The small town of Freeport offers two flavors of trail runs this Saturday — one mild, one wild.

On the mild side, the Freeport Flash 5K Run/ Walk, at 9 a.m., boasts a flat and fast course along the newly completed Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. The event, now in its fifth year, starts in a new location at Oregon Camp on Monroe Road due to construction along the trail.

Organizers promise that this new course may be even faster than its previous route. If the lure of a personal record isn’t enough incentive to post a fast time, speedy runners can race for a bonus $50 gift card offered to any man or woman who sets a new course record.

Breaking the old records may not be easy. Ryan Kennedy of New Kensington set the men’s course record of 17:11. Kennedy has won the men’s division of the Freeport Flash 5K for the past two years. The women’s course record was also set last year by Jaime Wright, with a time of 19:16.

More than 150 have preregistered for the event with nearly a week to go. Runners may also register on the day of the event, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Participants are advised to arrive early as commemorative T-shirts will be in short supply.

The Freeport Flash 5K Run/Walk benefits the Freeport High School cross country program. For more information about the race or the program or to download an application, visit their website at www.freeportcrosscountry.com. For questions, e-mail n3wav@aol.com.

Those who like to run on the wild side can run the Buffalo Stampede, Saturday at 1 p.m. in the hills above Freeport. This is truly an adventure run with challenging terrain and technical difficulties.

As the race website states, “No sissies or wimps should attempt to run this course.”

Along with brutally steep ups and downs and toe-stubbing stumps and rocks, runners will endure energy-sapping romps through grassy fields and the natural slip ‘n’ slides of rock-filled streams. There’s even a tunnel crossing through ankle deep water.

You’ve been warned. I’ll also warn you that the course, although timed, is of uncertain distance and unsupported.

You’ll want to bring your own water bottles to fill up at the two refueling stations along the course. You can bring a cell phone in case of emergency, though reception in the valleys is uncertain at best.

After all this, you might wonder who would run such an event. But 71 runners completed one of the three distances of the Buffalo Stampede Trail Run last year and many will return for more fun this year.

The Buffalo Stampede offers a choice of distances: four-mile short course, 14-mile long course or 18-mile expert course. Those running the expert course complete the long course, then make an additional loop on the short course’s four-mile trail. The expert race is a Trail Runner Magazine points race.

Runners will share the trail course with mountain bike riders competing in the Dash for Cash of the same distances. The trails used for both bikers and runners are maintained by the local Buffalo Riders mountain bike club.

Survivors of both the run and the bike race will be treated to a post race party including a barbeque, beer and other beverages, live music and raffle leading to the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Families of participants are welcome to attend, but are encouraged to contribute to the picnic by bringing a covered dish to share.

The Buffalo Stampede benefits South Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department. The department offers support on race day should anyone need emergency services.

Day of event registration for the Buffalo Stampede opens at 11 a.m. for the 1 p.m. race start. For more information about the event, visit www.americanadventuresports.com/buffalostampede. For questions, e-mail doug@americanadventuresports.com or call 814-397-4316.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 7 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon, Galeton. 814-274-3365

Saturday, 7:45 a.m.: Race–A-Palooza Half Marathon, Lower Burrell. Shady and scenic race begins at Wolf Pack Park.724-335-9191, ext. 108 or alasure@vpfmca.org.

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Race-A-Palooza 5K, Lower Burrell. Also 2K fun walk. 724-335-9191, ext. 108 or alasure@vpfmca.org.

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5K Run/Walk, Sarver. New location starts at Monroe Road, out and back on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. N3wav@aol.com

Saturday,11 a.m.: Punxsy Phil Fighters’ 5K Run/ 1 Mile Walk, Punxsutawney. 814-938-4956 or www.punxsyphilfighter.com

Saturday, 1 p.m.: Buffalo Stampede, Sarver. Choice of 5 miles, 14 miles or 20 miles on rugged trails. 724-357-9988 or www.americanadventuresports.com

Sunday, 8 a.m.: Distance Classic Half Marathon and 5K Run/ Walk, Concord, OH. www.lakehealthdistanceclassic.com

Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5K, Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. 412-422-8885.

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Catawba Island Club Run for Humanity 5 Mile Race, 3 Mile Run/Walk and Kids Run, Catawba Island, OH. 419-794-4424 or www.cicrunwalk.org

June 11, 5:30 a.m.: Laurel Highlands Ultra, Ohiopyle State Park. Run 70.5 miles, 50K or 70.5 mile relay on Laurel Highlands Trail. 724-854-3104.

June 11, 8:15 a.m.: Paul Ritchey Memorial Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Run, Oil City. Run on Samuel Justice Bike Path. 814-678-4426 or thePRrun@gmail.com.

June 11, 8:30 a.m.: Middlesex Mad Dash 5K, Valencia. 724-473-1198.

