So far, this winter has been hard on runners.

Subzero temperatures, freezing rain and lots of snow have kept many of us off the roads and indoors. While we can't beat the weather, it's sometimes fun to celebrate it.

One of my best winter running memories is of racing a handful of equally crazy runners on icy roads in sub-zero weather at Parker Dam State Park's Winterfest. Now you, too, can make winter memories at this resurrected winter run.

Freeze Your Gizzard 5k, Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10 a.m. is part of Clearfield YMCA's Winterfest, a weekend of outdoor fun. The fun run on park roads of Parker Dam State Park in Penfield is actually a little longer than 3.1 miles and is timed the old-fashioned way — someone calls out stopwatch times at the finish line.

As race director Vanessa Snyder says, it's “not your fastest race,” depending on conditions. Snyder is hoping for temperatures in the 30's to soften road surfaces for running and for driving to the park. She expects 50-75 participants.

Instead of earning competitive awards, runners at Freeze Your Gizzard 5k vie for prizes in 13 fun categories, including Abominable Snowman for the person wearing the most layers of clothing, Beacher award for beach-themed attire, Lucy and Ethel for best duo and Blitzen prize to the fastest runner. Awards are Artic Swirl coupons from Clearfield's Meadows Ice Cream.

All participants receive a commemorative scarf for this third annual event. Previous events have offered scarves or gloves and organizers plan to give beanies next year to continue the winter apparel theme.

The run is just one of a number of winter activities in the park that day. Change clothes after the run, warm up with hot food and drinks at the concession stand, then watch a dog sled demonstration taking place from 11 to 4. Bring your own pup in costume for the Doggone Fashion Show. Learn the basics of snow-shoeing, ice fishing or skating or play Blizzard Volleyball.

You may sign up for Freeze Your Gizzard 5k online now at Active.com for a discounted rate of $15. Day of event registrations are also welcome. Registration opens at Parker Dam State Park at 8:45 a.m.

Proceeds from Freeze Your Gizzard 5k benefit Clearfield YMCA. Snyder, who also directs the Clearfield County Fair 5k in August as a benefit for the YMCA, serves as Aquatics and Wellness Director at the Y.

Snyder is an experienced marathon runner and triathlete. Last year, she qualified and attended the National Half Ironmen Championship and is currently training for her first Ironman-length event in Lake Placid in July. Her goal is simply to finish, hopefully in under 14 hours.

“My goal is endurance,” she says, “to be mentally in it start to finish.”

Due to icy road conditions and a recent slip-and-fall accident with her dog, Snyder has been training exclusively indoors. She can't wait to get back to outdoor training once the weather breaks.

I love being outdoors,” she says. “It makes me a better person.”

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up'N'Running Group Run, Valencia. Any level of runner or walker welcome, also spring marathon training groups. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.com

Wednesdays, 6 p.m.: Mojo Running & Multisport Group Run, Cranberry Township. All levels welcome. 724-772-2808 or www.mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Jan. 27, 10 a.m.: Freeze Your Gizzard 5k, Clearfield. Part of YMCA Winterfest at Parker Dam State Park. 814-765-5521 or www.active.com/penfield-pa/running/distance-running-races/freeze-your-gizzard-5k-2018

Jan. 27, 11 a.m.: Chilly Cheeks Challenge 10 Mile, 5 Mile or 2.5 Mile, Hermitage. Run through Buhl Farms Park. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Feb. 3, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp, Sharpsville. First event in PREP 4 Pitt training series. www.facebook.com/groups/MCTAevents/

Feb. 3, 1 p.m.: Groundhog Jog, Punxsutawney. Run 4 miles from downtown to Gobblers Knob and back. 814-938-1008 or www.active.com/punxsutawney-pa/running/distance-running-races/groundhog-jog-2018

Feb. 10, 8 a.m.: Cupid's Chase 5k, Latrobe. Run at Legion Keener Park benefits adults with developmental disabilities. 412-302-7915 or lacie.parker@comop.org

Feb. 10, 9 a.m.: Cupid's Chase 5k, Butler. Runners, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers welcome. 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@compop.org

Feb. 10, 9 a.m.: RSG1 Valentine's Day 8th Annual Race, North Park. Choice of 5k, 10k or 15k starting at North Park Boathouse. 724-272-8797 or samra.foundation@gmail.com

