The St. Barnabas 5K is coming up on its 25th annual run and has been improving with every year. The size of the race has reached roughly 1,000 participants with a wide variety of skill ranging from elite runners to walkers. The course is situated as an out-and-back along rolling hills. The after-party generally contains a pretty wide spread of food with the sponsor list being fairly extensive. Live music is also a big hit, especially when you can hear it as you approach the finish line.

The race does not offer a great deal in the way of scenery since it primarily follows a residential road set apart from any town. It is however tree-lined, which helps to keep the early morning sun at bay. The swag is also pretty general consisting of a T-shirt and coupons.

When running in high school and college, this was a race that I always placed on my calendar. Considering the cause and overlooking the drawbacks, it is a race worth the money. This event is becoming a hallmark in the Pittsburgh area.