Year in and year out, Mike Franko usually is surprised that the number of Butler Road Race participants remains at a high level.

Not that he's complaining, of course.

The Butler Road Race 5-Mile Run and 2K Walk, presented by Butler Memorial Hospital, will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, starting in front of the Butler CountyCourthouse.

Money raised goes toward scholarships for Butler County high school runners.

"We're basically right on line with last year, which I think is still good," said Franko, the president of the BRR. "I'm still surprised that the road race is still a success.

"This is the 32nd year, the longest successive road race in the area," Franko added.

This year, the numbers of registrants for the 5-mile run and the 2K are about even, which gives those who take part a choice.

"I'm kinda glad it's a race within a race," said Franko. "That 2K has helped with newer runners, younger runners and those who want to walk and participate.

"I don't know what it would be like if it was just the 5-mile. If you see a 10K anywhere, I call it a dinosaur race. They don't have those like they used to,"Franko added.

The Butler Road Race was a 10K from its inception in 1976 until 1992. The following year, the 5-mile and 2-mile event took its place, but the 2-mile run was replaced by the 2K in 2000.

That same year, Butler Memorial Hospital became the primary sponsor of the event to help make the race what it is today.

"I want to thank the Butler Memorial Hospital for their continued support," said Franko. "They, along with 50 other sponsors who make this possible. Whatever we raise, that money is divided up to all those who apply and are eligible."

Among the criteria for receiving scholarships is that students must be cross country seniors who have run at least two years and have maintained a 3.0 grade point average."

In 14 years, the program has distributed $234,850 in 438 scholarships. This year's class of 44 student athletes is the largest ever.

"The grade-point average of those 438 kids is 3.78," said Franko.

Franko would like to get some sponsors from other areas of the county, perhaps in the Freeport, Mars, Slippery Rock and Moniteau areas.

"Right now, it's mostly Butler City area sponsors. We need to target some of those other areas," said Franko. "This program the Butler Hospital holds dear to their hearts because of their spirit of health and wellness. They love the program."

Franko and the BRR are also appreciative of the assistance provided by the city of Butler, city police, the CBRangers, who help with traffic control, and the county commissioners, who allow the race to use Diamond Park.

Eight-time champion Tammy Slusser, who has won five consecutive 5-mile runs, as well as 1984-86, is returning this year. Her husband, Don, will also take part. The couple ran the morning before their wedding 20 years ago and are commemorating the day with the race.

Butler resident Malcolm East, a five-time champion of the 10K (1979-80, 1982-83, 1985), also will return.

Race-day signups (cost is $21 for ages 17 to 59, $13 for 16 and under and 60 and over) will begin at 7:30 a.m. until the start of the race.

Pre-registration packets can be picked up from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Penn Telecom, 212 S. Main St., Butler or at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Diamond Park.

The event will feature post-race refreshments, door prizes and vendors, and Texas Roadhouse will provide $25 dining certificates for families of four or more who register.