The holidays are a time for visiting with friends and family, reminiscing and making new memories, and of course, giving to others. This Sunday’s Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k in Meadville is all of these.

Clint Puller was a Brookville High School scholar, champion wrestler and pole vaulter and an avid runner who was a member of the Grove City University track team. Puller was 26 years old in 2006 when he died after being struck by a car.

One of his best boyhood friends, Michael Richards, has held a 5k for the past three years to honor his memory and to help the community.

Because Richards currently lives in Meadville, he organized the event to take place there. The race starts and finishes at the Mercer Pike Trailhead of Ernst Rail Trail following a level out-and-back course.

Richards, a runner himself who has completed one marathon and one half, expects as many as 150 participants for this year’s 5k, the largest crowd ever. He says that while there will probably be 60 to 70 competitive runners who will appreciate the event’s chip timing, there will be many more participants running and walking to support a good cause and to honor Clint Puller’s memory.

That includes Clint’s mom and dad and younger brother, who have attended each year.

The 5k is named Toy Run because all proceeds from the event benefit Toys for Tots. In its three-year history, Clint Puller Toy Run 5k has donated more than $6,000 to the charity. It’s not a requirement, but participants are welcome to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to the cause. Richards says that some local residents drop off toys even though they don’t run.

In keeping with the season, runners are encouraged to dress in holiday costumes. Michael expects several Santas and elves and he laughed when he recalled a 6-foot-5, 250-pound pink bunny who ran in last year’s race. All costumed runners are eligible to win gift cards.

Following the race, all participants are welcome to join family and friends of Clint Puller at the nearby Roff School Tavern for the awards ceremony and a post-race feast. The Tavern is a family-friendly, smoke-free establishment. Michael says it’s a great place to “share old war stories” and to make new memories.

Weather in Meadville on Sunday is forecasted with temperatures in the mid thirties with a chance of flurries. That’s mild compared to the inaugural race when temperatures peaked in single digits. Richards is confident that runners and walkers will dress for conditions and doesn’t foresee any weather delays or cancellations.

If you plan to attend this Sunday’s Clint Puller Toy Run 5k, day-of-event registration opens at 9:30 a.m. for the 11 a.m. race start. There’s a large parking area near the Mercer Pike Trailhead with overflow parking along the road.

You may want to sign up online to score one of the remaining commemorative T-shirts.

Online registration is open until Friday, 6 p.m. at https://localraces.com/events/meadville-pa/the-clint-puller-memorial-toy-run.

For more information, call Michael Richards at 724-992-9154 or e-mail michaelharry40@hotmail.com.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Highland Clarksburg Regional Hospital Ugly Sweater 5k, Clarksburg. Run on VA Park Rails to Trails. 304-969-3124 or amccoy@highlandclarksburghospital.net

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Snowflake 5k, Erie. 814-774-3209 or bigwhitetrailer.com/register

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Riverhounds 5k to benefit Team Cassie, Pittsburgh. Starts at Station Square, awards for top three physically challenged. mbruno@pointpark.edu or Runsignup.com

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Trot for Tots 5k, Oakdale. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunnersracing.com

Sunday, 9:45 a.m.: Trot for Tots 10k, Oakdale. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunnersracing.com

Sunday, 11 a.m.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Benefits Toys for Tots. 724-992-9154 or michaelharry40@hotmail.com

Dec. 17, 11 a.m.: Old Fashioned Christmas in Volant 5k and Kids Fun Run, Volant. Out and back course on rolling country road with wrapped Christmas gifts to winners, raffle prizes and finishers’ medals. bonnherb@yahoo.com

Dec. 31, 3 p.m.: Harmony Silvester 5k, Harmony. Also 1 mile fun run at 3:45 p.m. Part of New Year celebration with German food, musicians, fireworks and ball drop at 6 P.M. www.harmony-pa.us or active.com

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Last Call 5k, Austintown, OH. Out and back on back trail, awards held at Paladin Brewery. 234-421-0188 or www.2vr.com

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run amd 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run through the lights at Lakemont Park. 724-695-4467 or bsheffer@hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Jan. 1, 10 a.m.: New Year’s Day 5 Miler, Erie. 814-774-3209 or bigwhitetrailer.com/register

Jan. 7, Noon: Winter Wing Challenge 5k and 1 Mile, Sharpsville. All you can eat wings after the race. 724-456-2373 or frstacrs@yahoo.com

Jan. 7, 1 p.m.: Run 2 Read HalfMarathon, Fairmont, WV. Run through Prickett’s Fort State Park. 304-694-6042 or www.runtoread.org

