Even though a handful of races began the 2016 racing season, a traditional Lehigh Valley favorite kicked the running season into gear.

474 runners from throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond participated in the 15th annual Super Bowl 10K on the morning of the annual game at the Lehigh Valley Parkway Feb. 7. The race was sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Road Runners (LVRR).

Despite a pocket of cold weather that recently crept into the area, the race’s pace was a relatively fast one.

Dillon Farrell of Orefield was the top overall finisher with a time of 34:07 and a pace of 5:30. On his heels were Tommy Darlington of Bethlehem (5:34, 34:35) and James Heroux (34:40, 5:35).

Amy Grab of Allentown was the top female finisher in a time of 39:07 and a pace of 6:18.

This past Sunday (Feb. 21), the LVRR sponsored its third of the four-races with the Ice Scraper 5k series at Lehigh Parkway, and a total of 278 runners participated.

Ryan Spack was the overall winner in a time of 5:55. Rounding out the top three finishers were Andrew Wells (5:56) and Jeff Karwacki (6:00). Michele Biesel was the top female finisher, placing 20th in a time of 6:52.

The LVRR will also sponsor the 39th annual Emmaus Four-Miler, Sunday April 10 beginning at 9:30 a.m at Emmaus High School. There also will be a Kids’ run beginning at 9. The field is limited to 425 and runners can register online at www.lvrr.org. Cost is $30 and includes a T-shirt and other goodies.

Two weeks later, the St. Luke’s Half Marathon will be held beginning at Allen High School. Race time is 8:10 and registration is $70 through March 15. Runners can register on the website, www.stlukeshalfmarathon.com

The day before the race, the LVRR will sponsor the St. Luke’s Youth Run at PPL Plaza, Hamilton Street in Allentown beginning at 2:40 p.m. The run is free and open to children ages 3-14. Children ages 3-4 will run a 1/8th of a mile; children ages 5-6, 1/4th of a mile; children ages, 7-8, 1/2 mile; and children, ages 9-14, 1 mile. For more information, check the LVRR website, www.lvrr.org.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three schools that have the most participants complete the youth run. The awards will be presented to the schools in May 2016. First prize will be $750; second prize, $500; and third prize, $250.

In the upcoming weeks, the “Ugly Mudder,” a 6.5-mile trail run will be held Sunday, Feb. 28 in Reading. For more information, check out www.pretzelcitysports.com.

On Saturday, March 5, the Quakertown Rotary Run for Youth will be held at Pfaff Elementary School. There will be a four-mile and 10-mile race. For more information, check out www.active.com.

Please feel free to submit any race information and results as well as any ideas and suggestions to jayphil@nni.net. Remember … never stop running!

Jeff Moeller is a frequent contributor and has been running competitively since 1982.