It's the season for giving, and Kevin Smith, race director of Toys for Tots 5K and 10K, has plans to combine the spirit of generosity with the joy of celebration.

This Sunday's seventh annual event begins at 9 a.m. in McDonald, Washington County. The 10K starts at about 9:40. Smith expects that one-third to one-half of the participants will choose to run both distances.

"That's how the percentages have been over the years," he said.

Last year, Herb Cratty of Ellwood City not only ran both races, but he won them. The races are run on the Panhandle Trail, a rail trail of crushed limestone.

The event begins in McDonald at the Trail Station, a converted train station now used for group events.

This Sunday, the station will host the expected 200 or so runners and walkers for race registration and post-race festivities. Following the race, participants will be treated to hot chocolate and a soup buffet and entertained with Christmas music.

All participants receive technical T-shirts, courtesy of New Balance, and goody bags while supplies last and are eligible to win one of many valuable door prizes.

Smith calls Toys for Tots the most fun event that his Elite Runners and Walkers store sponsors. Many runners dress in holiday attire, several in Santa suits. Last year, Smith reported, one man ran dressed as a reindeer.

The real fun for Smith and volunteers comes in sorting all of the donated toys after the event. In addition to their entry fee, participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots.

A portion of the proceeds benefit a youth group that provides volunteer workers. All other proceeds benefit Toys for Tots.

Since New Balance supplied all of the shirts, Smith expects to donate $2,000 toward toys for needy children.

The event will go on no matter what the weather brings Sunday.

"You never know," Smith said. "Last year, it was 45 degrees and sunny. In 2003, we ran in 18 inches of snow."

Toys for Tots 5K and 10K accepts online registrations through midnight Thursday at www.eliterunners.com. Registrations will also be accepted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Elite Runners and Walkers in Robinson Township or at the race from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Sunday.

Smith advises everyone coming to the event to, "Dress warm, bring your appetites and make someone's Christmas happy."

For information about Toys for Tots 5K and 10K or other Elite Runners and Walkers events, call 412-490-0881 or visit www.eliterunners.com.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comDec. 31, 2 p.m.: Harmony Silvester 5k Race, Harmony. Part of Harmony First Night Festival with fireworks at 6 p.m. 724-538-8940 or jim@scarnati.netDec. 31, 6:30 p.m.: Resolution Run 5K, State College. Part of First Night Festival with music, ice sculptures. 814-571-1960Jan. 5, noon: Run to Read Half Marathon, Prickett's Fort State Park, Fairmont, W.Va. Chili and refreshments in visitors center after the race. 304-366-6055 or run2read@yahoo.com

<B>Race for Life 5K, Nov. 17: </B>Cory Steinhagen, 1st Overall M, 17:40; Mike Fugate, 2nd Overall M, 17:45; Brian Forester, 3rd Overall M, 18:13; Jeannie Bujdos, 1st Overall W, 19:35; Sergei Dines, 1st 16-19 M, 18:50; Rich Makin, 2nd 50-54 M, 18:57; Pat O'Brien, 1st 20-24 M, 19:35; Dorothy Moxie, 1st 40-44 W, 23:13; Wendy Recio, 1st 45-49 W, 23:39; Robert Zukas, 2nd 60-64 M, 29:53; Scott Slaney, 20:10; John Uleski, 28:50; Debbie Smith, 30:55<B>Downtown YMCA Turkey Trot 5-Mile, Nov. 22:</B> Eric Roberts, 1st Overall M, 27:12; Chris Geddis, 2nd Overall M, 27:22; Eric Geddis, 5th Overall M, 30:05; Tasha Wheatley, 1st Overall W, 32:35; Lorraine Coulter, 4th Overall W, 34:44; Brent Collins, 2nd 45-49 M, 33:36; Emily Wolfarth, 2nd 16-19 W, 36:33; Becky Desantis, 2nd 55-59 W, 48:58; Rebecca Gannon, 3rd 55-59 W, 49:26Bill Schessler, 36:18; Dan Nguyen, 36:26; Philip Mathew, 38:18; William Marsh, 38:48; Tara Fagan, 39:20; Orryn Sledge, 40:18; Jason Acerra, 40:21; Josh Boudreau, 40:28; Dana Longwell, 40:36; Christopher Lazzara, 41:26; Christine Lazzara, 41:26; Sue Mittermeier, 41:38; Carey Mittermeier, 41:39; Kelly Katchmark, 41:56; Joe Thaner, 43:03; G. Ronald Ripper, 43:32; Cyndie DeLucia, 43:34; Sarah Shodi, 44:23; Darren Klaum, 44:45; Shawn Kathmark, 45:33; Jim Villella, 45:34; Darren Allworth, 45:40; Peter Hyde, 45:41; Bill Kerrigan, 46:04Hemanth Kapoor, 46:26; Katie Griffin, 46:42; Jillian Lavelle, 46:53; Colleen Acerra, 46:53; James Lynskey, 47:02; James Hensler, 47:34; Denise Cervenyak, 47:36; Barbara Schweitzer, 47:48; Lee Wagner, 48:02; Tom Puskar, 48:08; Meghan Diantonio, 48:09; Ruth Perry, 48:20; Paula Miller, 48:23; Carter Smith, 48:34; Jeff Smith, 48:35; Susan Moury, 48:56Michelle Minjock, 49:05; Janis Hackett, 49:07; Judy Smith, 49:08; Marie Palano, 49:30; Michael Riley, 49:47; Robb Fort, 50:06; Kevin Black, 50:16; Jennifer Black, 50:16; Whitney Corrigan, 51:02; Jeffrey Wolfarth, 51:18; Christie Ambrass, 51:40; Peter Taube, 52:13; Laura Thomas, 52:16; Caitlin Gannon, 53:48; Amanda Gannon, 53:53; John Banks, 54:57; Kolby Ripper, 55:03; Rachel Rutkoski, 56:07Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. E-mail bigp@connecttime.net