You don't have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. And you don't have to be a runner to take part in Saturday's Shamrock Shuffle 5K in Hopewell Township.

Walkers and runners are welcome at the eighth annual race at 10 a.m. Saturday. at Hopewell High School. The event is a fundraiser for Hopewell High School Track Boosters.

You don't necessarily have to run fast to run at Shamrock Shuffle, but fast times are possible on the rolling, out-and- back course. James Hamilton of Aliquippa holds the men's course record with his 2003 finish of 16 minutes, 6 seconds. Pittsburgh's Mary Zettl set the women's record in 2005 with a time of 19:47.

This year's race director Kelly Oscerriever, said that if you haven't trained, Shamrock Shuffle's hills can be challenging.

Oscerriever, a junior at Hopewell and a distance runner for the track team, has run the race in previous years. She shares this year's race directorship with track team teammate Natalie Buffalino. The race is a senior project for the two distance runners.

This year's Shamrock Shuffle could be the biggest yet. Attendance usually numbers between 150 and 200, but more than 150 already have pre-registered.

In keeping with the St. Patrick's Day theme, all participants are encouraged to wear costumes for the occasion. Costumes don't need to be elaborate. Many runners simply wear a green hat or shirt.

Although the long-sleeved commemorative shirts are guaranteed to the first 150 registered participants, day-of- event registrations are accepted. It will cost $15 instead of the preregistration $12. But remember, your entry fee supports young runners.

For information about Saturday's Shamrock Shuffle 5K, call 724-375-9351 or email shamrock5k@yahoo.com

Mark your calendars

Applications are available for two major road races in our area.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, the largest running event in Western Pennsylvania, makes its 15th appearance on May 13. You can pick up an application at many locations around town or visit www.komenpittsburgh.org.

Later and longer, the 31st annual Ogden Newspapers 20K Classic runs through Wheeling, W.Va., on May 26. It's a challenging course with cash prizes and a great post-race banquet. Call 304-233-0100, Ext. 317, for an application or visit www.ogden20k.com

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: St. Patrick Day 10K, Erie. 814-882-9587

Saturday: Diane Kelly 5K Run and Walk, Warren. First of Warren YMCA series, including 10K on June 9 and half marathon on Oct. 13. 814-726-0110 or www.warrenymca.org

Sunday, 2 p.m.: Grafton 5 Mile Run, Grafton, W.Va. New loop course of about 4Z\x miles, also 2-mile walk and half-mile kids run. 304-265-5575 or erobinso@access.k12.wv.us

Sunday, 7 a.m.: Shamrock Half Marathon, Virginia Beach, Va. Also marathon at 8. www.shamrockmarathon.com

March 25, 1 p.m.: Ken Brumbaugh Memorial Race, Altoona. Choice of 5 or 2 miles. 814-695-4467

April 7, 10 a.m.: Fool's Run 10K and 3-Mile Fun Walk, Indiana. The 29th annual event features a fast, rolling course. First leg of Indiana County Triple Crown series. 724-349-0501 or jswauger@comcast.net

April 14, 10 a.m.: Sharon Speedway Battle on the Border 5 Miler, Sharon. Scored as cross country event with Pennsylvania residents competing against Ohioans. 724-758-2506

Race results

Millcreek Half Marathon, March 4: Kam Lee, 1st Overall M, 1:20:45; Tracy Meeder, 1st Overall W, 1:36:45; Herb Cratty, 1st Masters M, 1:27:37; Sabine Kane, 1st Masters W, 1:43:12; Cindy Grimm, 1st Grand Masters W, 1:46:11; Robert Crawford, 1st 60-64 M, 1:45:25; Lou Alaksin, 1st 65-69 M, 1:56:05; Kathy Shoaf, 1st 60-64 W, 2:23:59; Adam Leskanic, 1:36:28; John Armstrong, 1:40:37; Curt Grimm, 1:43:48; Earl Kissell, 1:45:15; Bob Gracie, 1:46:01; Mark Pugh, 1:48:53; Lori Thomas, 2:23:59; Julie Rickert, 2:26:30

Millcreek 5K, March 4: David Mealy, 1st Overall M, 17:35; Michelle Bistrica, 1st Overall W, 22:40; Heather Leskanic, 2nd Overall W, 23:22; Jim Pitts, 1st 35-39 M, 20:32; Stacie Doughty, 31:11

Athletic Trainers 5K, March 11: Eric Anish, 1st Overall M, 16:28; Michael Combs, 2nd Overall M, 16:38; Sarah Como, 1st Overall W, 20:03Send 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.