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid's Chase 5k, Pittsburgh. Starts on North Shore Trail near Heinz Field. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Feb. 10, 2 p.m.: Cupid's Undie Run, Pittsburgh. Starts at McFadden's Restaurant on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Fun run of 1-ish mile in the middle of a party for charity. Cupids.org/city/Pittsburgh/

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: Frosty Feet 5k, Portersville. Run from South Shore of Moraine State Park. Stay for “Douse for a House” plunge in Lake Arthur at 12 noon. kplant@zoominternet.net or www.morainepreservationfund.org

Feb. 11, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Predict your finishing time on this 4-6 mile run starting at Presque Isle State Park's Rotary Pavilion. 814-881-0600 or davecomi@erierunners.club

Feb. 24, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles around North Park Lake with perks for each distance. 412-490-0881 or www.lightspeed-racing.com

March 3, 9 a.m.: PREP4PITT-2 Spring Break Eight(0.5), Fredonia. Run 8.5 rolling miles in Fredonia and surrounding area. Post race music. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

March 4, 8:45 a.m.: Mill Creek Classic Half Marathon, Youngstown, OH. Scenic course through Mill Creek Metro Park. Also 5k start at 9 a.m. 330-727-6070 or ytownrunners.org

March 10, 11 a.m.: Sixth Annual Ellport Borough Community Winter Wonderland 5k, Ellport. Scenic 5k starts at Community Center. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Race results

Lakeview Public Library Jingle Dash 5k, Dec. 2: Chase Waldschmidt, 1st Overall M, 17:10; Danielle Williams, 1st Overall W, 21:41; Nikki Slatcoff, 3rd Overall W, 25:01; Mitchell Mccleary, 2nd 15-19 M, 24:03; Bill Woods, 2nd 50-59 M, 26:10; Jamie Maxwell, 3rd 10-14 W, 27:29; Mike Slatcoff, 2nd 30-39 M, 27:59; Janelle Fumerola, 3rd 40-49 W, 33:00; Debbie Jamison, 37:35; Debbie Jamison, 38:43

Old Fashioned Christmas in Volant 5k, Dec. 16: Connor Lamison, 1st Overall M, 19:16; Grace Mason, 1st Overall W, 20:23; Ben English, 1st 30-34 M, 20:01; Rebecca Pennington, 1st 15-19 W, 20:27; John Armstrong, 1st 50-54 M, 21:41; David Suber, 2nd 60-64 M, 25:14; Jinny Hertweck, 1st 45-49 W, 25:27; Jim Lakin, 1st 65-69 M, 27:02; Kaitlyn Fleeger, 2nd 15-19 W, 27:04; Abby Geiger, 2nd 14 & Under W, 27:27; Leah Buchan, 3rd 14 & Under W, 27:46; Christopher Harmon, 3rd 25-29 M, 27:47; Cindy Suber, 1st 55-59 W, 27:52; Emily Olszak, 2nd 20-24 W, 29:35; Justin Armstrong, 3rd 30-34 M, 30:49; Lisa Jamison, 3rd 45-49 W, 31:55; Debra Kuminkoski, 3rd 55-59 W, 35:24; Ann Cheman, 2nd 65-69 W, 37:00; Sonja Crawford, 3rd 65-69 W, 39:28; Steven Nichols, 24:28; Brian Buchan, 27:46; Eugene Wicke, 29:48; Montgomery Moody, 30:24; Sean Hutchins, 31:16; Shana Hutchins, 31:17; Robert Crawford, 34:32; Maria Branagan, 34:49; Paul Angerett, 35:44; Cecilia Wozniak, 39:31; Drew Gordan, 39:31; Kim Kenetz, 41:04; Steven Dyer, 47:50; Sande Dyer, 47:50

