There's never a bad time to run, but fall is my favorite.

The fever of summer's heat has broken, leaving us with cool days of long shadows and golden rays. And right in the middle of colorful October, the Buffalo Creek Half Marathon gives us one more reason to kick through the leaves like kids on a Saturday before cold and gray November sets in.

Oct. 16 marks the 16th year for my favorite fall race. The Buffalo Creek Half Marathon is a scenic point-to-point, mostly downhill race from Cabot to Freeport on the Butler-Freeport Community Trail. The race returns as an in-person event after 2020's virtual version.

Race director Chris Ziegler says that her team of volunteers has been putting on the event for so many years that they just picked up where they left off in planning this year's race.

“Three years ago, I created a book of notes,” she said. “We just made a few adjustments for COVID safety.”

One change is that registration was limited to 750 participants, down from the usual 1,250 available spots. Although registration is now closed, transfers are possible through the event's Facebook page.

Other COVID-related changes include requiring masks at packet pickup on race day and on the shuttle bus ride following the race. Runners should check runsignup.com/Race/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon/Page-16 for answers to COVID safety and other questions.

There will be no post-race festivities this year. Grab'n'go snack bags with fan favorites like Smiley cookies, an item from Frankferd Farms Foods and a drink will be at the finish area. The top three male and female finishers as well as age group winners from 19 & Under through 70+ earn competitive awards which will be available for pick up at Up-N-Running store in Valencia following the race.

All finishers earn a medal and all participants receive a commemorative shirt designed by local trail supporter Janis Hackett. Janis has designed several of the race's shirts with a design pertinent to the year. Chris wouldn't reveal details of the shirts' front but did say that the back of the shirts would be a tribute to two dear friends of the race and trail who passed away last year.

Ed Doyle had been a generous supporter, both professionally and personally, of the Buffalo Creek Half, the Butler-Freeport Trail and the running community in general until his death last year. Ed conducted the race start in Cabot and then hustled to Freeport to greet runners by name as they crossed the finish line. We'll miss his welcoming voice as we cross the bridge this year. Ed's son Kevin, co-owner of Up-N-Running, will be at the start of the race this year.

As an extra commemorative, participants could pre-order a beer glass for Ed to be picked up with their race packet. A limited number of glasses are available for sale on first come, first served basis.

Monte Pursifull was a dedicated trail supporter and race volunteer who served as a bicycle sweeper for Buffalo Creek. Because of Monte's diligence and dedication, most if not all of participants' lost or discarded items made their way back to their owners. This year runners are discouraged from discarding items during the event for COVID precautions in handling.

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon is the main fundraising event for the Butler-Freeport Community Trail. Because the trail association has been proactive about water on the trail and hasn't had serious maintenance issues, proceeds from this year's race will benefit a special project.

The association will contribute $20,000 toward a DCNR matching funds grant to pave the portion of the trail between Marwood and Cabot at the trail's midpoint.

