The 3rd Annual Shebango Dirts Classic 5k & 8-Mile Run/Walk (formerly The Matthew Perna Freedom 5k) With $600 Going To The Top Winners!

Saturday, September 28, 2024 Past event
9:45 AM EDT
Sharpsville, Pennsylvania
$38.00–$48.00 · 4 races
5km

Event summary

Get ready for an exciting day of running and community spirit at the 3rd Annual Shebango Dirts Classic 5K & 8-Mile Run/Walk on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Sharpsville, Mercer! This uplifting event, formerly known as The Matthew Perna Freedom 5K, invites runners of all levels to participate in two fantastic race distances: the 5K and the newly added 8-mile course. Both races promise a thrilling experience, with a total prize purse of $600 awarded to the top winners—$300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third!

The festivities kick off at 8 AM with registration, followed by a Kids Fun Run at 9:15 AM. Runners will take off at 9:45 AM from the Erie Canal Bar & Grille, winding through Sharpsville’s picturesque historical district and the scenic Trout Island Trail. The course is well-marked and designed for a fun, memorable experience, with the 5K running exclusively on pavement and the 8-mile route offering beautiful views of Shenango Lake. Enjoy a day filled with camaraderie, food, music, and exciting activities like a Chinese Auction and

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Races

  • 5k RUNNERS ONLY The 3rd Annual Shebango Dirts Classic 5k Run (formerly The Matthew Perna Freedom 5k)

    Includes T-Shirt & Swag Bag

    This years course will start at the event site (Erie Canal Grille), turning left onto Hickory Street through Sharpsvilles beautiful historical district, then making a left onto North Mercer Avenue, and then left onto the Trout Island Trail. 5K runners will run out and back to the water/aid station, where they will turn around, and head back to the start/finish line. The eight-milers will run out through the remainder of the trout Island Trail, making a left at the very end onto a beautiful 2.5-mile loop with views of Shenango Lake. The course will be groomed and well-marked with fresh white blazes. 5K runners will be running on pavement only. Attention 8-milers! Keep in mind that you will be running the additional 2.5 mile of trail that may have some wet spots and mud, so you might want to wear that old pair of road shoes or trail/road hybrids. The course is very runnable with very little elevation. Thank you for participating in Matts run!

    9:45 AM EDT

    $38.00

    Entries closed
  • VIRTUAL RUNNERS ONLY The 3rd Annual Shebango Dirts Classic 5k & 8-Mile Run/Walk (formerly The Matthew Perna Freedom 5k) T-SHIRT MAILING FEE INCLUDED

    Virtual

    Includes T-Shirt & Swag Bag

    9:45 AM EDT

    $48.00

    Entries closed
  • WALKERS ONLY The 3rd Annual Shebango Dirts Classic 5k & 8-Mile Walk (formerly The Matthew Perna Freedom 5k)

    Includes T-Shirt & Swag Bag

    This years course will start at the event site (Erie Canal Grille), turning left onto Hickory Street through Sharpsvilles beautiful historical district, then making a left onto North Mercer Avenue, and then left onto the Trout Island Trail. 5K runners will run out and back to the water/aid station, where they will turn around, and head back to the start/finish line. The eight-milers will run out through the remainder of the trout Island Trail, making a left at the very end onto a beautiful 2.5-mile loop with views of Shenango Lake. The course will be groomed and well-marked with fresh white blazes. 5K runners will be running on pavement only. Attention 8-milers! Keep in mind that you will be running the additional 2.5 mile of trail that may have some wet spots and mud, so you might want to wear that old pair of road shoes or trail/road hybrids. The course is very runnable with very little elevation. Thank you for participating in Matts event!

    9:45 AM EDT

    $38.00

    Entries closed
  • 8-MILE RUNNERS ONLY The 3rd Annual Shebango Dirts Classic 8-Mile Run (formerly The Matthew Perna Freedom 5k)

    Includes T-Shirt

    This years course will start at the event site (Erie Canal Grille), turning left onto Hickory Street through Sharpsvilles beautiful historical district, then making a left onto North Mercer Avenue, and then left onto the Trout Island Trail. 5K runners will run out and back to the water/aid station, where they will turn around, and head back to the start/finish line. The eight-milers will run out through the remainder of the trout Island Trail, making a left at the very end onto a beautiful 2.5-mile loop with views of Shenango Lake. The course will be groomed and well-marked with fresh white blazes. 5K runners will be running on pavement only. Attention 8-milers! Keep in mind that you will be running the additional 2.5 mile of trail that may have some wet spots and mud, so you might want to wear that old pair of road shoes or trail/road hybrids. The course is very runnable with very little elevation. Thank you for participating in Matts run!

    9:45 AM EDT

    $38.00

    Entries closed

Organiser's description

Winnings: Race Winners receive a total of $600 for BOTH the 5K & the 8-Miler: $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place!

When: September 28, 2024, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with 8AM Runners Registration.

Where: The Erie Canal Bar & Grille, 285 East High Street Extension, Sharpsville, PA 16150.

What: Registration opens at 8AM
Kids Fun Run: 9:15AM.
5K and 8-Mile Race: 9:45AM

Timer: Runners High
Awards Ceremony: 11:30AM
50/50, Chinese Auction, Band, Food: 12:00PM

Weve added the 8-Mile Run/Walk in addition to the 5K, INCLUDING PRIZE MONEY WINNINGS, and the event will also feature a Chinese Auction, Raffles, Food, Music, and Kids Activities.

This years course will start at the event site (Erie Canal Grille), turning left onto Hickory Street through Sharpsvilles beautiful historical district, then making a left onto North Mercer Avenue, and then left onto the Trout Island Trail.

5K runners will run out and back to the water/aid station, where they will turn around, and head back to the start/finish line.

The eight-milers will run out through the remainder of the trout Island Trail, making a left at the very end onto a beautiful 2.5-mile loop with views of Shenango Lake.

The course will be groomed and well-marked with fresh white blazes. 5K runners will be running on pavement only.

Attention 8-milers! Keep in mind that you will be running the additional 2.5 mile of trail that may have some wet spots and mud, so you might want to wear that old pair of road shoes or trail/road hybrids. The course is very runnable with very little elevation.

Anyone who knew Matt Perna would describe him as charismatic, loving, kindhearted, with an absolute heart of gold. Matt had a way of connecting with people of all walks of life, no matter their story or background. He held no judgment of others and embraced people in every journey they were going through.

When Matt was 2, he had an incredible fascination with the American flag. He would seek them out everywhere he went. This continued into adulthood. Matt was brilliant in so many ways and had a massive collection of books. He traveled the world and made amazing friendships while doing so. He was adventurous, loved learning, and appreciated holistic health.

Matt had a love for running that only runners would understand. His friends and family wanted to honor his memory, and what better way to do so than by running through the city of Sharpsville and the gorgeous Trout Island Trails!

Those of you who cannot join us locally can run ANYWHERE virtually and upload your selfie (with T-shirt, time and upload to our Facebook group).

Matt fed his spirit and soul by running countless miles on as much of the world's landscape. It was through running he found release and peace. It was also through running he found yet another way to connect with others.

Thank you for participating in Matts run!

Location

285 East High Street Extension, Sharpsville, 16150, PA, United States

Event data

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