June 11, 9 a.m.: Parkinson Awareness 5K Race/ Jog and Walk, Uniontown. Separate start for walkers. 412-629-9292 or www.jerrymahermemorial5k.com

June 11, 9 a.m.: Freedom Financial Fight Against Cancer 5K Walk/ Run, North Park. Benefits Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. Volunteers also needed. 724-933-7223 or matthew@freedomfinancialcorp.com

June 11, 5:30 a.m.: Laurel Highlands Ultra, Ohio Pyle State Park. Choice of 70 miles, 50K or 5-person relay for each distance on Laurel Highlands Trail. 724-854-3104 or www.laurelultra.com

June 18, 8:30 a.m.: Cecil Jarvis Greater Clarksburg 10K, Clarksburg, WV. Also KidsK for ages 12 and under and 2-mile fun walk at 10 A.M. 304-624-4100 or www.greaterclarksburg10k.org

June 18, Chardonnay 5K, Mercer. Starts at 724-662-1910 or coolspringsfitness.com.

June 18, 9 a.m.: Dayspring Harvest 5K Race/ 2 Mile Walk, Ellwood City. 724-752-1600 or johantinossi@gmail.com

June 19, 8 a.m.: Father’s Day 5K/ 10K Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Starts at Riverfront Park outside Heinz Field. 412-572-6830 or www.fathersday5k.com

June 21, 7 p.m.: Quality Life Cup Series 5K, Sarver. Cash prizes. 724-431-0770 or www.qualitylifeservices.com.

June 22, 7 p.m.: Strawberry Days 5K, Grove City. First in Mercer County Twilight Quad. 814-678-4226

June 25, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race, Butler. Choice of 5 miles or 2K benefits scholarship for local athletes. 724-282-7977 or butlerroadrace.org

June 26, 8:30 a.m.: Run for the Hills 10K, Willoughby, OH. 440-946-8705 or online registration at www.active.com.

Race results

Pittsburgh Marathon, May 15: Jeff Eggleston, 1st Overall M, 2:16:40; Yihunlish Bekele Delelecha, 1st Overall W, 2:35:36; Dean Rippee, 2nd 55-59 M, 3:13:59; Matthew McCusker, 3:08:56; Daniel Carlino, 3:09:30; Matthew Montellanico, 3:12:26; Richard Marcotte, 3:13:26; Brian Thomas, 3:14:33; James Wrubel, 3:15:36; Rich Makin, 3:15:48; Tom Grame, 3:18:58; Jonathan Wiley, 3:20:14; Todd Roberts, 3:22:40; Richard Colonello, 3:27:26; Sean Girdwood, 3:27:39; Herb Cratty, 3:27:43; Paul McCartney, 3:28:40; John Armstrong, 3:28:50; Robert Pudlo, 3:29:59; Richard Goodright, 3:30:13; Melissa Shaeffer, 3:33:35; Joel Shaeffer, 3:33:35; Chris Ludwig, 3:33:48; Mark King, 3:35:00; Timothy Wyant, 3:36:16; Ashley Brooks, 3:36:20; Dana Benedict, 3:37:26; Joseph Wuenschell, 3:37:52; Michael Kawecki, 3:38:54; Michelle Kochan, 3:40:04; Sean Curran, 3:41:23; Jim Carr, 3:41:25; Adam Filges, 3:41:58; Matt Marshall, 3:42:09; William Osche, 3:42:15; Michael Fugate, 3:42:50; John Ristey, 3:43:28; Stephen Ionadi, 3:43:58; Michael Yankel, 3:44:19; Michael Stitt, 3:44:23; Ronald Hanna, 3:44:41; Thomas Majeski, 3:44:56; Lisa Kostelnik, 3:45:35; Michelle Carnicelli, 3:47:47; Paul Dibucci, 3:51:46; John Dannhardt, 3:52:05; Tim Brack, 3:52:55; Bruce Barnes, 3:53:27; Jeff Hans, 3:53:33; Mark Shipley, 3:54:08; Ken Zellars, 3:54:30; Mitch Radella, 3:55:27; Kathy Hensler, 3:55:57; Ben Bower, 3:56:25; Patrick Paul, 3:57:14; Steven Mix, 3:57:29; Mark Pekich, 3:58:32; Karl Zellars, 3:58:41; Milagros Labeau, 3:59:08; Jim Haughey, 3:59:55; Greg Gaghan, 4:00:31; Margaret Saludis, 4:01:01; Daniel Lynch, 4:01:07; Lisa Poepoe, 4:02:40; Robert Todd, 4:03:28; Michael Kappler, 4:03:45; Chris Labeau, 4:05:16; Harry Clegg, Jr., 4:06:25; Gordon Dabney, 4:06:54; Craig Marino, 4:07:21; Kevin Koken, 4:07:43; Charles Huth, 4:10:39; Lindsey Monahan, 4:10:55; Susan Moury, 4:11:22; Avery Lawson, 4:11:22; Brian McCafferty, 4:11:22; John Lemmex, 4:11:42; Tim McFarlane, 4:11:43; Abbie Kuhn, 4:12:22; Ferdinando Saglio, 4:12:53; Andrea Steiner, 4:13:24; Michael Labarre, 4:13:41; T.J. Pynos, 4:13:47; Christi Novak, 4:14:44; Linda Ankney, 4:14:45; Cindy Watemire, 4:15:24; Megan McDaniel, 4:15:42; James Gascoine, 4:16:21; Nancijo Pruce, 4:16:26; Amy Condrick, 4:16:51; Jinny Hertweck, 4:17:06; Scott Ortsey, 4:17:45; Gineen Dutkovic, 4:18:47; Tom Parenti, 4:19:11; Greg Green, 4:19:31; Brittni Geibel, 4:19:44; R. Jake Huff, 4:19:46; Michelle Pekich, 4:24:02; Cyndie DeLucia, 4:24:11; Brian Kile, 4:24:14; Jillian Lavelle, 4:24:27; Colleen Mock, 4:24:44; Bob Clark, 4:25:49; Lisa Walley, 4:26:16; Amy Formica, 4:26:37; Franklin Wilson, 4:26:48; Suzanne Leonberg, 4:26:49; Teddy Pynos, 4:27:12; Amanda Book, 4:27:23; Travis Kelly, 4:27:23; Christopher Rowath, 4:27:44; Andrew Super, 4:28:07; Doug Fry, 4:28:52; Ryan Henrie, 4:29:27; Jason Myers, 4:29:33; Marianne Biase, 4:30:11; Michelle Ellery, 4:30:12; Larry Fraysier, 4:30:14; Josh Henderson, 4:31:08; Paul Patrick, 4:31:27; Jon Dore, 4:31:49; Mike Sablowski, 4:32:58; Becky Monhemius, 4:34:59; Carrie Smith, 4:36:32; Ed Doyle, 4:37:20; Adam Shoup, 4:37:21; Jarett Buchanan, 4:39:25; Debbie Huth, 4:40:02; James Hodgson, 4:40:02; Erica Cappabianco, 4:42:44; Monica Thompson, 4:43:37; Cindy Lampe, 4:44:17; Jason Logue, 4:44:53; Chuck Sarver, 4:45:30; Brian Daugherty, 4:46:25; Tami Rippy, 4:47:10; Bob Andrews, 4:49:41; Gregory Walton, 4:50:13; Katherihne Screen, 4:51:24; Ashley Dublin, 4:51:25; Justin Stirling, 4:51:57; Troy Mohney, 4:52:38; Kelly Morrone, 4:53:28; Jeffrey Skal, 4:54:08; Tanya Yoshioka, 4:54:15; Daniel Crytzer, 4:55:16; Chris Hudac, 4:58:36; Robert Crawford, 4:59:08; Travis Lewis, 5:00:11; Bob Cunningham, 5:02:14; Eric Huff, 5:02:16; Michael Miller, 5:02:25; Michael Coyne, 5:03:19; Heather Kisiel, 5:05:36; Ken Tack, 5:06:17; Heidi Vandrak, 5:06:19; Louis Yossa, 5:08:46; Kristen Magdelenico, 5:09:34; Andrew Ryan, 5:10:09; Christina Rocco, 5:10:40; Nichol Dawson, 5:11:05; Danielle Kelly, 5:11:27; David Thaman, 5:13:16; Penney Sferra, 5:14:10; Adam Childers, 5:15:18; Suzanne Platt, 5:16:04; Mary Ann Stephenson, 5:16:04; Beth Skinner, 5:17:44; Scott Doms, 5:19:10; Lauren Case, 5:19:44; Ruth Cochran, 5:25:49; Laura Sugustine, 5:27:15; Jonathan Keller, 5:27:28; Bill Keller, 5:27:28; Aaron Stanley, 5:27:47; Charles Johns, 5:27:47; Lori McClafferty, 5:27:49; Stephanie Haas, 5:29:58; Michelle Minjock, 5:31:38; Robert Zukas, 5:32:25; Nicholas Minto, 5:32:33; Terrence Moore, 5:32:37; Desiree Atkinson, 5:34:22; Maria Foster, 5:35:06; Katie Kovac, 5:38:35; Benjamin Swigart, 5:39:07; Katherine Miller, 5:49:14; Ken Wilson, 5:58:06; Tracy Gebhardt, 6:01:47; Nancy Petshot, 6:53:23; Nicole Tekula, 6:53:26; John Murphy, 7:05:03; Marianne Murphy, 7:05:04; Dana Dillon, 7:22:57

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eage