Sometimes you just want to run — no finish lines, timers, medals or T-shirts. No pressure, no stress.

That was the plan for last Saturday as Dave and I headed to Deer Lakes Park for a few easy miles on our favorite trails.

We’d seen publicity for Step Out Against Drugs Trail Run posted around the neighborhood. Based on the lack of details on their Facebook event page, I suspected that the event was not for serious competitors. There was no mention of timing, prizes, age groups, commemoratives or any indications of racing.

The page did invite the community on a 5k trek followed by a picnic lunch. The promised face painting, crafts and bouncy house indicated a casual, family-friendly event perfect for a lazy Saturday morning.

Because of conflicting information on registration and start times, we arrived at the staging area an hour early. We took a short walk around the fishing lake as a warmup, then decided to check out the course. Red ribbons clearly marked the first mile. We set off on from there on our own route to add another mile before registration opened.

The trails through Deer Lakes Park range from dirt roads to open grass paths and power right-of-ways to steep single-track over roots and bogs. Step Out Against Drugs course was family and beginner friendly, thoughtfully laid out by a local couple familiar with the terrain.

When it came time to start, a couple dozen runners/ walkers/ hikers, most of them kids, gathered on a grassy area close to the first ribbon. We endured a 10-minute Zumba warmup, then allowed the enthusiastic gaggle of kids to dash into the woods ahead of us.

The actual run was as advertised, a fun “trek through the park.” Friendly volunteers, who outnumbered participants by at least two to one, were stationed at each turn giving direction and encouragement. Dave and I ran with a father/daughter team who struggled to keep the younger brother in view as he dashed ahead.

All went as planned until we encountered a section of trail with no ribbon. We chose a likely route and managed to find trail ribbons about a quarter-mile later. After a short downhill dash, we popped out of the woods and headed straight to our picnic lunch.

Runners, walkers and hikers continued to straggle in amidst volunteers’ applause. Eventually, even those who had been lost were found. Everyone seemed to understand that unexpected things happen, especially in a first-ever event.

As event organizers stepped forward to thank the participants and volunteers, I began to understand the seriousness of our run. The fun of Step Out Against Drugs Trail Run had raised money to allow Deer Lakes DARE program for elementary students in grades K through 5 and middle schoolers in grade 8 to continue after funding had been cut.

We read it in the headlines every day, see it daily on the TV news or media posts. Drug addiction is rampant in our nation, neighborhoods and families. DARE, in cooperation with the local police department, aims to address drug issues one child at a time.

Represented in the corps of volunteers were police DARE instructors, community coordinators offering family support groups in the area and those whose families have been directly touched by the drug epidemic. As Julie Mikus of the event’s sponsor Network for Hope said, “We want to educate and show compassion and provide outdoor fitness and fun for families.”

We’re one month away from the start of the 41st annual Butler Road Race, sponsored by Butler Health System. Printed applications are available at these locations: Miller’s Shoes, Robert Stephens Custom Jewelers, Up‘n’ Running, and YMCAs in Cranberry Township and Butler. You may also sign up online or download an application at butlerroadrace.org.

Upcoming events

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.: Shoes ‘n’ Brews, Valencia. Starts at Up-N-Running store with your choice of pace and distance followed by social hour with beer. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Saturdays: Butler Babes group trail runs, various locations. Run various distances on trails in area parks. tamsuemcg@embarqmail.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Autism Speaks 5k, Sharpsville. 724-992-3234

May 26, 7 p.m.: Fryburg Mayfest 5k, Fryburg. 814-221-9807 or www.fryburgmayfest.com

May 29, 8 a.m.: Memorial Day Human Race 5k, Meadville. mfinton@zoominternet.net or www.ernsttrail.org

May 29, 8:30 a.m.: Pizza Joe’s Mercer 5k and Freedom Fun Run, Mercer. 724-662-2433 or pizzajoes@hotmail.com

May 29, 9 a.m.: Miracle Mountain Ranch Run, Spring Creek. 5k road race and 4.5 mile trail run. 814-964-8548 dgrosie3@gmail.com

June 3, 7 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon Half Marathon and Team Relay, Galeton. Challenging and scenic point-to-point course. 814-274-3365 or potter@penn.com

June 3, 8 a.m.: Beaver VFD and Heritage Valley Health System 5k/ 10k Race, Beaver. 5k starts at 9 A.M. beavervfdrace@gmail.com or www.beavervfd.org

