Pipe running tool having a cement path

A method of conducting a cementing operation in an oil and gas well drilling system comprising:

• providing a top drive assembly comprising an output shaft;
• coupling a top drive extension shaft of a pipe running tool to the top drive output shaft, wherein the pipe running tool is engageable with a pipe string to transmit translational and rotational forces from the top drive assembly to the pipe string;
• and
• providing the pipe running tool with a cementing pipe connected to the top drive extension shaft and having a fluid passageway which receives cement during a cementing operation.