After all the snow the past few weeks, runners really need a spring thaw. Luckily, that's just what we'll get this weekend — no matter what the weather brings.

The 34th annual Spring Thaw runs through North Park at 10 a.m. Saturday. The event has become a tradition for a few hundred runners who brave whatever elements nature has in store for the last weekend in February.

The run has never been canceled for bad weather, though participation has been lower in some years because of poor driving conditions. Last year's weather was relatively mild and participation increased dramatically with more than 700 finishing at least a 10-mile run of two loops around North Park Lake.

All runners are chip timed, scored for the 10-mile distance and are eligible to win overall, masters and age-group prizes.

But more than half of last year's Spring Thaw participants didn't stop there. Runners completing 15 miles receive a pair of imprinted running gloves.

As the race application states, "The 15-mile incentive is there to encourage the 10-milers to continue and it's there to provide consolation for the 20-milers who change their minds at 15 miles."

Runners preparing for spring marathons can use the 20-mile distance as a long training run. The race also offers good practice for the marathon as it features aid stations every 1.25 miles with water, energy gels and sports drinks. It's also a safe place for a long run. Aid stations offer basic first aid and EMS will be on hand in the event of a more serious injury.

The Spring Thaw 20-mile distance offers more than a supported run. There are awards for top overall and masters runners but no age-group prize categories. All runners completing the 20-mile run of four loops around the lake earn commemorative embroidered hats.

All participants, no matter what distance they complete, enjoy the festivities in the warmth of the Rose Barn before and after the run.

Runner, author and coach Hal Higdon will be a special guest. Higdon is in town for the UPMC Half Marathon kick-off event in Pittsburgh Friday evening.

After the morning run, the Rose Barn will host the awards ceremony and a hot soup and pizza buffet. Although the Rose Barn is heated, runners are advised to come dressed to run because changing facilities are limited.

Parking also is limited at the Rose Barn. Because of the high snow accumulation, no parking will be allowed along Pierce Mill Road. Runners are advised to arrive early and to park at the North Park Ice Rink. Shuttles will run from there and from the spillway parking areas.

Runners can register or pick up their race packets at Elite Runners and Walkers in Robinson Township from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

Although runners can register at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Rose Barn, late registrations might miss out on the long-sleeved technical T-shirt commemorative.

For information about the 34th Annual Spring Thaw, call 412-490-0881 or visit www.eliterunners.com

Upcoming eventsFriday, 6 p.m.: UPMC Half Marathon Kickoff, Pittsburgh. Pick up training tips from author and coach Hal Higdon. Register for this event at www.pittsburghmarathon.comSaturday, 10 a.m.: Cupid's Chase 5K, Pittsburgh. Run along Riverfront Park on the North Shore. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.orgMarch 6, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Winter Wonderland 5K, Ellport. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.comMarch 7, 8:45 a.m.: Mill Creek Classic Half Marathon and 5K, Youngstown, Ohio. 330-727-6070 or ytownrunners.orgMarch 13, 9 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 10-Mile Run, 5K Run-Walk and 1-Mile Run-Walk, Harmony. Held on Strawberry Ridge Golf Course. Bring your golf clubs for longest drive and putting contest. Refreshments include soup, pizza, hot chocolate, beer. 724-321-4265 or joella@zoominternet.netMarch 20, 7:30 a.m.: Lt. J.C. Stone 50K, North Park. Register online at www.active.com. For information e-mail LouDAngelo@aol.comMarch 27, 8:30 a.m.: Just a Short Run, North Park. Choice of half marathon, half marathon relay, 30K run, 8.1-mile run or 5K run-walk. Register at www.race360.com/14355. For information visit www.justashortrun.net or call 412-490-0881March 27, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5k, Cook Forest State Park. 814-393-2081 or e-mail jresch@clarion.edu

Race results

Chilly Cheeks Challenge 1-Mile, Jan. 23: Jonathan Bolha, 1st Overall M, 5:17; Cody Gill, 1st Overall W, 5:39; Mitch Radella, 6:17

Chilly Cheeks Challenge 5-Mile, Jan. 23: Curt Bachus, 1st Overall M, 28:10; Debbie Conner, 1st Overall W, 33:04; Charles Chavarra, 1st 19 and under M, 34:40; Gerry Perez, 2nd 40-49 M, 36:47; Pete Fickert, 1st 60 and over M, 37:20; Mark Eschenfelder, 1st 50-59 M, 38:52; Matthew Liburdi, 3rd 40-49 M, 39:00; Mike Diamond, 2nd 50-59 M, 39:55; Beth Shook, 1st 30-39 W, 39:58; Zachary Matuch, 2nd 19 and under M, 40:33;Kathleen Lindner, 2nd 40-49 W, 40:36; Sharon Ann Hamilton, 1st 50-59 W, 41:13; Dez Csizmadia, 2nd 60 and over M, 41:18; Bill Tobin, 3rd 60 and over M, 41:42; Bill Feighert, 3rd 50-59 M, 42:28; Jen Cline-Latell, 2nd 30-39 W, 43:3; Holly Sandy, 3rd 30-39 W, 44:15; Chris Clark, 3rd 19 and under M, 45:17; Linda Hart, 3rd 50-59 W, 45:49; Sheila McCoy, 1st 20-29 W, 47:58; Jamie Schiappa, 2nd 20-29 W, 50:34; Cassie Powell, 2nd 19 and under W, 58:07; James McElrath, 1st 20-29 M, 57:25Robert Fickert, 34:22; Tom McNear, 36:22; Will Sandy, 36:28; Ashley Shook, 36:45; Richard Macaluso, 42:08; Shawn Peters, 43:36; Joann O'Malley-Gorsich, 44:08; Dan Gorsich, 44:09; Dennis Murcko, 44:12; Janet Clark, 45:18; Natalie Laricocia, 46:50; Gary Lackey, 46:58; Crystal Anney, 47:01; Paul Bostian, 47:16; Bill Erdner, 47:42; Amy Peters, 48:00; Amy Nichols, 48:12; Ron Nichols, 48:12; Don Hyde, 49:56; Jamie Macaluso, 50:11; Rick Macaluso, 50:11; Kris Lenzi, 50:24; Val Reichert, 52:35; Mike Lenzi, 52:46; Tabitha Mann, 58:06; Karen Landau, 1:01:39; Jamie Landau, 1:01:41; Debra Perry, 1:10:57

Chilly Cheeks Challenge 10-Mile, Jan. 23: Joshua Boggs, 1st Overall M, 55:44; Sarah Flament, 1st Overall W, 58:20; Brent Henderson, 1st 40-49 M, 56:13; Jeff Nelson, 2nd 40-49 M, 58:16; Brian Forester, 1st 30-39 M, 58:42; Jonathan Bolha, 1st 20-29 M, 58:46; Mitchell Thornton, 1st 19 and under M, 1:01:55; Craig Caylor, 2nd 30-39 M, 1:02:05; Terry McCluskey, 1st 60 and over M, 1:02:52; Chris Snyder, 2nd 20-29 M, 1:02:54; Dan Campbell, 3rd 40-49 M, 1:03:25; Leslie Perry, 1st 50-59 M, 1:05:57; Ron Romanoff, 2nd 50-59 M, 1:06:08David Snyder, 3rd 30-39 M, 1:06:50; Leslie Kramer, 1st 30-39 W, 1:06:58; Michael Hodak, 3rd 50-59 M, 1:07:25; Mary Beth Acker, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:09:29; Holly Bauer, 3rd 30-39 W, 1:11:35; Michael Lewis, 2nd 19 and under M, 1:13:27; John Davis, 2nd 60-69 M, 1:20:26; Jamie Tomasone, 2nd 20-29 M, 1:20:33; Danielle Lucas, 3rd 1:21:37; Melissa Ruffner, 1st 20-29 W, 1:16:23; Matt Rhenish, 3rd 20-29 M, 1:18:35; Randall Riley, 3rd 60 and over M, 1:23:01; Maureen Hobson, 1st 40-49 W, 1:23:02; Heidi Delehanty, 2nd 40-49 W, 1:24:19; Aileen Bowman, 3rd 40-49 W, 1:25:47; Roger Brockenbrough, 3rd 60 and over M, 1:25:49; Diane Hrishenko, 1st 50-59 W, 1:31:39Leroy Clark, 1:07:04; Janor Bestwick, 1:08:52; Jeff Lynn, 1:09:52; Gregory Robb, 1:11:35; Don Bolger, 1:12:02; Mitch Radella, 1:13:55; Sam Pickel, 1:15:25; Bob Hardman, 1:18:44; Gianna Guerino, 1:19:04; James Witmer, 1:20:03; Casey Unverzagt, 1:20:04; Timothy Higgins, 1:21:46; Pam Fredericks, 1:21:55; Scott Bowman, 1:22:43; Peter Morgan, 1:23:34; Rick Church, 1:25:20; Jeremy Smith, 1:26:50; Jennette Swatsworth, 1:27:08Rick Hart, 1:27:22; Meg Keating, 1:27:47; Stephanie Verderchia, 1:27:58; Floyd Shirey, 1:27:58; Leah Roskos, 1:31:41; Bob Cuffman, 1:33:04; Cindy Davenport, 1:35:31; Wish Michael, 1:39:23; Ken Tack, 1:39:49; Justin Curry, 1:42:46; Michelle Wish, 1:44:48; George Bartholomew, 1:46:26; Dana Hogue, 1:57:46Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail; lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.