In the mood for a 5K, you can get your fill this wekeend with three 5Ks in as many days.

Friday, June 21 (6 p.m.)  — The Fun Run in the Sun 5K in Harborcreek Community Park benefits Habitat for Humanity and offers a post-race picnic. $20 day of race. Application here.

Saturday, June 22 (9 a.m.) — The Run for Shelter 5K is an Erie Runners Club race to raise money for the Beach No. 1 Shelter project. The race starts — where else! — Beach No. 1 at Presque Isle State Park. This is a great race and a great cause to support because, let’s face it, we runners have PLENTY to gain by supporting this pavilion project (you know…like a warm, dry place to congregate before & after Beach No. 1 races!!! $25 day of race. Application here.

Sunday, June 23 (8 a.m.) — The Alex Johnson Memorial 5K XC race starts and finishes at the Greene Township Building on Tate Road in Greene Township (Tate Road is just a couple miles up the road from the i-90 Wattsburg exit). Take note of the XC in that race name — this is a cross-country race, so…you’ll be hightailing it through grass and, given the rain we’ve been having, a wee bit of mud, too. $25 day of race.  Application here.

I triple-dog-dare you to do ALL of them! (And if you do…you need to tell me so I can give you your props!).

Kids can try a Du

Also this weekend, is the What are you Du-ing this Summer Kids Duathlon in Fairview on Saturday at 9 a.m. Details on that here.

OK…all you old  former seasoned track stars, check this out:

My name is Doug Stratton and I’m an assistant coach at Penn State Behrend. We’re happy to invite the community to our brand new and fabulous on campus track & field facility. We have an all-comers meet Friday June 14 with registration beginning at 5:00 and the track meet beginning at 6:00.

We hope to have at least one other, depending on how this first one goes. We hope to have athletes from youth to adult join us. We plan on running the 100, 400, 800 and 1600, as well as long jump and a couple throwing events. Once we know how long this all takes, we’d like to add a 5k for our next meet.

The fee is $5 per event, with a $10 limit and three event limit. So if someone does three events they’ll get one free. We’re extremely happy with how our facility turned out and we’d like it to be a community asset. I know already many of the Erie Runner’s Club members have been up and ran some laps. Please invite any and all so we can have a great first meet. The track is at the top of the hill accessed by a road at the back of the large parking lot, adjacent to our softball and baseball fields. Some might know it for the youth soccer fields next to where the track is.

If anyone has questions, please feel free to call me or our head coach Greg Cooper.
Doug Stratton – 814-504-2385
Greg Cooper – 898-6239

I’ve never heard of anyone (locally) offering an adult track meet, so spread the word about this unique opportunity to test your meddle on Penn State Behrend’s brand-spanking new track!  Bring the kids….bring the spouse….and bring water (you’re going to need it)!

What’s your “bucket list” race…the one you want to do before you die?

1.  Boston, 2. New York City, 3.  Disney marathon/ half  for the goofy combo  — Amy Cronk

Boston Marathon! No contest there. — Mary Connerty

Boston. — Paul Bressen

Rock ‘n Roll 1/2 marathon in Las Vegas. — Jameel Gavin

1. Boston 2. New York 3 . Disney. 4 . Runner’s World Half in Bethlehem, Pa. — Ramon Patron Jr.

Goofy Challenge at Disney World! — Tracy Jenks

Hatfield & McCoy Marathon on  June 14, 2014.  State number 50 for me. — Dale Werner

I really would like to run the Disney World Marathon and someday I will but it probably won’t be for another 8 or 9 years (after my kids graduate). — Sandie Sweet

Marine Corps Marathon. And the Leadman Ironman n Bend Oregon…starts with a 5k mountain lake swim…..eek! — Mary Kay Snyder-Migdal

Any race that pushes my limits to the point of breaking. — Eric Ellis

The 100K at Oil Creek 100. I will never be fast enough to consider the full 100 miler but the 100K is possible. — Christine Vassen

I HAVE to run the next Nike Women’s Half whether in DC or San Fran because they give away a Tiffany’s necklace at the end of the race instead of metals! I have to have one! Also, the Moab Half Marathon in Utah looks amazing because of the awesome scenery! — Jessie Zahner

Western States 100, Hardrock 100, Marathon des Sables. — Patrick Krott

Great Wall of China marathon. — Doug Oathout

I’ve been lucky enough to run most of my bucket list marathons. In October I’ll be knocking the Marine Corps marathon off my list. The remaining race(s) is the new Disney World Dopey – consisting of a 5k, a 10k, a half marathon, and the full marathon. Looking to run that in January 2015. — Karen Manganaro

I’ve completed my “bucket list”. All that is left is my “F_ _ _ it” list. Marathon #11 is on that list. That’s what happens when you get old. — Cyndie Zahner

The original marathon course in Greece. — Michael Morris

New York City marathon! — Lou Montefiori

Ready to race? Here’s what’s going in & around Erie this weekend:

Art & Sole 5K — Saturday (Erie)

Right here close to home, but…(stop the presses) NOT at the peninsula, is the Art & Sole 5K, which benefits the Inner-City Art House (a really worthy cause). You’ll run through the streets of Erie with the start and the finish at the Art House at 10th & Holland. Those who place get super cool art gifts made by kids from the art house….so run hard!  Race starts at 9 a.m. More details here.

The PR Run (1/2 marathon & 5K) — Saturday (Oil City)

Wow, the race director of this Oil City race sure knows how to lure runners. Who doesn’t want a PR and where better to set one than The PR Run on the Samuel Justus Trail in Oil Creek.  This event offers a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles) distance and a 5K, too.  Race starts at 8 a.m. Saturday. More details here.

Run from the Nun 5K — Saturday (Ashtabula)

This 5K race is in nearby Ashtabula, Ohio. Starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Lake Short Park. Here’s the application, but…that link appears to be broken, so if you want more info, call the race director, Steve Wychock at 440-964-2035.

Raising the Dough 5K — Sunday (Bemus Point)

Help the Maple Grove H.S. Class of 2018 raise the dough by hoofing it around nearby Bemus Point, New York. Race starts at 9 a.m. in front of Bemus Point Elementary School. More details here.

Saturday was the Edinboro triathlon in…you guessed it, Edinboro!

There were a couple hundred participants in the Olympic distance, sprint distance and team division combined.  Results here.

There are also 457 photos  from GoErie.com Street View photographers here.

Wheew…the boss hog race directors for the annual Stanganelli’s Jog ‘n Hog have been hard at work making Erie’s most unique race even MORE unique. Check out the latest news from their Hog Blog:

Double the Pepperoni, Double the cash

Just for the fun of it last year, Boss Hog hid a single Bacon Ball among the hundreds of pepperoni balls runners ate during the Stanganelli’s Pepperoni Ball Jog ‘n Hog. The runner who found the Bacon Ball would receive $50 in cash. Simple, right?

Turns out bacon was a little too close to pepperoni because the Jog ‘n Hogger who ate the Bacon Ball tore right through it without even knowing it. We had to chase him down in the parking lot at the end of the race to let him know he won and hand him his $50.

To avoid that this year, Boss Hog is loading up this year’s ball with DOUBLE the amount of bacon. We’re also going to have TWO hidden Bacon Balls – one for the Whole Hoggers and one for Half Hoggers.

If you find the winning ball, shout it out and you’ll run the 2 miles back to the start line with $50 in your pocket.

An “alternate” T-shirt

Check out the “alternate” t-shirt that Boss Hog is printing up in a limited supply for the Erie Jog ‘n Hog. The shirts (50/50 mix) will be available for $15 when you pick up your race packet. We only plan to print 25 shirts so get your order in ASAP by emailing Boss Hog through the Contact Us section of the website. Make sure to include your name, phone number and t-shirt size.

Editor’s Note: Word has it they are already sold out of these shirts, but….maybe if you squeal loud enough, they’ll put another order in!

Teaming up for fun

Boss Hog reports that he has 24 registered teams!  He recently had a conversation with Danielle Kruse, a stylist and the manager of Salon
H2O in Erie. Employees at the salon signed up for the Stanganelli’s Pepperoni Ball Jog ‘n Hog as team “Running with Scissors.” Read it here.

Can you beat the pig? Or will the pig beat you?

That’s the question runners will ask themselves when they line up at the starting line of a Jog ‘n Hog race.

Here’s how it works: in each race, a designated “Pace Pig” will run alongside participants. Once the pig reaches the eating area, he/she will hang out for 15 minutes, pose for pictures, and do whatever else Pace Pigs do. Once the 15 minutes are up, he/she will run back to the finish line.

Each racer that crosses the finish line will get a commemorative sticker that publicly declares how they fared against the pig.

Register until June 11!

Registration closes at midnight on June 11. Race is on June 15 at 8:30 a.m. at Beach No. 1. Are you pig enough to go whole hog?  (Remember, you can go half hog, too).

More info on the race and how to register here.

Don’t forget about the Art & Sole 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 8. Race starts at 9 a.m. at the Neighborhood Art House, 10^th & Holland Streets.

According to race organizers, participants range from dedicated runners seeking their best run-time to individuals and/or families with small children who run/walk the route without concern for speed.

The course winds through downtown Erie. It starts and finishes at the Art House (proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Art House).

If you’re already registered, you can pick up your packet on Friday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the art house.

Top finishers will receive an unique award – artwork created by the children at the Neighborhood Art House.

There’s a Team Challenge this year (Call the Neighborhood Art House at 455-5508 for information on how to form a Team and be eligible for great prizes!)

Registration form & more info available here, or by contacting the Neighborhood Art House at NAH@neighborhoodarthouse or 455-5508.

Harborcreek Township is offering a free runners clinic again this year and it starts next Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Harborcreek Community Park. It runs for 6 consecutive weeks. The goal is to train runners to run the Harborcreek Youth Services Fahey/Ferko Run on June 29th.

“Not only will Sandie offer weekly running tips, but will also pass on information including stretching, nutrition, setting goals, choosing correct equipment, and additional training options for the more advanced runner. In addition to all the knowledge you will gain from Sandie, the location of the clinic offers you many routes and surfaces to run on — from the 7/10 mile paved trail around Community Park to wooded trails that connect into the park. Participants should plan to gather near the Firman Road concession stand and picnic pavilion, using the Firman Road parking lot.

It’s free to participate and you can sign up the first night (or any night). Here’s a Q&A I did with Sandie about the clinic last year.

Need some inspiration? This Harborcreek blogger attended Sandie’s clinic last summer and started running (she had not run prior to attending the clinic) and she just completed her first half marathon!  Read all about it here.

You can do it. You are so much stronger than you can possible imagine.

Go!  DO IT. Try it. It can will change your life.

Jim Lang, owner of Big White Trailer timing, posted the following note regarding a couple of off-Presque Isle racing opportunities available on Memorial Day weekend:

You all asked for races that aren’t at Presque Isle, and you’re getting them on Memorial Day weekend.

Saturday brings you a REALLY different race: A Race to Remember.  This is a dirt road in Albion. Might even get a Dirt Road Anthem going. It’s a senior project to benefit Alzheimer’s, which affects all too many in our community. Those of you who have participated in the Tuesday Night Racing League events over the past few years will remember this as the Albion 5k/5M course that brought a smile to our faces.

Monday brings you a variety. The Human Race — a 5K in Meadville, followed by the Tom McNally Memorial Kids Run. I ran the Human Race years ago and loved it. I’d be torn between it and the other race on the calendar. The Miracle Mountain Stampede in Spring Creek, PA is a hilly, road & trail, challenging course nearly guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The setting is absolutely wonderful. Bring the kids and look at all they have to offer. They offer an Open House so you’re free to look around.

Please, if you plan to run any of these events, register early so the directors can plan for you.  (And if you wake up on race day and decide to go anyway, please do register on race day.

— Jim

Photo from GoErie Street View (Mike Conway)

The ERC’s Mother’s Day 5K had a BIG turnout with nearly 700 participating in the run/walk on Sunday, May 12.

Results here.

140 photos from GoErie’s Street View photographer, Mike Conway, here.

Top 3 male: Chris Marchant, 46, 20:24; Kevin Slagle, 32, 20:45; Joel Linebach, 14, 20:54

Top 3 female: Aimee Deyoung, 40, 21:41; Dawn Betza, 45, 22:17; Kayla Murphy, 17, 22:24

Also this weekend:

* Women’s Care Center 5K held on Saturday, May 11 drew 126 runners. Results here.

Top 3 male: Joe Eckendorf, 50, 19:18; Simon Deangelo, 19:43; Josh Eckendorf, 22, 20:27

Top 3 female: Dakota Sonney, 15, 23:50; Grace Domino, 24:25; Carrie Vandamia, 36, 24:36

* The Braves Mighty Miler on Saturday, May 11 drew 60+ 5Kers and 21 1K participants. Results here.

Top 3 male(5K): Draven Douglas, 13, 22:40; Tyler McMillen, 13, 22:43; Ron Krystek, 57, 22:57

Top 3 female (5K): Katie Kuttenkuler, 29, 19:43; Erin Trojak, 24, 28:18; Brenda Urban, 29:28

* Oil City YMCA Mayfly 5K on Saturday, May 11 had nearly 100 participants between the walk & run. Results here.

Top 3 males: Matt Peterson , 20, 19:38; Tony Ruth , 52, 19:51; Jason Woolcock , 40, 20:31

Top 3 females: Stacie Stevenson , 25, 20:55; Sara Lander, 19, 23:48; Emily Baughman, 17, 24:29