The U.S. Running Association Half Marathon Series is coming to Butler County.

Dean Reinke, president of Reinke Sports Group, which runs the series, announced that the first Butler County Half Marathon will take place March 20 at a location to be determined.

The Pittsburgh Marathon will be held April 10.

"We look for mid- and small-range markets for our events and this one serves as a perfect prelude to the Pittsburgh Marathon," Reinke said. "Runners look for ways to train for marathons and this race will provide one of those opportunities."

A site for the Butler County Half Marathon, which will be 13.12 miles in length, hasn't been selected. Cranberry Township, Butler, Slippery Rock and Moraine State Park are being considered.

A proposed Cranberry Township route has the race beginning and ending in Cranberry Community Park while running through Cranberry Highlands Golf Course.

"We'll be making visits and meeting with people to determine where the course will be," Reinke said. "I'm thinking we'll make a final announcement there within 30 to 45 days."

The USRA Series begins its third season Oct. 3 with a half marathon in Sparks, N.Y. There are 30 half marathons in 23 states on the 2010-11 schedule. There were 15 on last year's schedule and two during the series' first season.

Sandy Gadzia, director of sales for the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, met Reinke at a sports commission meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

"When we attend these sessions, we make appointments with people representing sporting activities we'd be interested in having come to our community," Gadzia said. "This one certainly made the list.

"I met with Dean, we discussed the particulars and he decided to come up for a site visit," Gadzia added.

Reinke said the target field for an initial half marathon in the series is 500 to 700 runners, though many have exceeded that.

Worcester, Mass., drew 1,523 runners this year, Bentonville, Ark., drew 1,500 and Lexington, Ky., pulled in 2,700.

"By the time these events are in their third to fifth year, we anticipate attracting 2,000 to 3,000 runners," Reinke said.

During the 15-race second season, the USRA Series processed a total of about 20,000 runners.

"Though 85 percent of the runners are locals at most of our events, others will come in from 20 or 30 different states," Reinke said.

"Our events are beginner-runner friendly as well. All types of runners are welcome."

Gadzia said she's hopeful the county attracts "1,000 to 1,500 runners" for the March 20 race.

Reinke has competed in three marathons and was an Indiana high school champion in the mile run. He lives in Winter Park, Fla.

Details on the March 20 event will be posted at USRAHM.com.