SOUTH FAYETTE’ S ANNUAL GLOW RUN
By Elise Simon, SF 2026
Starting in 2014, South Fayette’ s annual Glow Run has become a staple in the district’ s events to raise money for a charitable cause. Aiming to offer a community service program that could both benefit others while also providing a“ healthy” option for its participants, the Glow Run was the brainchild of three South Fayette Track and Field scholar-athletes, Alana Blatz, Carly Evanish, and Taylor Timmons, who all graduated in 2015.
The event originally provided support for the Free Care Fund at Children’ s Hospital of Pittsburgh and switched to assisting the Four Diamonds nonprofit through South Fayette’ s MiniTHON in 2018. Since then, the Glow Run has been the official kickoff for the following year’ s MiniTHON, meaning the 2026 Glow Run will provide support for the 2027 MiniTHON, through which all funds raised are allocated towards the Four Diamonds nonprofit organization. Four Diamonds ensures that families with children being treated for pediatric cancer receive the care they need without worrying about medical costs. Additionally, they deliver funds for innovative research and improved pediatric cancer drugs for both Penn State Health Children’ s Hospital and around the globe.
While the primary goal of the Glow Run is to raise as much money for Four Diamonds as possible, the event also efficiently provides leadership and engagement opportunities for high school students and concludes each school year with an extra note of celebration. The Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils( PASC) granted the Glow Run their State Service Project of the Year Award in 2024, recognizing the masterful strategy required in the event’ s meticulous planning and its effective outcomes. Although historically attended mainly by South Fayette residents, the Glow Run is open to anyone, and all are encouraged to visit and participate. Organizers of the 2026 Glow Run are aiming to surpass 2019’ s record-setting registration, with more than 1,000 runners taking to the course.
Glow Run has grown to become one of the most significant events for South Fayette High School’ s Student Government, remaining both a student-led and student-run event. As part of their efforts to transform it into an all-inclusive community event, food trucks and several on-site events including games, inflatables, a dunk tank, and so much more are offered to attendees of all ages, whether they are running or not. Admission to the Glow Run is free, with funds being raised from the food trucks, activities, and race registrations.
Each year, Glow Run has displayed the powerful bond of the South Fayette community through its leaders, volunteers, and participants. Don’ t miss your opportunity to be part of this exciting element of South Fayette’ s community history— mark your calendar for Saturday, May 30, 2026, and register now at sfglowrun. weebly. com.
HALL OF FAME WELCOMES EIGHT INDUCTEES
October 23, 2025, marked the induction of the eight newest members of the South Fayette Alumni Hall of Fame. A lovely reception in the High School Studio was followed by the induction ceremony in the Theatre for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The ceremony was attended by more than 120 friends, family, and current Hall of Famers and was emceed by radio host and high school baseball coach Marc " Bubba " Snider. The honorees included Rich Bonnaure( 1977), Aldo Donelli( 1925), Nick Faraci( 2011), Michael Lamberti( 2011), Tony Neely( 1978), Clem Rolin( 1964), Lauren Uranker( 2004), and Josh Willy( 1993). Donelli and Willy were inducted posthumously. Speeches by all other honorees evoked many fond and shared memories of their time at South Fayette as scholars, athletes, musicians, coaches, and leaders. Bios for each of this year ' s inductees are available on the district website at southfayette. org / 2025Inductees. aspx or by clicking on District Information from the homepage( southfayette. org) and selecting Hall of Fame.
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