Now that the elephant, in the form of the Pittsburgh Marathon, has lumbered from the room, Butler County runners can get back to supporting Butler County races.

Although participation at some of our hometown events may be impacted by the marathon, the Mars Band on the Run 5K, Saturday at 9 a.m., looks to match or exceed last year’s 450 registered runners and walkers.

Registrations are slightly behind last year at this point, but race director Mary Morgan is confident that runners will turn out to support the high school band boosters and have a good time.

“We rely on word-of-mouth advertising more than anything,” Morgan says, “and we have a quality event. We more than doubled our size from our first year (2009).”

The quality of the event includes a challenging course beginning at Mars High School, winding along rural Adams Township roads and through the borough of Valencia. Morgan, an experienced marathon runner, influenced the layout of the course, which includes a portion of the former Valencia Fire Department 5K.

This year, the Mars Band on the Run 5K has added a 1K Children’s Fun Run for ages 11 and under. This fun run, held at 10:15 a.m. encourages participation by kids not ready for the 5K distance.

Children’s Run participants receive a special T-shirt and goodie bag. All finishers age 14 and under in the fun run or the 5K receive finisher’s ribbons for their efforts.

Groups from three to five runners may register in male, female and co-ed team divisions. Top three based on finishing time are eligible to win team awards.

To make the run more interesting, high school and middle school band members will provide music along the course and classic rock band Ozone Itch will play runners over the finish line.

And the musical theme extends to the post race party with the Zelienople-Harmony Jazz Band performing indoors at the high school gymnasium.

The gymnasium provides ample room for runners to stretch out and enjoy the post race party. The party includes food, drinks and raffles for more than $6,000 in random drawing prizes.

Although it’s too late to take advantage of early registration discounts, it’s not too late to sign up. Runners may register or pick up their race packets at Up-N-Running specialty running store in Middlesex Township on Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Day-of-event registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday at Mars High School.

It’s more important than ever to support local auxiliary organizations such as the Mars Band Boosters. With the loss of state funding to school districts, band members will pay a $100 participation fee this coming year.

The band boosters support the music program by paying for supplemental instructors, transportation to events, equipment and meals for the award winning Mars High School Band.

For more information about the Mars Band on the Run 5K this Saturday at 9 a.m. or the Mars Band Boosters, visit www.marsband5k.com.

Quality Life Cup Series returns next week with its first 5K at Trinity Living Center in Grove City at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The six-event 5K series takes place monthly at Quality Life Services Assisted Living facilities.

Runners in the series compete for cash awards at each individual race, but also for an overall series trophy determined by the five best finishing times. The events offer an opportunity for runners to compete, have fun and interact with residents, families and staff of the various facilities.

Runners may register for one or all of the events. Other Quality Life Cup races are run in Sarver, Apollo, Mercer, Worthington and Emlenton. Call 724-431-0770, extensions 2139 or 2134 or download an application from www.qualitylifeservices.com.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Band on the Run 5K Run/ Walk, Mars. Also 1K kids fun run. www.marsband5k.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Wounded Warriors 5K Run/ Walk, Beaver Falls. Run through Bradys Run Park. faroneej@bsd.k12.edu

Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: St. Margaret Foundation Fitness Classic 5K Run/ Walk, Aspinwall. 412-784-5169 or www.stmargaretfoundation.org

May 24, 7 p.m.: Quality Life Services 5K, Grove City. First in series, cash prizes. 724-431-0770, ext. 2104 or mikel@qualitylifeservices.com

May 27, 7 p.m.: Fryburg Mayfest 5K Run/ Walk, Fryburg. 814-354-2288 or fryburgmayfest@gmail.com

May 27, 7:30 p.m.: Ogden Mile, Wheeling, WV. “Fastest mile in America” with course record of 3:39:82. 304-233-0100, ext. 317 or www.ogdenhalfmarathonclassic.com.