June 3, 8:30 a.m.: Hosack Harrier Hustle 10k and 5k Trail Race & 1k Dash. Kids’ 1k run starts at 9:45. 412-369-9284 or edavispgh@gmail.com

June 3, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5k Run/Walk, Freeport. 724-353-1945 or www.freeportcrosscountry.com

June 4, 8 a.m.: Kenny’s Koaster Race 10k and 5k, West Mifflin. Run through Kennywood Park. Also earn a medal for riding 5k distance on the park’s roller coasters. www.lightspeed-racing.com/KennysKoasterRace

June 4, 9 a.m.: The Allegheny 9, Natrona Heights. 5k trail race through Harrison Hills Park. www.acparksfoundation.org or register.chronotrack.com/r/23231

June 10, 9 a.m.: Drugs Kill Dreams ½ Marathon, 10k and 5k, Kittanning. briggle@rgymca.org

June 11, 9 a.m.: RSD Awareness Half Marathon, 6k and 1 Mile Walk, Boston. Run on Yough River Rail Trail. teambrunazzi@gmail.com

June 17, 8:30 a.m.: Greater Clarksburg 10k and 2 Mile, Clarksburg, WV. Run through downtown Clarksburg. 304-672-3637 or runwithhat@yahoo.com

June 17, 8:30 a.m.: Corry 5k Run/ Walk and Half Marathon, Corry. Starts at Corry City Park. 814-664-7757 or lisa_ymca@hotmail.com

June 18, 8:30 a.m.: Get Fit Families Youth Triathlon, Zelienople. Staged from Zelienople Community Park pool. joella@zoominternet.net

June 21, 7 p.m.: Summer Solstice 5k Run/Walk, Moraine State Park. Also 1 mile run/walk at 6:30 P.M. Brenda.r.schwarz@gmail.com

June 24, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race, Butler. Choice of 5 mile run or 2 mile run/walk. 724-284-4676 or butlerroadrace@butlerhealthsystem.org