Harmony Silvester 5k, Dec. 31: Jacob Morrida, 1st Overall M, 18:02; Matthew Sudak, 3rd Overall M, 19:03; Meaera Shannon, 1st Overall W, 20:08; Kate Schrantz, 2nd Overall W, 22:11; Travis J Braund, 1st 15-19 M, 19:19; Ben Jezovnik, 1st 45-49 M, 19:25; Patrick Shipton, 1st 20-24 M, 19:44; Thomas Gramc, 1st 30-34 M, 20:02; Matt Sikola, 3rd 45-49 M, 20:08; John Armstrong, 1st 50-54 M, 20:58; 2nd 35-39 M, Michal Kawecki, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:20; Derek Dean, 1st 40-44 M, 21:41; Joe Appel, 2nd 50-54 M, 22:14, Erik Pearson, 2nd 40-44 M, 22:18; Angela Taylor, 1st 35-39 W, 22:48; Mitch Radella, 3rd 50-54 M, 23:10; Brian Gengler, 1st 35-39 M, 23:16; Cole Hurley, 1st 11-14 M, 23:45; Brooke Molde, 1st 25-29 W, 24:11; Jinny Hertweck, 2nd 45-49 W, 24:31; Sandy Onofray, 1st 60-64 W, 24:41; Tim Weil, 2nd 55-59 M, 24:42; Jeffrey Cypher, 3rd 55-59 M, 25:12; Kory Ripper, 3rd 30-34 M, 25:44; David Adams, 1st 65-69 M, 25:45; Robert Todd, 1st 60-64 M, 26:11; Andrew Gengler, 2nd 25-29 M, 26:12; Katherine Colton, 2nd 40-44 W, 26:51; Maria Barron, 1st 30-34 W, 26:58; Luke Hassler, 2nd 11-14 M, 27:13; Emily Fyda, 2nd 25-29 W, 27:18; Jennifer McNabb, 3rd 50-54 W, 27:23; David King, 3rd 20-24 M, 27:41; Erin Pearson, 3rd 40-44 W, 28:05; Ashley Bartell, 2nd 20-24 W, 28:28; Steven Bandi, 3rd 25-29 M, 28:54; Donna Statzer, 1st 55-59 W, 29:19; Katie Jamison, 2nd 55-59 W, 29:50; Mary Anne Savage, 3rd 55-59 W, 30:43; Sherrie Mazurek, 3rd 60-64 W, 31:48; Moses Heine, 1st 10 & Under M, 40:48; Eric Slagle, 22:03; Jeff Smith, 22:53; Dan Reed, 26:08; Wess Brahler, 26:16; Joseph Kulbacki, 26:19; Nathan Rak, 27:11; Ron Ripper, 27:44; Mark Hess, 28:03; Alexander Bauer, 28:07; Michelle Pekich, 28:12; Mark Pekich, 28:12; Ross Hassler, 28:36; Rhonda Maloney, 28:46; Nick Brower, 29:00; Jennifer Dillaman, 29:29; Aaron Stiner, 29:34; Andrew Onofray, 29:36; Mike Faller, 29:40; Kyle Campbell, 29:47; Megan Crawford, 29:47; Heather Slater, 29:48; Franklin C Bame, 30:01; Carolyn Stirling, 30:09; Tom Gramc, 30:12; Robb Kipp, 30:46; Jill Todd, 31:57; Laura Augustine, 32:14; Ann Cannoni, 32:17; Karen Earhart, 32:17; Christine Patton, 32:30; Allison Parks, 32:36; Karen Chandler, 33:02; Maria Branagan, 33:08; Michele Belak, 33:52; Denny Crawford, 34:26; Chase Matsko, 34:37; Holly Matsko, 34:37; Carol English, 34:54; Karen Walzer, 35:00; Terry Moore, 35:06; George King, 35:07; Deborah Takacs, 35:22; Dawn Cox, 35:31; Ashley Gengler, 35:42; Tom Vrabely, 36:23; Debra Kuminkoski, 36:39; Jeff Byko, 36:54; Angela Delune, 37:31; Cristi Hallock, 37:31; Lexi Hallock, 37:32; Caleb Rauscher, 39:40; Denise Phipps, 40:06; Rachel Gallagher, 40:43; Bryan Branby, 41:20; Kurt Branby, 41:21; Anna Stirling, 41:22; Olivia Fyda, 41:23; Peggy Sibenac, 43:52; Cindy Waltemire, 43:52; Judy Lyle, 43:52; Allison Lynne Smith, 46:27; Rossanne Ponce, 48:38; Andrew Bowser, 54:59; Jenna Mclay, 54:59; Phyllis Walker, 56:53; Judy Shisler, 56:54

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle