Last weekend I celebrated a milestone.

After more than four decades of running and racing, I’ve reached what, for many races, is the uppermost age group — 70+. Competition in the most senior group is usually sparse, but it seems fairer than competing with runners ten years younger.

My birthday weekend kicked off with a goodbye-to-69 race on Saturday at the FAAP Fall Classic in North Park. This was the 15th running of the trail running event and possibly the last since race director Mark Knapp is relocating to Italy.

Mark is an always enthusiastic and tireless ambassador for trail running and founder of North Park Trail Runners, a running and social club of more than 500 members. He’s known to shout an invitation to road runners, “Get off the roads! Run trails!”

FAAP Fall Classic began as a fundraiser for the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh. The inaugural event in 2008 helped fund construction of the group’s nationality room at University of Pittsburgh and aided Queen of Peace Orphanage in the Philippines. Funds raised since continue to support the orphanage.

The event is also a celebration of Filipino culture with demonstrations of traditional dance performed by FAAP members, traditional foods and handmade bamboo awards for overall and age group winners. Many FAAP members either participate in the race or volunteer.

FAAP Fall Classic offers a beginner-friendly 5k on North Park trails and roads. A more challenging 10k was added in 2014 and in 2017, a much more challenging 20k with an out-and-back on Rachel Carson Trail.

This year, more than 135 runners and walkers completed the FAAP event. That included John Bober and 74-year-old Charlotte Bogner, who have attended all 15 FAAP events. Butler County was also well represented on the podium as Kip (Matt) Sudak won the 10k race while his stepson, 11-year-old Preston Musser, finished third overall male in the 5k.

It seemed fitting that I should end my 60s with an old favorite and enter my new 70+ age group with a brand-new race. On Sunday, six of my friends and family celebrated with me at New Ken FitFest 5k in downtown New Kensington.

New Kensington is experiencing a rebirth with businesses, renovations and celebrations. FitFest attracted hundreds of people to the new downtown area with contests, demonstrations, games and the 5k race. The event was actually three races — 5k run, 5k walk and 5k ruck in which participants carried a weighted backpack.

The inaugural FitFest 5k was an almost flat tour of both the new, the old and the waiting-to-be-discovered properties. Although flat, the terrain did have a few challenges. The course made several turns, some onto back alleys with broken asphalt and a short distance on gravel. At one point, the course doubled back on itself, adding a little confusion as runners weaved through each other.

It's always to be expected that a first-time event will have a few glitches — like the water stop with three beverage coolers, but no cups, and a lengthy and confusing awards ceremony with a medal shortage. And there was almost no recognition for overall top finishers including Faith Remich, who finished first overall with a time of 20:59, almost a minute faster than the male first place finisher, Christopher Ignozzi of New Kensington. But those are details to be worked out for next year.

All in all, the nearly 140 participants in the 5k, including my son, 8-year-old grandson running his first 5k for my birthday, and friend Jinny Hertweck of Renfrew, who finished third overall female, had a festive time at FitFest.

Happy Birthday to me! And hopefully, many more years and miles to come for all of us.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: 13th Annual Run for Their Lives 5k, Allison Park. Run starts at North Park Pool Area. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/RunForTheirLivesPA

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Duff Park Hill Buster 10k and 20k, Murraysville. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Murrysville/DuffParkHillBuster

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Lee Foster Memorial 5 Mile, St. Marys. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SaintMarys/LeeFosterMemorial5Mile

Sunday, 7 a.m.: Erie Marathon @ Presque Isle, Erie. 814-504-2631 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/ErieMarathon

Sunday, 4:30 p.m.: Hoodlebug 5k Run & Walk, Homer City. Flat and fast course. 412-289-6299 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/HomerCity/hoodlebug5k

Sept. 13, 5:30 p.m.: Butler County Milers Tuesday Brewsday, Slippery Rock. Meet at North Country Brewing for a relaxed 3-mile jog followed by social hour. www.butlercountymilers.org or facebook.com/butlercountymilers

Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m.: BCM Joggers and Lagers – Mingle on Main, Saxonburg. Run 4-6 miles followed by social time. www.butlercountymilers.org or facebook.com/butlercountymilers

Sept. 17, 7:30 a.m.: Bull Run 5k, Freeport. Starts at Jr. High School, finishes on James Swartz Memorial Field. localraces.com/events/freeport-pa/bull-run-5k

Sept. 17, 8 a.m.: Rockin’ the Knob Trail Challenge 10k and 22 Miler, Claysburg. Marathon, half marathon and 10k run on trails at Blue Knob Four Seasons Resort. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Claysburg/RockNTheKnob

Sept. 18, 8 a.m.: Boston Harvest Half Marathon, 5k and 10k, Boston. Run on Yough River Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Boston/BostonHarvest5k10k

Sept. 18, 8 a.m.: Green Cathedral Half Marathon, 5k and Kids Fun Run, Youngstown, OH. Run through Mill Creek Metro Park. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Youngstown/GREENCATHEDRALHALFMARATHON5KKIDSFUNRUN

Sept. 24, 9 a.m.: Pioneer Pursuit 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk, Butler. Also kids’ race at 9:45 A.M. Held at BC3 Campus. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PioneerPursuit

Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m.: Junior Great Race Family Fun Run, Tot Trot and Diaper Dash Pittsburgh. For kids ages barely-walking through 12-years old. www.rungreatrace.com/junior_great_race

Sept. 24, 10 a.m.: Diamond 5k Run/walk, Indiana. Helps house the homeless in Indiana County. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/Diamond5kRunWalk2022?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK&r=Y

Sept. 25, 8 a.m.: Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5k, Pittsburgh. www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m.: Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10k, Pittsburgh. www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 25, 2:30 p.m.: Buffalo Creek 5k, Worthington. Also Kids Race immediately following. 724-543-1120 or acampbell@mechlingheller.com

Oct. 1, 8 a.m.: Hollidaysburg YMCA October Half Marathon, 10k Run and 5k Walk, Hollidaysburg. www.blairregionalymca.org/race-series/ or online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Hollidaysburg/BlairRegionalYMCAOctoberHalfMarathonDistanceRaces

Oct. 1, 10 a.m.: FlyBy 5k and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk, Moon Township. Run the airfield and taxiways of Pittsburgh International Airport. 412-586-7785 or p3r.org/races/flyby-5k-and-2-mile-fun-run-walk

Race results

Community Chase 5k Run, July 16: Tyler Wisniewski, 1st Overall M, 17:59; Annabel Johnson, 1st Overall W, 19:26; Justin Redilla, 1st 15-19 M, 18:09; Matt Montellanico, 1st 30-39 M, 19:09; Samuel Argotti, 1st 10-14 M, 20:13; Todd Roberts, 1st 50-59 M, 20:31; Adam Ranalli, 3rd 30-39 M, 21:17; John Hackworth, 1st 40-49 M, 21:32; Maxwell Argotti, 2nd 10-14 M, 21:50; Christi Novak, 1st 40-49 W, 22:43; Brent Collins, 1st 60+ M, 22:59; Sean Grillo, 3rd 50-59 M, 23:29; Martin Stoughton, 2nd 60+ M, 23:32; Stephanie Haase, 2nd 40-49 W, 23:56; Lora Grasso, 1st 30-39 W, 23:58; Timothy James, 2nd 40-49 M, 24:09; Kim Grillo, 3rd 40-49 W, 24:33; Sydney Heltzell, 1st 15-19 W, 25:32; Ashley Ford, 1st 20-29 W, 25:39; Leanne Welch, 2nd 30-39 W, 25:55; James Gascoine, 3rd 60+ M, 26:16; Jared Berken, 2nd 20-29 W, 26:57; Alicia Long, 3rd 15-19 W, 27:09; Audrey Vidmar, 3rd 20-29 W, 28:09; Aubrey Kane, 1st 9 & Under W, 29:31; Isaiah Gretz, 1st 9 & Under M, 30:16; Jake Reisdorf, 2nd 15-19 M, 31:16; Renee Gliptis, 2nd 60+ W, 31:31; *** Haase, 2nd 9 & Under W, 47:35; Peter Eilenfeld, 23:29; Roman Queen, 23:35; Anthony Hochuli, 23:56; William Marsh, 24:24; Michael Bertsch, 24:37; Brad Vukich, 25:13; David Singleton, 25:38; Chris Smith, 25:39; Derek Argotti, 26:09; Rocky Long, 26:15; Mitch Radella, 26:16; David Stoner, 27:07; Tia Singleton, 27:46; Altaf Ahmad, 28:13; Kayla Hochuli, 28:17; Kelly Ramsey, 28:19; Carolyn Grider, 28:23; Matthew Fiore, 28:36; William Fisco, 28:50; Gisela Tanaka, 29:12; Josh Maybach, 29:20; Ben Kane, 29: 28; Maddy Newell, 29:32; Caleb Gretz, 30:12; Josh Gretz, 30:13; Rick Bowers, 30:19; Amanda Smoker, 30:20; Tim Mischik, 30:23; Sue Blaney, 30:31; Elijah Gretz, 30:44; Ashley Vallely, 30:55; Katie Johnston, 30:55; Hannah Novak, 31:12; Natalie Ranalli, 32:41; Josh Andree, 32:55; Alfred Schnabel, 35:33; Victoria Kroh, 35:34; Erin Kennedy, 36:10; Nancy Lutrell, 36:50; Brocton Skeen, 37:11; Dawn Ianuzzi, 37:29; Leah Boyle, 37:45; Amy Riley, 37:46; Maria Foster, 38:32; Cameron Foster, 38:35; Tracy Vidnovic, 39:30; Heather Moser, 40:34; Melanie Zombek, 40:59; Sue Corbett, 41:00; Robin Lutz, 42:29; George Gabriel, 44:31; Kathleen Gabriel, 44:33; Chrissy Smith, 45:16; Christine Patton, 46:24; Diane Kimmel, 47:11; Kayli Wheeler, 47:22; Stephen Wheeler, 47:23; Angie Winter, 49:50; Steve Christensen, 52:02

