Congratulations to those who competed in the inaugural Butler County Community College Cross-Country Race. For many, it was their first endeavor at a race conducted on a surface other than the road. For others, it was a reminder of just how much more difficult it is to run on grass, especially if there are hills involved.

Much appreciation comes from an undertaking like cross-country running. Hundreds of our local junior and senior high school athletes race on courses similar to the one set up on the grounds of the community college.

At one time, this locale was the home course for Butler County Community College, Allegheny Community College and Butler High School. It also was chosen as the site of the 1969 National Junior College Cross-Country Championships.

Cross-country running demands strength and endurance. No one promised it would be easy. What cross-country runners call their sport, other coaches use as punishment.

And the reasons they run vary from runner to runner. For some, it is their main event. Others use it as conditioning for basketball, swimming, track - whatever.

Since the Butler Road Race proceeds have been providing scholarships to graduating cross-country runners in the Butler County area who had at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA), ran cross-country for at least two years, and were nominated by their coaches, three girls' teams were established. They knew they possibly could win a scholarship of at least $500.

In the past 11 years, 331 kids applied for scholarships and have shared almost $187,000. An added note is that, among these scholar-athletes, the GPA is an impressive 3.78 out of a possible 4.0.

Having competed in a more-demanding off-road race makes you appreciate the flat-and-fast 5K (3.1 miles) races that have become the norm in local road racing. The race at the community college might have been tough; call it a character-builder.

But those who ran it could compare it with other races they've encountered, knowing that if they made it through the community college course, they could make it through anything.

The race at the community college benefits BC3 athletics. Kudos to Sean Carroll, assistant admissions director and coach at The Cube, for his endeavor of conducting a race that's something other than another flat, fast 5K race.

Give it a chance. Get off the road once in awhile. Remember, it's not that pain is not involved, but rather that pain has been made unimportant.

Many of life's lessons have been learned by having to take the rougher route. And, you become a better person for it.

I'm an advocate of running and racing, regardless of the location. And, I'd love to see a thousand runners and walkers at the Butler Road Race, like we had 20 years ago. Recently, we've had about 600 competitors.

Other than such races as the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon and a handful of other big-time events, running races have diminished to the point of extinction.

However, we're proud to say we will be celebrating our 30th consecutive race next June.

My plea to people is to support the efforts of those conducting the event.