5K races near Blairsville

The Chernisky Ghost Town Trail-a-thon is an October trail event held at Duman Lake County Park in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. This event concludes the Cambria County Trails Series, which features one event on each county trail. It utilizes the Ghost Town Trail, a route previously named a Pennsylvania Trail of the Year. Participants can select a marathon, 15-miler, 5k, adaptive-device 5k, firefighter turnout gear 5k, or the "Couch Potato 0.0k" for those preferring not to race. The longer running races conclude at Duman Lake County Park. Transportation will be available from the finish area to the marathon and 15-mile start locations. The cycling option is a relaxed 26.2-mile group ride. It begins at Duman Lake County Park and travels to the Twin Rocks trailhead, following the Ghost Town Trail and C & I Extension. Cyclists may use the aid stations designated for runners. Youth participation in the series is free, and all proceeds benefit the improvement and expansion of Cambria County trails.

The Run For Your Life 5K is a run/walk held at Bradley Lake Park in Puyallup, Washington. The 5K distance is open to both runners and walkers. This event centers on recovery, welcoming individuals facing a hurt, habit, or hang-up, as well as their family members and friends impacted by these challenges. It also functions as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting Calvary Celebrate Recovery and other Celebrate Recovery ministries in the Puget Sound region. Participation is possible in memory of someone lost to addiction or in honor of someone who has overcome a hurt, habit, or hang-up. The race provides youth pricing, group discounts, shirts, and medals. Packet pickup is available before race day or on race morning. The event prioritizes offering a public, shared avenue for marking grief, recovery, support, and hope over competitive racing.

The Armstrong County Turkey Trot is an annual race morning based at the Richard G. Snyder YMCA on North Water Street in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. It offers a half marathon, 5K, kids race for ages 10 and under, plus virtual half marathon and 5K options. The half marathon starts first at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:30 a.m. Miles of Smiles Timing Service organizes the event with the YMCA, so race-day basics stay centered inside the building: bathrooms, registration, and awards are all indoors. Every finisher gets a turkey medal, the top overall man and woman in the half marathon each receive a $50 cash prize, and age-group awards are given in both the half marathon and 5K. Water stops are set up on the course, water is available at the finish, and food is part of the post-race setup.

The Jingle All the Way 5K & 10K is a holiday-themed race held in December at The Water's Edge Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. Participants can choose between a 5K run/walk and a 10K, both beginning in the early morning. A 1K race for children aged 10 and under takes place just before the main events. The event caters to local runners, walkers, and families, not exclusively serious competitors. The 1K race is not chip timed, and every child finisher receives a ribbon. Race shirts have sold out for the 5K, 10K, and kids' race. A previous participant noted the small-group start format provided a safer method for runners to begin.

Cupid's Chase 5K Derry provides runners with relationship-status T-shirts: white for "Available" and red for "Unavailable." This Valentine’s Day-themed 5K begins at 10 a.m. in Westmoreland County, run as part of Community Options Inc.’s national Cupid’s Chase series. The nonprofit uses the race to support adults with intellectual disabilities, with proceeds helping fund home upgrades, job assistance, and related services. The Derry branch runs in Keystone State Park. The local race typically uses Legion-Keener Park in Latrobe when available. It usually draws about 100 participants. Nearby Cupid’s Chase races also occur in Butler and Pittsburgh, part of events across 12 U.S. states. The day includes giveaways, Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and treats, food and water for runners, raffles, and winner rewards. Stephen Hall of Community Options has noted people meeting through Cupid’s Chase races, dating, and in one instance marrying.