Jan. 8, 9 a.m.: Frigid 5 Miler, North Park. Post-race pancake breakfast. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunnersracing.com

Jan. 14, 11 a.m.: Chilly Cheeks Challenge 10 Mile, 5 Mile or 2.5 Mile, Hermitage. Run through Buhl Farms Park. 724-456-2373 or pittsmullet@verizon.net

Jan. 16, 10 a.m.: Somerset Fire & Ice 5k Run & Walk, Somerset. Part of winter festival. 814-445-6213 or dmapes40@yahoo.com

Jan. 17, 10 a.m.: Bushwacker’s Nightmare Trail Run, South Park. Choice of 5k or 10k sponsored by GPRRC. 412-341-0684 or thegprrc@gmail.com

Race results

Butler Family YMCA Turkey Trot Kids Race, Nov. 5: Alex Depew, 6:58; Jacob Szebalskie, 8:03; Mark McClymonds, 8:38; Luke Monday, 8:47; Katelyn Watters, 9:08; Zachary Watters, 9:22; Elliette Smith, 9:52; Nick Collins, 9:54; Lauren Beggs, 10:05; Alex Collins, 10:06; Andrew Benjamin, 10:42; Logan Monday, 10:54; Ella Ramsey, 10:58; Lyla Bole, 11:59; Liz Patterson, 12:16; Ian Beggs, 12:16; Jonah Mechling, 12:30; Evan Ramsey, 12:38; Ruby Patterson, 12:40; Teagan Early, 12:56; Elise Bachman, 13:42; Alina Newcombe, 13:46; Bradley White, 16:23; Taetum Dougherty, 31:34