Although pavement isn't runners' favorite surface, Chris explained that with road access, parking availability and the new caboose located on that section, it's a perfect place for families to stroll. And with so many nursing and assisted living facilities in the area, it's an excellent place for residents and families to exercise.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: 26th Annual Fineview Step Challenge, Pittsburgh. Run hills, streets and staircases including Pittsburgh’s steepest stairs (331 steps.) runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/FineviewStepChallengeSaturday, 8:30 a.m.: Clearfield Pumpkin Run 5k, Clearfield. 814-765-6000 or discoverclearfield@gmail.comSaturday, 9 a.m.: Mahoning Shadow Shuffle Half Marathon, 10k & 5k, Punxsutawney. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/PUNXSUTAWNEYMAHONINGSHADOWSHUFFLESaturday, 9 a.m.: Grove Manor Foundation Food Truck 5k, Grove City. Local food truck food available, benefits area seniors. 724-977-8185 or dmpeck2@gmail.comSunday, 8 a.m.: Belmar Bridge Half Marathon, Franklin. Race crosses 8 bridges including the 1385-foot Belmar Bridge. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Franklin/BelmarBridgeHalfMarathonSunday, 8:30 a.m.: Just a Short Run, Allison Park. Choice of 5k, 8.1 Mile, Half Marathon or 30k in North Park to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/JASROct. 16, 7:30 a.m.: Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run, Emporium. Choice of 50k, 25k or 12k trail runs. 814-486-4314 or www.sinnemahone.orgOct. 16, 9 a.m.: 16th Annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Cabot. runsignup.com/Race/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon/Page-16Oct. 16, 9 a.m.: North Ridge Nightmare 6.66k and 13k Trail Race, McCandless. Starts at Spillway Boat Launch in North Park. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=85758Oct. 23, 9 a.m.: South Ridge Trail Challenge 5k, 10k or 20k, Allison Park. Run on North Park trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallengeOct. 24, 9 a.m.: Preston Park 5k, Butler. Run through Preston Park. Special treat to the first 100 participants with a Halloween mask. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PrestonParkPrance5k?rsus=100-200-57664f22-389b-49cf-a2f7-57b38f97c9a3Oct. 24, 3 p.m.: Great Pumpkin 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, Zelienople. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Zelienople/8thAnnualGreatPumpkinRaceOct. 30, 9 a.m.: Freeport Girls Basketball 2nd Halloween Hustle 5k, Freeport. Out and back run starts at Monroe Road on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportGirlsBasketballHowlOWeenHustleOct. 31, 9 a.m.: Highland Fall Scramble, Cooksburg. Rugged 12-mile trail run along Clarion River begins at Kalyumet Mini Golf parking lot. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=61777Nov.6, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Township Veteran’s Day Race, Sarver. Flat and fast 10k or 5k on Butler-Freeport Community Trail starting at Monroe Road. 724-295-4676 or www.facebook.com/BuffaloTwpVeteransDayEventNov. 7, 7:30 a.m.: EQT 10 Miler, Pittsburgh. Starts on Pittsburgh’s Southside. raceroster.com/events/2021/49129/eqt-pittsburgh-10-miler-2021Nov. 7, 9 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5 Mile Trail Race, Allison Park. Challenging run on North Park trails starting at Grant Pavilion benefits Obsessive Compulsive Foundation of Western PA. Wave starts every 15 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. trailrunner.com/event/dirt-monster-trail-race/Nov. 7, 9 a.m., InFirst Veteran’s Marathon and ½ Marathon, Blairsville. Out and back on Ghost Town Rail Trail. 724-599-5929 or register online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Blairsville/IndianaFirstBankVeteransMarathonHalfMarathonandMarathonRelayNov. 7, 9 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veteran’s Day 5k Race, Allison Park. Slightly rolling course through Hampton Community Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/OPERATIONTROOPAPPRECIATION5K

