I just posted a question from a reader to my previous blog from a woman asking if there were any 5Ks coming up in the area, so...thought I'd do a rundown.

(BTW -- the easiest way to hear about ALL the races and get all the applications to local races is to join the Erie Runners Club -- it's just $15 for a membership and you get a monthly newsletter with race info, results, etc. You can download a membership application here.)

Coming up:

This Sunday is the Run Around Erie at Presque Isle State Park -- it's a competitive 15K (9.1 miles) and fun 5K and fun 1 mile (no awards in the "fun" events). You can find out more info. about the race here.].

Oct. 11 is the Her Times women's 5K at Presque Isle State Park. This one is for the girls, but...guys...we can use your help...feel free to email me & I'll put you to work as a volunteer! Information about the Her Times race can be found here.

Following the Her Times is the Presque Isle Endurance Classic on Sat., Oct. 18 -- a 12-hour run. No...you don't have to run 12 hours -- you can run 1/2 hour or 3 hours or the whole 12 if you want. The point is to challenge yourself. Participants run a 1-mile loop as many times as they want. Info about that race can be found here.

Then...we have the Grandaddy of the ERC races -- and the first in the winter series -- the Turkey Trot -- on Thanksgiving morning at -- where else? Presque Isle State park! :-) The Turkey Trot has a 10K run and a 5K run/walk division. It's one of the biggest -- and funnest -- races of the year. Entire families come to do the race today -- and occasionally even a Grammy star. Info. about the Turkey Trot can be found here.

After the Trot...we have the Snowflake 5K on Dec. 13 at -- you guessed it -- Presque Isle State Park. This is a winter run that goes wind, rain, snow or sleet -- unless the park is closed by the rangers. Find info about the snowflake 5K here.

Then...there's the perfect way to start the new year with the New Year's Day 5-mile race. This is the second of three races (St. Patrick's Day is the 3rd) in the winter series -- if you complete all three and you get a special prize (last year they were really cool, high-class backpacks). Get info about this race here.

So...get the race dates on your calendar and plan to participate! :-)