May 28, 8 a.m.: Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon and 5K, Wheeling, WV. Classic race with new longer distance. Cash prizes, separate race walk beginning at 7:30 A.M. 304-233-0100, ext. 317 or www.ogdenhalfmarathonclassic.com

May 28, 9 a.m.: Kalajainen Klassice 5K Run/ Walk, New Castle. 724-652-5105 or dreed055@aol.com

May 29, 10 a.m.: Mark J. Sampson Memorial 5K, Titusville. 814-671-8455 or sampsoncrnp@gmail.comMay 30, 8 a.m.: Mercer 5K Freedom Fun Run, Mercer. 724-699-4589 or pizzajoes@hotmail.com

May 30, 8 a.m.: Boalsburg Memorial Day Run, Boalsburg. Run 3.8 miles in historic Boalsburg. 814-238-4926 or adcooper@mqblaw.com

June 4, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5K Run/ Walk, Sarver. New location starts at Monroe Road, out and back on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. N3wav@aol.com

June 4, 1 p.m.: Buffalo Stampede, Sarver. Choice of 5 miles, 14 miles or 20 miles on rugged trails. 724-357-9988 or www.americanadventuresports.com

June 4, 6:30 p.m.: Gateway Track Miles, Monroeville. 412-372-3212 or don_tammy@msn.com

June 5, 8 a.m.: Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5K Run/ Walk, Concord, OH. www.lakehealthdistanceclassic.com

June 5, 9 a.m.: Catawba Island Club Run for Humanity 5 Mile Race, 3 Mile Run/Walk and Kids Run, Catawba Island, OH. 419-794-4424 or www.cicrunwalk.org

June 11, 9 a.m.: Parkinson Awareness 5K Race/ Jog and Walk, Uniontown. Separate start for walkers. 412-629-9292 or www.jerrymahermemorial5k.com

June 11, 9 a.m.: Freedom Financial Fight Against Cancer 5K Walk/ Run, North Park. Benefits Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. Volunteers also needed. 724-933-7223 or matthew@freedomfinancialcorp.com

June 11, 5:30 a.m.: Laurel Highlands Ultra, Ohio Pyle State Park. Choice of 70 miles, 50K or 5-person relay for each distance on Laurel Highlands Trail. 724-854-3104 or www.laurelultra.com

June 18, 8:30 a.m.: Cecil Jarvis Greater Clarksburg 10K, Clarksburg, WV. Also KidsK for ages 12 and under and 2-mile fun walk at 10 A.M. 304-624-4100 or www.greaterclarksburg10k.org

June 18, 9 a.m.: Dayspring Harvest 5K Race/ 2 Mile Walk, Ellwood City. 724-752-1600 or johantinossi@gmail.com

June 19, 8 a.m.: Father’s Day 5K/ 10K Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Starts at Riverfront Park outside Heinz Field. 412-572-6830 or www.fathersday5k.com

June 26, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race, Butler. Choice of 5 miles or 2K benefits scholarship for local athletes. 724-282-7977 or butlerroadrace.org