Butler Family YMCA Turkey Trot 5k, Nov. 5 (finishers under 40:00): CJ Singleton, 1st Overall M, 19:20; Justin Maskal, 2nd Overall M, 19:50; Noah Neigh, 3rd Overall M, 20:09; Nathan Monday, 4th Overall M, 20:27; Jennifer Bole, 1st Overall W, 21:20; Olivia Reddick, 2nd Overall W, 21:22; Alyson Frederick, 3rd Overall W, 23:00; Evonne Patterson, 4th Overall W, 23:56; Brayden Koegler, 1st 11-14 M, 21:07; Joshua Venderlic, 1st 30-39 M, 21:13; Skip Watters, 2nd 30-39 M, 21:18; Todd McGill, 1st 40-49 M, 21:28; Tyler Rekich, 2nd 11-14 M, 21:38; Drew Griffith, 3rd 11-14 M, 21:39; Nathaniel Datko, 1st 15-19 M, 22:05; Sean Murphy, 1st 40-49 M, 22:20; Michael Braun, 1st 10 & Under M, 22:32; Steve Knoll, 1st 50-59 M, 22:34; Aaron Depew, 2nd 40-49 M, 22:48; Jonathan Fleming, 2nd 20-29 M, 23:02; Jeremy Rock, 3rd 40-49 M, 23:17; Ryan Walker, 3rd 40-49 M, 23:50; Danner Croll, 2nd 15-19 M, 23:54; Megan McClymonds, 1st 15-19 W, 23:57; Elizabeth Maskel, 1st 30-39 W, 24:03; Alyssa Watters, 1st 11-14 W, 24:26; Carrie Smith, 2nd 30-39 W, 24:36; Ella Rekich, 1st 10 & Under W, 25:05; Zachary Slear, 2nd 10 & Under M, 25:43; Luke Robinson, 3rd 15-19 M, 25:48; Kristan Casteel, 1st 40-49 W, 25:56; Deanna Watters, 3rd 30-39 W, 26:02; Tisha Frederick, 2nd 40-49 W, 26:14; Jenna Holden, 1st 20-29 W, 26:21; Samantha Cornell, 11-14 W, 26:32; Holly Depew, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:34; Carly Vantine, 2nd 20-29 W, 26:41; Meghan Reay, 2nd 10 & Under W, 27:40; Michael Bruno, 1st 60-69 M, 27:47; Madalyn Semmler, 3rd 11-14 W, 28:48; Clinton Champagne, 2nd 60-69 M, 28:54; Larry Parson, 2nd 50-59 M, 27:01; John Reddick, 3rd 50-59 M, 28:06; Amy Lutz, 1st 50-59 W, 29:21; Madison Rose, 3rd 10 & Under W, 29:30; Robert Sands, 1st 70+ M, 29:33; Robert Crawford, 3rd 60-69 M, 29:39; Brittany Renchko, 3rd 20-29 W, 30:05; Keagan Book, 3rd 10 & Under M, 31:09; Cynthia Reddick, 2nd 50-59 W, 31:29 Charlene Fleming, 3rd 50-59 W, 31:40; Dezso Csizmadia, 2nd 70+ M, 32:31; Sonja Crawford, 1st 60-69 W, 33:22; Kayla Lenhart, 2nd 15-19 W, 33:24; Paige Williams, 3rd 15-19 W, 33:27; Joshua Snyder, 3rd 20-29 M, 38:43; Marcia Semple, 1st 70+ W, 39:17; Valerie Sands, 2nd 70+ W, 39:37; Donna Birckbichler, 2nd 60-69 W, 47:36; Linda Robinson, 3rd 60-69 W, 51:27; Diane Snyder, 3rd 70+ W, 53:52; Logan Koegler, 22:54; Joshua Greynolds, 24:13; Lucas Slear, 24:32; Bryce Dryden, 24:39; Lance Slater, 24:39; Ryan McLister, 24:39; Steven Green, 24:39; Robert Knobeloch, 25:00; Noah Convery, 25:01; Noah Collins, 25:06; Brady Collins, 25:28; Bruce Soule, 25:30; Tyler Henry, 25:39; Nate Rekich, 25:57; Ethan Depew, 26:34; Stephanie Karwoski, 26:41; Bryan Thompson, 26:49; Colin Casteel, 26:53; Arthur Slear, 27:03; Lesley Bachman, 27:35; Dave Szebalskie, 27:38; Anthony Ravasio, 27:54; Rich Landgraf, 28:00; Garrett Paule, 28:13; Neil Convery, 28:16; Ashley Benjamin, 28:24; Tim Shingleton, 29:07; Scott Karwoski, 29:13; Heather Venderlic, 29:15; Roger Lutz, 29:21; Ed Hilliard, 29:24; Jeff Mechling, 29:28; Jennifer Hoffman, 29:29; Amanda Rekich, 29:32; Caleb Landgraf, 29:33; Sarah Szebalskie, 29:51; Amber Steinheiser, 30:06; Eric Croll, 30:24; Megan Gahring, 30:34; William Cranmer, 30:34; Brion Bish, 30:49; Carolyn Wincer, 30:49; Malachi Stephenson, 31:02; Glenn Brennen III, 31:24; Ella Paule, 31:36; Sophia Fleeger, 31:39; Shaelynn Nagle, 31:53; Joann Gordon, 31:57; Kathy Hilliard, 32:16; Wendy Collins, 32:25; Nicole Fleeger, 32:33; Aaliyah Vivirito, 32:48; Cameron Hanratty, 33:06; Becca Allison, 33:07; Maeley Cornetti, 33:09; Penny Birch, 33:28; Grace Nichols, 33:32; Katie Amerson, 33:39; Allison Parks, 33:57; Debi Giocondo, 33:57; Paige Griest, 33:57; Aliyah Young, 33:58; Jacki McElhaney, 34:01; Danielle Haney, 34:16; Stacy Slater, 34:16; Holly Collins, 34:21; Stephanie Slear, 34:32; Landon Slear, 34:32; Amy Farr, 34:39; Rhyan Deal, 34:55; Megan McDowell, 34:58; Ruth Lowen, 35:35; Skylar Miller, 35:54; Colleen Miller, 35:57; Rebecca Novak, 36:03; Krislyn Green, 36:11; Traci Soule, 36:16; Keira Krenitsky, 37:04; Makenzie Reay, 37:07; Amanda Burka, 37:11; Amber Bohin, 37:29; Halie Halberg, 37:35; Leslie Henderson, 37:35; Emily Wingfield, 37:38; Aubrey Thomas, 37:43; Katlyn Hamilton, 37:45; Erica Lorenz-Hays, 37:48; Hannah Gregor, 38:09; Tanya Collins, 38:21; Thomas Koons, 38:21; Olivia Kirkpatrick, 38:25; Natalie Erskine, 38:27; Morgan Erskine, 38:27; Maysen Stewart, 38:35; Taylor Temple, 38:36; April Snyder, 38:43; Ella Nichols, 38:54; Emma Landgraf, 38:55; Hallie Avon, 38:56; Bonnie Hempfling, 39:08; Bridget Sereday, 39:18; Skylar Rhodes, 39:19; Ella Golojuh, 39:19; Jessica Chwalik, 39:19; Tammi Landgraf, 39:30; Julie Collins, 39:31; Nicole Avon, 39:31; Ana Malovich, 39:48; Miranda Gall, 39:49; Serenity Hindman, 39:55; Ashley Figlioli, 39:57

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.