It's almost summer, and many of us have fond memories of summer camp in our youth. For the next two weekends, we can go back as two camps hold runs to kick off their camping seasons.

Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek is a non-denominational Christian camp offering campers of all ages a western-themed camping experience with a spiritual focus. The camp, founded in 1964, hosts Miracle Mountain Ranch 5k on May 27, 9 a.m. as part of the camp's annual open house.

Camp Director Tyler Chundrlek estimates that the race is at least a decade or older as he has been affiliated with the camp for ten years in various capacities. At various times the Miracle Mountain Ranch Run has included a 10k mud run with obstacles, a 4.6 mile rugged trail run and a 1.5 mile fun run. Currently it's a 5k road race only.

“It got to be too much for the staff,” Tyler says, “since we're getting ready for camp season.”

He expects more than 100 participants on the scenic out-and-back, fairly level dirt road course. Miracle Mountain Ranch 5k offers overall awards to top three overall male and female and age group finishers in categories from 12 and Under through 60+ and random drawing prizes including gift certificates and local products like maple syrup.

Miracle Mountain Ranch 5k is only part of the day's open house which begins at 10 a.m. Tyler expects more than 800 people to visit or revisit the campground as some families make the open house an annual event. Visitors may tour the camp, try the indoor climbing wall, take a trail ride ($8 fee) of see tomahawk throwing, blacksmithing or cross cut saw demonstrations.

Proceeds from Miracle Mountain Ranch 5k benefit the Summer Camp Scholarship Fund which provides camping experiences for kids who otherwise could not afford to attend. Camps include Horse, Adventure, Wilderness, Buckaroo (novice), Family and other camps and retreats throughout the year.

For more information about Miracle Mountain Ranch 5k or other programs, visit mmrm.org or call 814-964-8202.

On June 1, 9 a.m., the sixth Hillside Hustle Trail Race runs from Seneca Hills Bible Camp in Polk. The event is part of the camp and conference center's open house and includes rugged 5k and 10k loops, a gentler 3k starting at 10:40 a.m. and free Li'l Hustle kids races at 11:10 a.m.

Josh Hayes, race director and Adventure Director for Seneca Hills calls the longer runs challenging with the standard roots, rocks and ruts of trail racing along with several stream crossings (on bridges or in water). He says that the 3k is a mellower, beginner-friendly course.

Josh expects 120 participants for this year's Hustle, based on registrations so far. Competitive awards include top three overall male and female in 3k, 5k and 10k races. Top three in 5k and 10k age groups from 14 and under through 60+ also earn awards.

All runners, family and friends are invited to free lunch as part of the camp's open house. Seneca Hills Camp and Conference Center's Open House begins at 10 a.m. with tours, access to indoor climbing wall and zipline and more.

Hillside Hustle offers free childcare during the running events. Josh says that parents enjoy the opportunity to run together. Parents may preregister for childcare with their online registration until May 30 at www.senecahills.org/events/hillside-hustle.

Proceeds from Hillside Hustle benefit the Seneca Hills Camp Scholarship Fund which offers camping experiences to those who otherwise could not afford to attend.

Seneca Hills is a non-affiliated Christian camp and conference center offering an outdoor camp experience for 900-1000 campers ages 5 through 18 each summer as well as families on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

For more information about the Hillside Hustle or Seneca Hill Camp and Conference Center, call 216-496-7179 or visit www.senecahills.org/hillside-hustle

Upcoming events

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Dahoga Dash, Wilcox. 814-512-1374 or randylindberg@hotmail.com

Sunday, 10 a.m.: Mark Jeffrey Sampson Memorial 5k, Titusville. Start and finish at Drake's Well Museum. 814-671-8455 or sampsoncrnp@gmail.com

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

June 1, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 10k and 5k Run/ Walk, Sarver. Starts at Monroe Road Trailhead on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. 724-448-4437 or judyfoxfair@gmail.com

June 1, 9 a.m.: St. Patrick School Trinity Race Series, Franklin. Choice of 10k or 5k run on Samuel Justus Trail. 814-673-1965 or stpatrickschool5k@gmail.com

June 2, 8:30 a.m.: Third Annual Kenny's Koaster 5k, West Mifflin. Run through Kennywood Park. lisa@sillmd.com

June 2, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5k, Pittsburgh. http://www.greenfieldglide.com/

June 5, 6:30 p.m.: Global Running Day — The Big Run with Fleet Feet Pittsburgh. Run or walk starting at North Park Lodge. 412-851-9100 or tess@fleetfeetpittsburgh.com