Ice Cream Race 5k, Aug. 18: Andy Morgan, 1st Overall M, 15:09; Ro Morgan, 1st Overall W, 17:52; Eliza Miller, 2nd Overall W, 18:37; Angie Jenny, 4th Overall W, 19:15; Leslie Kramer, 1st Masters W, 20:21; Quinn McKnight, 1st 12-15 M, 17:00; Josh Jones, 2nd 16-19 M, 17:07; Martin Pottinger, 2nd 15-19 M, 17:11; Seth Jenny, 2nd 40-44 M, 18:39; Miles Jenny, 1st 10-11 M, 19:03; Ben Woodard, 3rd 30-34 M, 21:04; S Mark Courtney, 1st 65-69 M, 21:17; Talan Conjack, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:33; Calvin Jenny, 1st 8-9 M, 21:49; John Armstrong,22:09; Todd Allman, 3rd 55-59 M, 22:12; Kyle Osborn, 3rd 10-12 M, 22:13; Hannah Gildersleeve, 2nd 35-39 W, 22:19; Heather Leskanic, 1st 45-49 W, 26:30; Cindy Suber 1st 60-64 W, 26:43; Debbie Courtney, 1st 55-59 W, 27:34; Mary Morgan, 2nd 60-64 W, 28:20; Jim Lakin, 2nd 70-74 M, 28:25; James Edmonds, 2nd 8-9 M, 30:31; Karen Steffanina, 1st 65-69 W, 30:52; Vicki Brendlinger, 3rd 60-64 W, 31:42; Robert Sands, 2nd 75-79 M, 34:20; Valerie Sands, 1st 75-79 W, 36:26; Carol English, 2nd 65-69 W, 38:22; Caleb Hawke, 17:16; Justy Brown, 17:57; Viktor Zahn, 19:20; Anthony Miller, 19:55; Theo Austin, 20:34; Jacob Taciuch, 20:36; Evan Miller, 20:59; Alex Oakes, 21:52; Andrew Edmonds, 21:53; Elijah McClymonds, 22:03; Lauren Lomago, 22:05; Douglas Osborn, 22:14; Vanessa Snyder, 22:21; Mary Ella McCarthy, 22:30; Eli Nash, 22:55; Phoebe Graham, 23:17; Bella Morales, 23:23; Eleanor Chuzie, 23:26; Conner Mackrell, 23:30; Alayna Bishop, 23:48; Mikayla Montgomery, 24:01; Tim Sloan, 24:04; Lurena Stewart, 24:07; Claire Allman, 24:12; Addison Stewart, 24:22; Joseph Funte, 24:25; Justin Barger, 24:40; David Suber, 24:49; James Stewart, 25:00; Michael Gildersleeve, 25:01; Andrew Gildersleeve, 25:02; Gerald Smith, 25:05; Morgan Davis, 25:07; Joe Nash, 25:14; Brad Davis, 25:36; Savannah Pottinger, 25:38; Corinne Savena, 25:46; Chad Green, 25:56; Jen Beachem, 25:58; Mandy James, 26:20; Rebecca Roberts, 26:25; Anjelica Lewis, 26:32; Emily Funte, 27:30; Leigha Owrey,27:44; Elizabeth House, 28:16; Madison Osborn, 28:37; Nathanael Nuss, 28:39; Janet Pudlo, 28:41; Dawn Tucci, 29:52; Cindy Bennett, 29:53; Jane Armstrong, 30:07; Meegan Looper, 30:16; John Sestak, 30:24; Tom McMann, 30:35; Jackie Winston, 30:53; Daniel Wheeler, 30:54; Steve Drew, 30:56; Richard Honsaker, 31:03; Tony Sunseri, 31:10; Laura Augustine, 31:15; Bradley Shankel, 31:55; Kristen Shankel, 31:55; Lisa Jamison, 32:00; Lacey Anderson, 32:04; Heith Eckenrode, 32:12; Sherrie Mazurek, 33:42; Stephanie McCreary, 33:43; Heidi Fleming, 34:53; Robin Trinko, 35:08; Gabe Homer-Jones, 35:08; Ashlee Montgomery, 35:11; Kara Constantine, 36:11; Ashley Tuzikow, 38:22; Angela Nuss, 39:28; Debbie Jamison, 40:59; Michele Carson, 41:02; Thomas Turner, 42:32; Vickie Turner, 42:49; Renae Shawgo, 43:52; John Shawgo, 43:52; Ellen Stickles, 49:51; Jessica Brazell, 53:13Ice Cream Race Kids Half Mile, Aug. 23: Kyle Osborn, 1st Overall M, 3:04Lucy Wells, 1st Overall W, 3:13; Lydia Springirth, 2nd Overall W, 3:15; Briella Osborn, 3rd Overall W, 3:33; Jude Osborn, 1st 6-7 M, 3:25; Madison Nash, 1st 8-9 W, 3:35; Brianne Davis, 1st 10-11 W, 3:55; Lukah Shawgo, 2nd 10-11 M, 3:59; Audrey McMann, 1st 5 & Under W, 4:01; Riley Springirth, 1st 6-7 W, 4:04; Ainsley Eller, 3rd 8-9 W, 4:12; Klara Edmonds, 3rd 6-7 W, 4:26; Willa Osborn, 2nd 5 & Under W, 4:35; Johnathan House, 3rd 10-11 M, 5:53; Miles Buckley, 3:57; Roman Scott, 4:06; Preston Buckley, 4:16; Benjamin Miller, 4:23; Rachel Lang, 4:40; Baylee Hayes, 4:41; Nicholas Grandy, 4:42; Lizzie Jordan, 4:48; Joshua Woodard; 4:56; Alli Jordan, 5:08; Sadie Gildersleeve, 5:10; Gavin Miller, 5:20; Lydia Gordon, 5:47; Judah Woodard, 6:31; Jack McMann, 6:49; Anthem Funte, 7:08; Salem Funte, 7:15; Aubrey McGregor, 9:06Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle