The hills are alive, but primarily with the sounds of groaning and grunting runners. The Frigid Five Miler combines two challenges in one race - winter running and a hilly course. However, it's these obstacles that make people want to do this race.

Sign-up for the race was fairly simple, since it was sponsored through one of the local running stores and was able to completed online. This made packet pick-up easy as well so I was able to get my tech shirt and bib prior to the race. Although the shirt was the only piece of swag the event passed out, the entry fee for the race was also pretty low.

Now, part of the appeal of the race is that snow and cold temperatures are expected when registering. This year, the weather chose to reflect its unpredictability and remained in the 40's with overcast skies. Not what may have been imagined by the race directors, but it made for great racing temps.

The course began and ended at the North Park Lodge, which is set slightly apart from the rest of the park making for a little challenge with parking. The organizers recommended ahead of time using one of the other lots that were a little ways away and carpooling to the start. This method actually provided for a nice warm-up and also gave participants a feel for how the race ended, since this was the path we would be running shortly.

The course was one large, very hilly loop. Technical skill was just as necessary in this race as endurance. The first mile and a half was flat and provided a good opportunity to set into a pace. While the next mile after that was primarily downhill, the constant pounding on the legs could easily wear them out and take a toll. The next mile and a half was fairly flat and provided the greatest amount of scenery. All this built up to a little past mile marker four, which began the uphill climb, and a climb it was. Until the end of the race, the only way to go was up, which, after four and a half miles, was brutal.

The aid stations throughout the race were at key points, especially right before taking on the hill. These stations were manned by the recipients of the proceeds from the race - local grade school cross country teams. Refueling at the end of the race was also great, since pancakes and hot chocolate were served to all finishers.

Overall, the race was a great challenge and kick-off for many people beginning their spring marathon training. Maybe next year the weather will be more fitting with the theme of the event.

Holiday races can, at times, be split into two categories - fun runs or competitive races. However, a few events can achieve that perfect balance of festive entertainment while still challenging the racers. The Jingle Bell Run in Pittsburgh has accomplished this feat fairly well.

The Jingle Bell Run is a national event sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, meaning that registration was fairly simple through the charity's website and hosted in many cities. If participants choose so, they can participate in fundraising efforts in addition to racing and receive additional prizes based on the amount raised.

The event utilizes both national sponsors as well as local making the swag pretty awesome. Unlike most races where an envelope or drawstring bag contain all the race necessities, this race had everything in a reusable thermal bag. That's thinking outside the box if you ask me! Inside the bag was a long-sleeved shirt as well as a collapsible water bottle. Not too shabby of a stash in a time when swag can sometimes be limited. I was able to pick up my packet and swag the Wednesday before the race at one of the local running stores. The process was painless and gave me hope that the race itself would run just as smoothly. I was not disappointed!

Race morning I got all decked out in my race gear, pinned on my bib and made my way down to Heinz Field where the event would start. Parking garages are pretty much empty Sunday mornings, so parking was no problem. Since Pittsburgh weather can be unpredictable (like being 60 degrees in the middle of December), the original gathering point for participants was inside one of the stadium meeting areas. Great thinking ahead by the logistics planners! However, since the weather was so amazing, people were milling around a little bit of everywhere. Food tents were set up outside for anyone needing to fuel up prior to the run while inside registration and a small expo of local organizations were taking place. And yes, everywhere you looked was Christmas attire and jingling bells.

In addition and prior to the 5K, the event also features a 1 mile fun run. For someone too nervous about doing 3.1, this race would be a great way to get acclimated to running. Families could also cheer on anyone running this race while still participating in the main event, since the one finished before the other started.

When the 5K was ready to begin (1,600 people strong), volunteers held signs with various pacings on them so that people could organize themselves based on predicted results - genius! The gun then went off and the race began. Because of the way in which everyone was lined up, I found myself having to do much less weaving than can sometimes to be case.

The course itself was one long loop with runners making their way down the various roads that border the Allegheny River until they could pick up the Three Rivers Heritage Trail near the Heinz buildings. In this trail being used by a very large number of races, any glitches that may happen from its use have been worked out. In addition, any incline or decline tend to be minor making for a pretty fast course. Maybe to add a little difficulty, the run does conclude on an uphill making the last 0.1 something to conquer. Aid stations with water were at mile markers 1 and 2 if the need to re-hydrate arose.

After high-fiving the race elf (only so many chances to use that line), everyone was directed to head inside where computers were set up with real-time information on time and place. Fruit and water were also available for anyone interested. The awards ceremony occurred an hour after the race, not only for those who had great times, but also best costume.

This race provided a great festive experience and meets the needs of intense runners and casual walkers. Even the pet lovers will be happy in being able to bring their furry friends.

The Clean Air Dash is a very family-friendly race for anyone looking to come out for a community run/walk. With the race set for Halloween morning, dressing up was encouraged and some pretty crazy costumes were about.

Registration for the run was fairly easy since it was through RunSignUp and the organizers were able to assign bib numbers through the website prior to the event. In knowing my number, I was able to pick up my race packet, shirt, and drawstring bag quickly and get on to warming up. I could also browse the handful or two of sponsor tents that were set up. The atmosphere was very light and enjoyable. This race was one of the few in which I actually received more than just a shirt (which I consider a win)!

The race started promptly with the course following a portion of the flat Three Rivers Heritage Trail. I would say at this point is when I found a few frustrations with the layout of the race. The run did not begin on the trail but a street up causing us at the beginning of the race to make a U-turn to actually enter the paved path. The trail entrance was a tight squeeze and the trail itself was no more than a 3-4 person width path. With 350 people participating, you can imagine the challenge that was created in attempting to pass. This problem became more complicated in that the course was an out-and-back, so as runners began to turn around, the pathway became even more cramped. Spacing did clear up by about the last half-mile making finishing easier.

The post race goodies were nicely themed and delicious with a wide variety of food to choose from. They even had warm apple cider to combat the cool morning!

Overall, I would consider doing this race again and would be even more inclined to do so if they change to course to accommodate the growing number of participants in the event.