Race results

Komen Race for the Cure 5K, May 8: Paul Tristle, 1st Overall M, 15:49; Michelle Corkum, 1st Overall W, 18:13; Scott Slaney, 2nd 16-19 M, 17:57; Dan Monhemius, 2nd 35-39 M, 19:12; Tamara Lerch, 2nd 40-49 W, 21:12; Sean Dolan, 3rd 50-59 M, 21:24; Margretta Lutz, 1st 70+ W, 33:57; Margaret Kimpel, 3rd 70+ W, 42:43; Wayne McCracken, 20:31; Samuel Archibald, 20:36; Vince Villella, 21:29; Frank Bogacz, 22:36; Brad Ballantine, 22:45; Richard Landgraf, 22:53; James Gajewski, 22:55; Dorothy Moxie, 23:01; Scott Schulz, 23:22; Ben Rhoads, 23:35; Kate Yeager, 23:36; Tena Pettit, 23:38; Nathaniel Pettit, 23:39; Jodie Freedman, 23:49; Katelyn Jones, 24:04; Abigail Jones, 24:05; Chuck Lenns, 24:06; Douglas Rodgers, 24:22; Michael Schrock, 24:31; Nick Lope, 24:35; Patricia Neubert, 24:36; Maggie Goodman, 24:37; Laury Stiscak, 24:51; Jennifer Wohlgamuth, 24:54; Kelsee Callihan, 24:56; Clinton Laviano, 25:03; Jonathan Cleek, 25:16; Jeffrey Kopinski, 25:27; Carl Heinlein, 25:31; Katie Williams, 25:32; Jenna Banyas, 25:34; Robert Sarver, 25:39; Stone Eckenrode, 25:40; Cyndie DeLucia, 25:41; Correne Jones, 25:45; Kristy Martino, 25:43; Matthew Fannie, 25:44; Raquel Moore, 25:52; Lucy Moore, 25:52; Joe Frisina, 25:59; Eric Eisenbrown, 25:59; Matthew Lerch, 26:05; James Woodhall, 26:05; Kelly Bergman, 26:17; Jacob Johanson, 26:46; Peter Amendola, 27:04; Katie Nelson, 27:13; Kara Spagnola, 27:17; Brett Spagnola, 27:18; Karen Walzer, 27:23; Joseph Woodhall, 27:30; Samantha Maley, 27:34; Jim Szonka, 27:34; Allison Defurio, 27:38; G. Ripper, 28:22; Lauren Case, 28:36; Rick Stephenson, 28:46; Mark Bidoli, 28:58; Linda Robash, 29:07; Melissa McClure, 29:09; Elizabeth Schraven, 29:10; Jamie Kemper, 29:10; Carol Bovan, 29:10; Renee Goodman, 29:16; Timothy Corcoran, 29:22; Mary Pat Butzine, 29:34; Brian Shuttleworth, 29:35; Keith Wargo, 29:41; Steve Butzine, 29:44; Amelia Gohn, 29:46; Bobby Yedlowski, 29:50; Renae Yedlowski, 29:50; Jacob Atkinson, 30:00; Rebecca Woods, 30:02; Sherree May, 30:02; Andrew Shaffer, 30:11; Kimberly Paulson, 30:14; John Hoffman, 30:21; Sara Waldenville, 30:43; Cole Eckenrode, 30:45; Ann Cheman, 30:49; Becky Monhemius, 30:57; Joyce Doss, 31:06; Ethan Nicholas, 31:12; Katy Raykovics, 31:22; Bob Zaccari, 31:28; Leighanne Shubert, 31:46; Desiree Lawrence, 31:53; Katie Herman, 31:56; Jason Swope, 31:57; Ali Doyle, 31:59; Patti Doyle, 32:11; Kelly Eckenrode, 32:18; Maureen Skelly, 32:33; Ed Porter, 32:36; Paige Bianchin, 32:40; Marcia Semple, 32:46; Joshua Hindman, 32:58; Jennifer Hindman, 32:58; Kellie Gillespie, 33:08; Shane Slater, 33:14; Gayle Shubert, 34:07; Lester Hebert, 34:15; Lawrence Han, 34:16; Linda Rakers, 34:37; Debbie Sandala, 34:51; Kelly Biego, 35:17; Kimberly Matz, 35:21; Amy Woodhall, 36:19; Rebecca Zahora, 37:51; Dee Hutto, 38:13; Laura Wise, 38:42; Amy Miller, 38:42; Jamie Daniels, 38:43; Nolan Cumberland, 40:36; Susan Herman, 40:49; Bradley Cumberland, 41:30; Joseph Rogers, 42:30; Charles Wooster, 42:50; Lisa Bogacz, 43:44; Kristen Zaccari, 47:13; Melissa Bamonte, 53:01; Campbell Kriess, 54:27; Elana Kriess, 54:28; Linda Jason, 1:07:13

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle