleman, 1st Overall M, 22:03; Cooper Runyan, 1st 13-19 M, 22:21; Douglas Waid, 3rd 40-49 M, 28:55; Kelly Fox, 3rd 30-39 W, 30:12; John Patrus, 2nd 60-69M, 34:43; Darren Waid, 2nd 20-29 M, 36:22; Chrissy Shirey, 31:37; Jolene Ion, 48:04

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist fopr the Butler Eagle