Roaring Run Race to the Moon 5k, July 16: Samuel Plazio, 1st Overall M, 18:07; Amy O’Donnell, 1st Overall W, 20:23; Jacob McClymonds, 2nd 14 & Under M, 20:11; Denise Whitacre, 1st 40-49 W, 23:55; Travis Domhoff, 1st 20-29 M, 24:11; Fran Lokar, 2nd 70+ M, 1:04:05; Andrew Whitacre, 30:14; Kaelin Lokar, 1:04:08; Kim Mathos, 1:04:08

Rube’s Run 5k, July 23: Chase Bowen, 1st Overall M, 17:26; Amy O’Donnell, 1st Overall W, 20:17; Tessa Szymanski, 3rd Overall W, 22:20; Jacob McClymonds, 1st 13-17 M, 19:50; Mark Casteel, 1st 50-59 M, 22:14; Jim Gallagher, 2nd 50-59 M, 23:02; Justin Zackal, 1st 40-49 M, 23:19; Brad Kopp, 1st 18-29 M, 23:44; David Suber, 1st 60+ M, 23:57; Kelsey Brendlinger, 2nd 18-29 W, 23:59; Emily Blough, 1st 13-17 W, 24:19; London Galino, 1st 12 & Under M, 25:06; Emily Frazier, 2nd 13-17 W, 25:16; Tim Sloan, 3rd 50-59 M, 25:38; Samantha Frazier, 3rd 18-29 W, 26:15; Casey Reiland, 1st 30-39 M, 26:22; Pamela Zackal, 2nd 30-39 W, 26:23; Jamie Kemper, 1st 40-49 W, 26:29; Jarod Kemper, 3rd 40-49 M, 26:29; Robert Overly, 2nd 18-29 M, 26:47; Samantha Frazier, 3rd 18-29 W, 26:15; Casey Reiland, 1st 30-39 M, 26:22; Pamela Zackal, 2nd 30-39 W, 26:23; Jamie Kemper, 1st 40-49 W, 26:29; Jarod Kemper, 3rd 40-49 M, 26:29; Robert Overly, 2nd 18-29 M, 26:47; Amanda Zavidny, 3rd 30-39 W, 26:51; Cindy Suber, 1st 60-69 W, 27:15; Maegan Johnson, 3rd 40-49 W, 29:14; Tony Sunseri, 1st 70+ M, 29:18; Chloe Boosel, 2nd 12 & Under W, 30:01; Victoria Brendlinger, 3rd 60-69 W, 31:06; Julia Murray, 1st 50-59 W, 31:54; Max Phillips, 1st 12 & Under M, 32:23; Robin Trinko, 2nd 50-59 W, 34:14; Heidi Fleming, 3rd 50-59 W, 35:59; Alex Tustin, 2nd 12 & Under M, 39:04; Zach Marra, 3rd 12 & Under M, 42:39; Liam Throm, 25:15; Rylan Zupko, 25:35; Mitch Radella, 26:11; Josh Tustin, 28:30; Emilie Keith, 28:37; Keaton Olsheski, 28:46; Melissa Eckenrode, 29:57; Jordan Galino, 31:00; JoAnn Carrasquillo, 31:50; Shannon Weber, 32:27; Ashley Phillips, 32:35; Eric Shultheis, 33:26; Katie Cheeseman, 33:40; David Murray, 33:45; Erica Lutz, 33:46; Derrek Cherry, 33:58; Elliette Smith, 34:33; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 34:35; John Grenci, 34:36; Tammy Fritz, 36:11; Madelyn Olsheski, 36:30; David Fritz, 38:11; Carol English, 38:25; Laura Benninger, 39:24; Andrew Taylor, 39:54; Heidi Tustin, 40:13; Pamela Beck, 40:36; Gregory Baker, 46:41; Michael Green, 51:23; Kim Kenetz, 52:13; Declan Olsheski, 52:18; Thomas Turner, 53:09; Peter Bryan, 54:53; Charynn Olsheski, 57:55; Emelia Olsheski, 57:56; Michael Marra, 57:57; Heather Frazier, 1:00:57; Alexandrea Frazier, 1:02:06

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle