There's nothing like the camaraderie of training and racing for a team, especially for runners who missed out on high school or college track and cross country. But no matter your age or competitive level, it's not too late to be a part of a team.

The Akron (Ohio) Marathon, which will be held Sept. 29, gives runners the opportunity to experience the flavor of a large-scale marathon without the large-scale training. Akron's Chase Team Relay includes relay divisions for two-person or five-person teams.

Akron's relay is conducted in the Ekiden format, referring to the "station relay" races first run in Japan in 1917. Each runner runs a portion of the race, then passes a baton, ribbon or band to the next team member until the final runner reaches the finish line.

Distances in Akron's Ekiden include two 5K legs, two 10K legs and one final 7.6 mile distance. Two-person team members complete either legs one through three for a distance of 25K or legs four and five with a 10.7 mile run. Shuttle service to the finish line is provided for team members.

Akron Marathon features online registration for team and individual signups. Team captains first register by team name. Other team members then post registrations under that name.

If you don't have any running friends but still want to be a part of Akron's Ekiden, you can register with the website's Teammaker. This service puts together teams based on age, gender, expected pace and level of competition desired.

Runners in Akron's Chase Team Relay enjoy most of the perks of the full marathoners. While full marathon runners also earn Brooks shoes, all participants receive a long-sleeved technical T-shirt and Running Times subscription. All runners celebrate equally at the post race party in Canal Park with food, beer and entertainment.

For information about Akron Marathon and Chase Team Relay, call 877-375-2786 or visit the website at www.akronmarathon.org.

Closer to home and with a different format, the Richard S. Caliguiri-City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10K Sept. 30 offers runners a chance to compete for team honors in the Dick's Sporting Goods Team Competition.

With two divisions and nine categories, there's a niche for every type of team.

In addition to corporate divisions for several sizes of companies, teams may compete in open and masters male, female and coed divisions. The top three teams in each division earn awards. A new collegiate division adds combinations of sorority, fraternity, student organization and open categories competing for the Collegiate Challenge Cup.

Instead of the Ekiden format, team competition for the Great Race 10K is scored based on cumulative finishing times. Teams can have up to five members, but the finishing times of the top three are combined for the team's score.

Team registration costs $25 per team in addition to the individual registration fee and form. Team registration forms are available at Dick's Sporting Goods locations and online at www.RunGreatRace.com.

Teams also can register at the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Great Race Expo at The Circuit Center on Pittsburgh's South Side. The Expo runs from Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. to Sept. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information about The Great Race Dick's Sporting Goods Team Competition, call 412-255-2493 or visit www.RunGreatRace.com

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Mountwood 12-Mile Challenge, Parkersburg, W.Va. Trail run. 304-489-9020, Ext. 356Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Greene River Trail Heroes Run-Walk, Millsboro. Run 5.5K along scenic Greene River Trail to honor area war heroes. 724-627-5541 or arinehart@alltel.netSaturday: Tobias Shay 5K, Foxburg. 814-473-8158Sunday, 9 a.m.: Elorapalooza 2 Memorial 5K/1-Mile Run, Walk or Lollygag, North Park. Competitive 5K run and 1-mile fun run with dogs and strollers welcome. 412-369-8691 or Geirhaus2000@yahoo.comSunday, 9 a.m.: The Equalizer Age Graded 4-Mile Challenge, Boardman, Ohio. Finishing place based on age grading with medals to top 15 male and female finishers. 330-480-5656Sunday, noon: Dollar Bank Junior Great Race, Pittsburgh. Fun run for kids. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.comWednesday, 6 p.m.: Running Wild Group Run, Hartwood Acres. 724-444-5311Sept. 29, 9:30 a.m.: Reznor 5K Run-Walk, Mercer. Benefits Children's Aid Society of Mercer. Mike.smith@tnb.comSept. 30, 8:30 a.m.: Run Around Erie 15K, Erie. 814-459-4775Oct. 6, 9 a.m.: His Kids School 5K Run and Walk, Butler. Run on back roads in Jefferson Township. 724-352-0768 or Kevin.Corace@gmail.comOct. 7, 9 a.m.: Good Samaritan Hospice 5K Run and Walk, North Park. Also health and wellness fair. 800-720-2557 or www.good-samaritanhospice.org

<B>Hamstring Hustle 5K, Aug. 25:</B> Dan Dygert, 1st Overall M, 17:50; Jacob Kildoo, 2nd Overall M, 18:11; Tristen Rankin, 1st Overall W, 18:57; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-49 M, 19:53; Ron Hartle, 1st 50-59 M, 24:17; Michael Kildoo, 1st 30-39 M, 24:20; John Campbell, 3rd 50 and over M, 24:53; Ralph Bommer, 1st 20-29 M, 25:07; Clint Hartle, 2nd 20-29 M, 25:12; Gwen Kildoo, 1st 30-39 W, 26:39; Jen Nemet, 1st 20-29 W, 27:26; Roger Murray, 22:40; Bobby Thorne, 28:44; Margy Somora, 3rd 30-39 W, 29:26; Jennifer Dundore, 2nd 20-29 W, 31:15; Sue Johnson, 2nd 40-49 W, 33:44; William Dundore, 29:23; Tedd Nesbit, 31:09<B>Hamstring Hustle 2.5K, Aug. 25:</B> Dan Dygert, 1st Overall M, 8:31; Tristen Rankin, 1st Overall W, 9:12; James Bell, 1st Overall Walker M, 16:16; Lynn Laver, 1st Overall Walker W, 18:53; Chris Brown, 3rd Overall Walker W, 29:11; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-49 M, 9:25; Ian Brown, 2nd 12-15 M, 11:04; Ron Hartle, 1st 50 and over M, 12:24; Mike Brown, 2nd 50 and over M, 12:24; John Scott Somora, 3rd 12-15 M, 13:50; Jen Nemet, 1st 20-29 W, 14:05; Sue Johnson, 1st 40-49 W, 16:16; Charlie Nesbit, 1st 11 and under M, 17:44; Judy Nemet, 26:28<B>Run for Shelter 5K, Aug. 25: </B>Z.Z., 1st Overall M, 18:12; Matt Marshall, 2nd Overall M, 19:26; Curt Grimm, 3rd Overall M, 21:08; Cindy Grimm, 1st Overall W, 22:23; Carrie Smith, 2nd Overall W, 23:46; Wendy Recio, 3rd Overall W, 24:07; Matt Getsay, 1st 30-39 M, 21:19; Robert Crawford, 1st 60 and over M, 22:20; Steve Russell, 2nd 50-59 M, 23:03; Buddy Turner, 2nd 50-59 M, 23:26; Mark Eschenfelder, 3rd 50-59 M, 23:46; Des Schnur, 2nd 30-39 M, 25:17; Scott Neff, 3rd 30-39 M, 25:17Amy Bair, 1st 30-39 W, 27:02; Dez Csizmadia, 2nd 60 and over M, 27:16; Pam Eckert, 1st 40-49 W, 28:07; Jill Todd, 1st 50-59 W, 28:16; Lisa Moss, 2nd 40-49 W, 28:24; Howard Boltz, 3rd 60+ M, 28:58; Matt Callihan, 1st 40-49 M, 29:06; Heidi Christy, 2nd 30-39 W, 29:34; Mary Eschenfelder, 1st 19 and under W, 30:27; Mark Lane, 1st 20-29 M, 32:20; Brianna Browning, 2nd 19 & Under W, 32:35; Ashley Brehm, 3rd 19 and under W, 32:35; Debbie Smith, 2nd 50-59 W, 32:44; Debra Kuminkowski, 3rd 40-49 W, 34:14; Karlie Weirich, 3rd 50-59 W, 35:17; Carrie Burk, 1st 20-29 W, 44:11; Gerald McWilliams, Jr., 2nd 20-29 M, 45:46; David Murray, 2nd 40-49 M, 47:50; Craig Moss, 3rd 40-49 M, 48:35; Chris Rieger, 2nd 20-29 W, 51:39; Herb Rieger, 3rd 20-29 M, 51:40 Yo-yo the Clown, 3rd 20-29 W, 54:52Bob Todd, 24:24; Amanda Bair, 34:56; Jessica Dawson, 36:29; Kevin Boozel, 36:42; Al Lane, 36:43; Ed Fair, 36:53; Darlene Callihan, 37:27; Lily Murray, 42:00; Julia Murray, 42:01; Melanie Sessa, 44:17; Emily Todd, 44:19; Danny Marcucci, 44:51; Bruce Budway, 44:52; Susan Kane, 45:14; Jill McDonald, 46:09; Susan Tassey, 46:16; Carol Niggel, 46:40; Donna Jenoreski, 47:38; Dan Slack, 47:39; Kate Murray, 47:52; Judie Didas, 48:38; Patty Stefura, 48:55; Carol Stefura, 48:57; Edna Bowser, 51:16; Sandy Brehm, 51:18<B>Run for Shelter Kids Run, Aug. 25:</B> Patrick Grunden, Ian Robb, Emily Eschenfelder, Jude Mudrich, Ryan Formica; Mike Formica, Caleb Robb, Emily Robb, Colton Boozel; Zachary Boozel<B>Buhl 5K, Sept. 3:</B> Tim McNeil, 1st Overall M, 16:32; Glenda Haun, 1st Overall W, 20:12; Bill Hoffman, 2nd 40-44 M, 18:38; John Ciafre, 2nd 55-59 M, 20:11; Curt Grimm, 3rd 55-59 M, 20:16; Cindy Grimm, 1st 55-59 W, 21:11; Wayne Biddle, 20:44; Caleb Thrasher, 22:03; John Thrasher, 22:17; Tony Sunseri, 24:17; Amanda Cagno, 24:44; Stacie Doughty, 25:02; William Dundore, 26:47; Jennifer Dundore, 27:57; Jared Thomas, 28:44; Lori Thomas, 28:48Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road., Saxonburg, Pa., 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. Email: bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.