June 8, 5:30 or 7:30 a.m.: Laurel Highlands Ultra Challenge, Ohiopyle. Choice of 50k, 50k relay, 70.5 miles or 70.5 mile relay on rugged Laurel Highlands Trail. 412-337-6820 or rick.freeman1@verizon.net

June 8, 9 a.m.: 519Strong 5k, Butler. Challenging off-road cross country course held at Switchback Raceway. 814-758-3217 or dgold520@gmail.com

June 8, 9 a.m.: Art and Sole 5k Run/ Walk and 1k Fun Run, Erie. Run starts at Neighborhood Art House with children's artwork awards. 814-455-5508 or kstolar@neighborhoodarthouse.org

June 15, 8:30 a.m.: Greater Clarksburg 10k, Clarksburg, WV. Also 2 mile walk/run. 304-672-3637 or runwithhat@yahoo.com

June 15, 9 a.m.: Beartown 5.5 Mile Trail Run, Sigel. Also 15 and 25 mile mountain bike races. www.fattirechallenge.com or fattirechallenge@yahoo.com

June 16, 8:30 a.m.: ERC Father's Day Race, Erie. Benefits Liberty House for Male Veterans, starts at Beach #1 at Lake Road. 814-882-5362 or twigham@gmail.com

June 19, 6:30 p.m.: Summer Solstice Run/Walks, Portersville. Start and finish at Pleasant Valley Beach with 1 mile at 6:30 P.M. and 5k starting at 7 P.M. Brenda.r.schwarz@gmail.com

June 21, 7 p.m.: Hope for Your Future 2 Mile Walk, 5k and 10k Color Run and Children's Superhero Run, Rimersburg. 2 mile run starts at 7, 5k and 10k at 8 P.M. hopeforyourfuture13@gmail.com

June 22, 3 p.m.: The Dam Tri Jr., Meadville. Youth triathlon for ages 8-15. Bike/fun race for kids 7 and under. 814-336-2196 or www.thedamtri.com

June 23, 9 a.m.: The Dam Tri XI, Meadville. Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons at Woodcock Creek Lake. 814-336-2196 or www.thedamtri.com

