3 holiday races planned for North Park

With all the running around during the holidays, there are several upcoming events at North Park that take running literally.

The Christmas Eve 5K and the Resolution Run 5K North Park are being held by Wolf Creek Management on separate dates this month, followed by the North Park Half Marathon on Jan. 14.

The family-friendly Christmas Eve 5K is Dec. 24. This is the first time Wolf Creek Management is holding this event, and even Santa is coming.

“It’s going to be a really fun community event,” said Andrew Mascio, an owner of Wolf Creek Management, a professional event management and timing service.

Santa will pose for pictures, visit with kids and cheer on runners from 9 a.m. to noon, Mascio said. Families, strollers, runners and walkers are welcome to participate in the race.

Music and wintery drinks will keep the mood festive, as The Knock About Coffee Truck will be selling Christmas-themed hot cocoa and coffee drinks, pending weather.

Also, complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, candy and cookies will be available. Each racer will receive a gift basket raffle ticket and must be present at the drawing to win.

Runners can register up to 9:30 a.m. the day of the race, which begins at 10 a.m., at 10301 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park. As of Dec. 12, there were more than 500 registrants, said Mascio, of Cranberry.

Race cost is $40.

The North Allegheny Cross Country team will help out during the race, Mascio said.

An awards ceremony will take place after the race at 11:15 a.m. with Christmas Eve 5k Campfire Mugs given to the top award category winners. These include age categories: 10 and younger; 12-14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60 and older. Medals will be presented to top finishers.

The Resolution Run 5K North Park is Dec. 31.

The New Year’s Eve race is a great way to hit that last running goal of 2022, or get a head start on 2023, Mascio said.

The race fee for the Resolution Run is $35 and increases to $40 if registering on race day. Start time is 10 a.m. Awards will go to the top three overall male and female finishers, plus the top three in the following age categories: 12 and younger; 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 and older. There is no ceremony. Awards will be mailed.

The North Park Half Marathon is Jan. 14. It is the largest winter half marathon in Western Pennsylvania, Mascio said.

Racers have a window start time between 9 and 9:30 a.m. The runner’s chip will be timed. Cost is $60 until Dec. 31 and then increases to $70. Runners will begin at the Boathouse and race the loop around the North Park lake twice, plus an out-and-back. There will be no race-day registration.

Cold weather and snow doesn’t seem to deter runners, Mascio said. Last year’s half marathon had good attendance despite the minus 4 degree temperatures. Aid stations along the course will have sports drinks, water, snacks and first-aid kits.

Any snow is usually plowed by race time, he said.

Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female open and masters finishers, as well as the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 and younger; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 and older. Awards will be based on gun time.

Registration for all three events can be completed through www.wolfcreektrackclub.com. Click on race calendar.