Like many runners, Methuen resident Charlie Farrington has received countless benefits from hitting the pavement on a regular basis.

A track runner in high school in Chelmsford, Farrington was getting lazy, soft and a bit heavier in his middle years until he decided that enough was enough -- he had to return to running. That was 25 years ago.

Recently turned 60, Farrington has come a long way since then. In tremendous condition for someone his age, he long ago stopped having concerns about his weight. Instead, he's become a whirlwind of energy, winning many age division awards while running 44 marathons and countless shorter races. He's also met hundreds of new friends.

"Running is a large part of my social life," said Farrington, an avid member of the Merrimack Valley Striders for the last 23 years. "I can't even tell you how many friendships I've made through running."

Moreover, there are certainly hundreds of runners who, if they don't know Farrington personally, at least know of him. His contributions to the running community make that evident.

He is the founder and race director of the 5K Methuen Turret Trot, which raises money for the Methuen Historical Society. He's one of the co-founders of the 5-mile Lobster Dash in Ogunquit, Maine, and he continues to serve as one of the principal organizers of the race. He also helps put on the Lawrence Sons of Italy 5-mile race and has been known to assist the Vietnam Memorial race in Lawrence as well.

For the Striders, he sponsors a Jingle Bell Run from his house every December, a fun event in which many runners wear costumes. Participants run through the Loop mall and on to Holy Family Hospital, where they entertain staff and patients with caroling before returning to Farrington's home for a potluck dinner and Christmas cheer.

And then there are the many events in which Farrington quietly volunteers.

Why does he do so much? It's very simple.

"It's just a payback to the running community," said Farrington. "I've gotten a lot from running and it's a way to give something back."

Fair enough, but it's too bad that runners like Farrington don't get credit for all they do for their sport.

Or, at least they didn't until 1991, when the Phil Quinn Award was inaugurated in conjunction with the Mill Cities Relay, a tremendous event in its 21st year. It's a unique relay race for Merrimack Valley-area running club members from Nashua, N.H., to Lawrence, founded to celebrate the sport and create camaraderie between the clubs at the end of every season.

This year's Mill Cities Relay, which consists of five legs along a 28.3-mile route, is set for Dec. 5. When it's over. Farrington will be presented with the 2004 Phil Quinn Award, presented to a "citizen of the running community" who has impacted the sport in a positive manner.

"I was very happy to hear about it," said Farrington. "But it's an award that really honors running as much as any one person."

Nevertheless, those who have won the award in the past include people who have helped make the Merrimack Valley what many believe to be (because of the number of clubs and their competitive accomplishments) one of the greatest running hotbeds in the country.

Among the many well-known runners who have won the award, the first four -- Dave Camire of Greater Lowell, Bob Randall of the Winner's Circle, Jack Pierce of Greater Lowell and Jim Gilford of Gil's Athletic Club -- are nearly legendary for their influence in the Valley. It's now a prestigious award that has become quite meaningful for those who receive it.

"To me, it stands out as one of my greater achievements in running," said Haverhill's Dave LaBrode, the 1996 winner and a member of the Andover Striders. "When your peers give you an award, it means a lot."

Those who have won the award in the past have not reduced their contributions, and Farrington will undoubtedly be the same way. He's already making plans for next year's races and is all set for the fast-approaching Jingle Bell Run. All the while, he's starting to train for his 45th marathon in New Orleans in February.

"Running has taken me places I wouldn't ordinarily have gone," said Farrington, who has run marathons in 14 states and three countries, with a best time of 2:49:29 at the 1988 Boston Marathon. "I love to travel and run."

Fortunately, Farrington also loves to come back and help out in the local running community, as the Phil Quinn Award so appropriately indicates.