Race results

Pittsburgh Half Marathon, May 5 (finishers under 1:57:00): Antonio Cardona Rodriguez, 1st Overall M, 1:05:08; Stephanie Bonk, 1st Overall W, 1:22:02; Lissa Batchelet, 3rd Masters W, 1:29:22; Rob DiLoreto, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:20:57; Kimberly Hohman, 1st 40-44 W, 1:32:23; Lisa Lazarra, 2nd 40-44 W, 1:32:36; S.Mark Courtney, 1st 60-64 M, 1:33:34; Delaney McCarthy, 3rd 19 & Under W, 1:35:11; Michael Brown, 2nd 65-69 M, 1:36:27; Ed Rawlings, 3rd 65-69 M, 1:41:24; Marcia Semple, 2nd 75-79 W, 3:21:29; Sean McDonnell, 1:13:58; Seth Jenny, 1:22:00; Michael Dreves, 1:28:11; Jim Haughey, 1:30:20; Michael Smocer, 1:30:22; Ian Brown, 1:31:40; Rachel Martin, 1:32:29; Angela Jenny, 1:33:16; Leslie Kramer, 1:33:41; Jessica Griggs, 1:33:58; Anna Cessar, 1:34:22; Matthew Crummy, 1:34:54; Seth Eismann, 1:36:18; Christina Stasko, 1:38:10; Ray Reinheimer, 1:38:14; Taylor Perz, 1:38:23; Karastin Henley, 1:38:28; Alayna Edinger, 1:38:53; David Palmiotto, 1:39:25; Timothy Souders, 1:39:30; Sean Byrne, 1:40:11; Steven Nichols, 1:41:21; Steve Salvatore, 1:41:30; Christopher Mager, 1:42:32; Geno Mell, 1:42:54; Luke Hoggay, 1:43:`2; Spencer Walsh, 1:43:20; Lai Nguyen, 1:43:25; Josh Venderlic, 1:43:47; Mike Murphy, 1:43:47; Michael Cortese, 1:43:49; Josh McAuley, 1:43:56; Joshua Weis, 1:44:12; Patrick Mondi, 1:44:18; Tim Roos, 1:45:03; John Evankovich, 1:45:05; Dustin Kalkbrenner, 1:45:12; Rod Groomes, 1:45:15; Andrew Williams, 1:45:20; Nikki Williams, 1:45:43; Keith Sainiak, 1:45:46; Despina Dobbins, 1:45:53; Austin Myers, 1:45:53; Gerald Kosar, 1:46:00; Erin Nicotra, 1:46:18; Erica Michael, 1:46:27; Sarah Frederick, 1:46:43; Hannah Carney, 1:46:47; Callie Burstein, 1:46:47; Christie Beaver, 1:46:50; Kara McGarvey, 1:47:03; Alex Garczynski, 1:47:05; Alana Jensen, 1:47:09; Nathaniel Steinhafel, 1:47:27; Jeff Petro, 1:47:33; Brittaney Lucas, 1:47:36; Chuck Flach, 1:47:39; Joe Sterniak, 1:48:00; Kelly Sterniak, 1:48:01; Derek Zynn, 1:48:11; Brian Kile, 1:48:12; Meghann Peters, 1:48:20; Bob Vandenburgh, 1:48:21; Joe Vita, 1:48:33; Jennifer Mondi, 1:48:36; Connie Hoffer, 1:48:37; David Kleba, 1:48:40; Brad Samsa, 1:48:41; Chris Hanlon, 1:48:53; Dave Fetterman, 1:49:02; Timothy Wanamaker, 1:49:06; Allison Boretsky, 1:49:17; Holly Palmer, 1:49:17; Allen Lang, 1:49:19; Elizabeth Maskal, 1:49:20; Ray Huber, 1:49:36; Thomas Schaffer, 1:49:46; Shawn Davis, 1:49:47; Jerry Meyer, 1:49:48; Kyle Shaffer, 1:50:07; Mark Breedlove, 1:50:10; Dan Spears, 1:50:20; Julie Walker, 1:50:22; Meredith Perz, 1:50:24; Austin Malencia, 1:50:27; Michael Johnson, 1:50:37; Steve Smith, 1:50:51; Megan Gallagher, 1:51:18; Wendi Lincoln, 1:51:38; Timothy Botti, 1:51:46; Michelle Carnicelli, 1:51:47; Brandon Zabo, 1:52:05; John Ristey, 1:52:14; Noah Neigh, 1:52:19; Keith Schedlbauer, 1:52:22; Christin Jamery, 1:52:26; William Lowry, 1:52:43; Greg Estok, 1:52:51; Aaron Matulevich, 1:52:56; Hannah Hugo, 1:53:00; Geoffrey Giegucz, 1:53:13; Anne Bernacki, 1:53:14; Thomas Patterson, 1:53:16; Kim Spears, 1:53:33; Holly Peterman, 1:53:43; Gregory Radick, 1:53:47; Casey Smallwood, 1:53:56; Tiffany Zajacs, 1:53:57; Tracey Smith, 1:53:59; Steven Corl, 1:54:04; Donald Valentine, 1:54:12; Valerie Andreassi, 1:54:14; Jessica Mrdjenovich, 1:54:15; Lauren Corl, 1:54:18; Chance Kelosky, 1:54:25; Alex Altmire, 1:54:26; Justin Maskal, 1:54:26; Matthew Dreher, 1:54:27; Stephen Arendosh, 1:54:27; Daniel Hogue, 1:54:44; Craig Riner, 1:54:51; Lance Appleman, 1:55:01; Kayla Sarin, 1:55:01; Julia Kocsis, 1:55:02; Abigail Thompson, 1:55:03; Hannah Brewer, 1:55:07; Megan Rippin, 1:55:13; Dean Longwell, 1:55:16; Suzette Cappola, 1:55:17; Craig Ottaviani, 1:55:18; Timothy Wilson, 1:55:26; Mitch Radella, 1:55:33; Terrilyn Tomaszewski, 1:55:40; Mike Holden, 1:55:43; Taylor Amerson, 1:55:44; Patrick Hughes, 1:55:55; Margaret Martin, 1:55:56; Gregory Kingston, 1:56:02; Cassandra Davis, 1:56:19; Leanna Anderson, 1:56:22; Rich Anerson, 1:56:22; Nathan Brown, 1:56:24; Nick Barker, 1:56:30; Craig Conley, 1:56:31; Nicole Prioletti, 1:56:32; John Daley, 1:56:34; Taylor Merkosky, 1:56:38; Jackie Lashley, 1:56:39; Michael Fitzgerald, 1:56:40; Katie Kovacic, 1:56:41; Carol Lees-Hotton, 1:56:50; Stephen Blackburn, 1:56:58

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle