Runners pound the pavement at the start of the 2019...

Runners pound the pavement at the start of the 2019 Suffolk County Marathon and Half Marathon in Patchogue. Credit: James Escher

Running is at the top of popular sports on Long Island. Runners by the hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of all ages and abilities, step up to starting lines almost every weekend morning.

MONSTER DASH 5K RUN/WALK 5k run/walk and 1-mile fun run hosted by the Stony Brook Fire Department, costumes are encouraged. Date 9 a.m. Oct. 26, Stony Brook Fire Department Station 2, 1410 Stony Brook Rd., Stony Brook. Fee $25 in advance. More info elitefeats.com, 516-531-3323.

RHATIGAN’S RUN 5K RUN/WALK 5k to honor the memory of Jim Rhatigan, proceeds benefit the Floral Park Knights of Columbus. Date 9 a.m. Oct. 26, Knights of Columbus, 33 S. Tyson Ave., Floral Park. Fee $30, $40 race day. More info elitefeats.com, 516-531-3323.

ELIZABETH FERRIS MEMORIAL 5K RUN/WALK 5k run/walk to benefit pancreatic cancer research, held at Field 1. Date 9:30 a.m. Oct. 27, Heckscher State Park, 1 Heckscher State Pkwy., East Islip. Fee $30. More info elitefeats.com, 516-531-3323.

MATTHEW’S MONSTER DASH 5K/GOBLIN’S FUN RUN & TOY DRIVE 5k to benefit children with cancer, featuring post-race refreshments and trunk-or-treat, kids fun run starts at 9 a.m. Date 9:45 a.m. Oct. 27, Centre Island Beach, 466 Bayville Ave., Bayville. Fee $30, $10 fun run. More info elitefeats.com, 516-695-5137