Race results

Pittsburgh Marathon, May 6: Jacob Chemtai, 1st Overall M, 2:15:25; Ayantu Dakebo Hailemaryam, 1st Overall W, 2:36:20; Kevin Doyle, 1st 35-39 M, 2:37:17; Jessica Uhrin, 1st 20-24 W, 3:09:32; Hannah Kemper, 3rd 19 & Under W, 3:35:54; Val Wolfarth, 1st 60-64 W, 3:54:36; Owen Venesky, 2:46:56; Dan Carlino, 2:48:38; Rick Hinman, 2:53:48; Gar Bercury, 2:58:48; William Huber, 3:04:33; Zach Manuel, 3:14:13; Timothy Souders, 3:17:56; Michael Yankel, 3:19:01; Eric Peterson, 3:21:54; Lucas Johansson, 3:23:01; Andrew DeFusco, 3:23:23; Thomas Smith, 3:29:34; Roger Lutz, 3:31:09; Brittany Vogel, 3:31:35; Kristina Souders, 3:33:19; MY Brown, 3:34:08; Mary Tate, 3:34:17; Randy Wilson, 3:34:32; Bob Pudlo, 3:34:56; Madeline Dressen, 3:37:19; Andrew Anauo, 3:37:58; Erin Humphrey, 3:38:13; Stephen Mihalacki, 3:39:08; Heather Melzer, 3:39:22; Emily Wolfarth, 3:42:12; Meredith Heusey, 3:42:27; Jonathan Profili, 3:42:37; Phil O’Hara, 3:43:51; Joseph Beilstein, 3:44:14; Alana Jensen, 3:45:26; Kelly Skwortz, 3:45:51; Brittany Lucas, 3:45:52; Alex Graczynski, 3:46:56; Chad Coblitz, 3:47:00; Scott Frenz, 3:48:30; Salina Smialek, 3:49:49; Sean Curran, 3:51:33; Anthony Beilstein, 3:51:37; Sylvain Rovera, 3:51:48; Kristina Paracca, 3:52:01; January Scheidlmeier, 3:52:21; Lori Fromlak, 3:52:22; Keith Sainiak, 3:52:53; Caleb Rauscher, 3:53:39; Stacy Kopchak, 3:54:12; Chuck Huth, 3:58:16; Harry Peterson, 3:58:30; James Franks, 3:59:04; Seth Eismann, 3:59:13; Geno Mell II, 3:59:53; Evonne Patterson, 3:59:56; Rin Donahue, 4:00:00; Daniel Wilson, 4:01:26; Henry Stahl, 4:02:41; Ryan Patrick, 4:03:09; Brian Creighan, 4:04:07; Katelyn Jones, 4:04:13; Ji Hye Charlton, 4:04:42; Thomas Lynch, 4:05:12; Jacqueline Schindler, 4:05:35; Eric Holtz, 4:05:59; Clint Kuskie, 4:06:10; Myah Merhaut, 4:06:31; Alex Lauer, 4:07:18; Earlene Allshouse, 4:07:27; Gabrielle Hock, 4:07:56; Bryan Thompson, 4:09:42; Russel King, 4:10:14; Matthew King, 4:10;16; Rebecca Smith, 4:12:42; Andrew Soergel, 4:12:45; Brandon Rodgers, 4:13:01; Tena Pettit, 4:13:22; Sherri Fulton, 4:14:15; Duke Donnelly, 4:16:11; Jonathan Shank, 4:16:33; Eric Rudish, 4:17:12; Justin Angert, 4:22:26; Genifer Scaletta, 4:22:40; Laura Syes, 4:23 :18; Vincent Trigeli, 4:23:56; Brian Shepard, 4:24:13; Molly Luther, 4:26:01; Robert Grant, 4:27:43; Aubrey Brewer, 4:27:56; Katherine Colton, 4:28:44; Eamonn Clements, 4:30:43; David Lieberman, 4:32:07; Daolin Tang, 4:32:25; Patrick Hitchan, 4:32:31; Elri Moggee, 4:34:48; Rob Jarosinski, 4:34:48; Scott Gabriel, 4:34:53; Caroline Huber, 4:35:40; Kristen Andreo, 4:36:11; Renee Clouse, 4:36:26; Kenny McGee, 4:37:38; Sara McGee, 4:37:39; Melanie Hoy, 4:38:35; Christine Murray, 4:38:45; Emilee Morris, 4:40:03; John Morris, 4:40:04; Kimberly Cato, 4:40:57; Tim Maloney, 4:41:24; Nitin Gupta, 4:41:45; Rachel Rutkowski, 4:42:04; James Sherman, 4:42:37; Noelle Sequite, 4:42:47; Daniel Smiley, 4:43:09; Joe Buttermore, 4:43:11; Will Gramlich, 4:43:17; Timothy Hutchison, 4:43:37; Johannah Scott, 4:45:12; Leanne Finney, 4:45:15; Basil Maimone, 4:46:07; Holly Lisco, 4:46:10; Corrine Satriano, 4:46:19; Jeff Deshay, 4:49:02; Amanda Goldie, 4:49:16; Julia Case, 4:51:26; Lauren Cae, 4:51:26; Patty Hudeck, 4:51:31; John Kuhn, 4:52:37; Jim Hodgson, 4:52:43; Christa Campbell, 4:52:44; Michael Powell, 4:52:46; John Anglum, 4:52:47; Eric Fencil, 4:52:50; Anne Beitler, 4:53:11; Bethany Sauers, 4:53:39; Kirsten Beck, 4:55:46; Martin Dillner, 4:57:04; John Ciraula, 4:57:52; Jessica Hunter, 4:58:14; Matthew Sydlik, 4:58:14; Kylie Sheppeck, 4:58:22; Andrew Pier, 5:00:33; Courtney Ross, 5:03:36; Piper Treece-Angert, 5:05:45; Garrick Barnett, 5:05:46; Ann Cannoni, 5:06:07; Kelsee Callihan, 5:06:52; Robert Connolly, 5:08:46; Regina Morgueta, 5:19:22; Ramesh Subramaniam, 5:21:26; Daniel Suorsa, 5:27:40; Shawn Allen, 5:28:57; Robert Crawford, 5:29:34; Janet Satterlee, 5:29:47; Jim Klanica, 5:31:02; Michael Braunstein, 5:33:50; Laura Augustine, 5:33:53; Rebecca Zahora, 5:39:53; Nicholas Prugar, 5:53:32; Debbie Huth, 5:54:13; Bob Goodlin, 6:01:00; Robert Zukas, 6:09:15; Terrence Moore, 6:22:45; Sarah Peterec, 6:23:00; Shawn Moore, 6:30:13; Nicholas Minto, 6:42:26; Adam Frederick, 6:47:56; Sarah Frederick, 6:47:57

Send comments and suggestions to: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.