It could be cabin fever or marathon fever, but more runners than ever want to run in North Park at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Spring Thaw returns to North Park for the 33rd time, offering runners a choice of distances and a chance to test their fitness levels while running with friends.

Although last year's Spring Thaw marked a record turnout with 381 finishers in snowy conditions, race director Kevin Smith announced that this year's pre-registration has surpassed that number.

"I'm prepared for over 500 runners," Smith said.

Smith credits interest in the returning Pittsburgh Marathon for part of the swelling numbers. He shares responsibility for conducting a Pittsburgh Marathon training group with 70 runners, most of whom plan to run the Spring Thaw.

Many other groups and individuals training for Pittsburgh and other spring marathons and half marathons will extend their endurance base at the Spring Thaw.

Smith said he believes that runners recognize and return to a quality event. Smith has directed the Spring Thaw for seven years and has worked hard to earn the respect of runners.

In addition to this weekend's race, he directs the popular Just a Short Run Half Marathon in March, Trot for Tots 10K in December and Frigid 5 Mile in January. Smith's Elite Runners and Walkers store in Robinson Township has earned honors as one of the country's top 50 independent running stores.

Smith credits his volunteers for making Spring Thaw and Just a Short Run successful events. More than 45 young people from the St. Philip Church youth group in Moon Township will be on duty at the Spring Thaw while more than 100 members from Young Life of Beaver County will help with Just a Short Run next month.

Both groups receive proceeds from the two events as a reward for their diligent service.

Saturday's Spring Thaw, which starts at the North Park boathouse, offers something for everyone.

Racers will enjoy the 10-mile event with awards for overall, masters and age-group competitors.

Those training for a spring half or full marathon can choose either 15 or 20 miles, depending on fitness or training level.

All preregistered runners receive a long-sleeved technical running shirt. Runners completing 15 miles earn a pair of running gloves while those going the full 20 earn embroidered Spring Thaw hats.

The Spring Thaw course, which is made up of consecutive, gently rolling loops of North Park Lake, is ideal for an event of multiple distances.

The event is chip timed with five-mile split times listed in the race results. Aid stations are located at 1.25 mile intervals and offer water, Ultimate Sports Replenisher sports drink and energy gels.

After the long distance effort of the Spring Thaw, runners will appreciate the warmth of North Park's Rose Barn, the race headquarters. Cold runners can change clothes indoors and warm up with post race hot chocolate, pizza and delicious soup.

Finishing times will be recorded officially for 3 hours, 30 minutes. The Rose Barn will be open for at least a half-hour beyond that time.

Even with a record turnout expected, there should be plenty of parking for all participants. Runners can park at the Rose Barn or at two locations within a mile of the starting area: the North Park skating rink or North Park Lake spillway parking lots. Packet pick-up and day-of-event registration opens at 8:30 a.m. at the Rose Barn.

Kevin Smith encourages all runners to take advantage of packet pick up and registration at Elite Runners and Walkers today until 8 p.m. or Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For information about Saturday's Spring Thaw Runs, call 412-490-0881 or visit www.eliterunners.com.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Run on country roads. (Most runners will be attending Spring Thaw today. See you next week.) 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Saturday, 11 a.m.: Ellport Boro Winter Wonderland 5K, Ellwood City. This year's run celebrates Lou Lodovico's 85th birthday with post race pizza party. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Saturday, 4 p.m.: Bart Yasso event, Pittsburgh. Runner, author and Runner's World editor talks at Heinz History Center. 412-392-1021 or info@pittsburghmarathon.com

Sunday, 7:30 a.m.: Running Wild and North Park Road Runners Group Run, North Park. Starts at Boy Scout Cabin. 724-444-5311 or www.runningwildpa.com

Wednesday, 6 p.m.: Running Wild and NPRRC Group Run, North Park. Starts at J.C. Stone Field. 724-444-5311 or www.runningwildpa.com

March 8, 8:45 a.m.: Mill Creek Classic Half Marathon, Youngstown, Ohio. Also 5k. 330-482-0718 or rhart829@sbglobal.net

March 8, 9 a.m.: Athletic Trainer River Run 5K, Pittsburgh. Run along Allegheny River on trail. 412-432-3770 or sanchioligi@upmc.edu

March 8, 1 p.m.: Shanksville 5K-10K Run, Shanksville. 814-443-6213 or dmapes@sssd.com

March 14, 9 a.m.: Shamrock Challenge, Harmony. Choice of 10-mile run, 5K run or 1-mile run and walk starts at Strawberry Ridge Golf Course. Also family fun run and golf contests. 724-321-4265

March 14, 9 a.m.: St. Malachi 5-Mile/2-Mile Run, Cleveland. 216-623-9933 or www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing

March 14, 9:30 a.m.: St. Patrick's Day 5K Walk-Run, New Brighton. 724-495-9417 or jhilfinger@beavercountypa.gov

Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.