Last Saturday, I planned to run the hilly Run for Hunger Half Marathon in Sarver.

That’s one of my favorite races in spite of or because of the rugged terrain and potential for adventure or disaster. Instead, while an even 100 finished the half marathon and 8K distances combined, I faced an entirely different challenge — the heat and humidity of South Florida.

After a 20-hour car trip moving my son to his new home in sunny Florida, I was more than ready to get my feet on the ground, stretch my legs and explore the sights of the small town of Clewiston at a leisurely running pace.

Clewiston is located on the southwest shore of Lake Okeechobee, though you can’t actually see the lake from anywhere in town. It’s hidden behind the Herbert Hoover Dike system which keeps the entire interior of Florida from being part of the Everglades wetlands and exposes a thick layer of rich black soil perfect for growing sugar cane, the main crop and industry of the Clewiston area.

The dike is also a great place for a running trail as I found after climbing the 30 feet of access road to the top. Beneath my feet, Okeechobee Scenic Trail’s paved straightaway stretched flat in both directions as far as I could see — actually 110 miles, making the entire loop around the lake.

The Okeechobee Scenic Trail, sometimes road, sometimes double-track width of packed gravel or asphalt, is part of the more than 1,300-mile Florida Scenic Trail system. This trail system includes not only running, biking and equestrian trails, but paddling trails, the longest of which circumnavigates the entire coast of Florida.

Not having a purpose or destination in mind for my run, I simply put the sun at my back and started at an easy jog. I thought that I’d be acclimated after suffering through our summer heat wave at home, but even sweltering July in Pennsylvania seems cool compared to the 87 degrees, 80-plus percent humidity of the South.

Heat rose in waves and shimmered on the pavement ahead. With nothing to focus on but the ribbon of asphalt disappearing on the horizon, my eyes wandered left across wetlands. A blue heron waded in dark water and an occasional fish broke the surface to snatch a damselfly. Manatees appear in that same water in certain times of the year, but not in the heat of summer.

Beyond the grasses and stunted trees of the wetlands, acres of sugarcane stretched in a huge unbroken square to the outskirts of town. I recalled a local news story about a dog rescued after wandering into one of the cane fields. He’d gotten lost and barely survived by gnawing on sugar cane, which ruined his teeth.

It’s easy to lose track of miles and time in this relatively featureless landscape. I promised myself a turnaround after 25 minutes since I wasn’t carrying water and there were no aid stations or stores in sight along the dike.

On the return trip. I watched the scenery pass by on the Lake Okeechobee side of the trail. Fishermen cast lines from numerous boats floating in the channel, hoping to catch one of the lakes prized large-mouth bass. A few parents and kids fished from shore while a scruffy bald eagle eyed the waterway from a perch on a dead limb.

I heard an airboat ripping through the swamp grass just beyond a hedgerow of trees, but couldn’t get a glimpse. I knew that somewhere beyond the sea of grass lay open water and somewhere under the grass lay alligators of every size, but all that I could see was a dome of blue sky capping the flatness of Florida and the trail endless and hot in front of my feet.

A breeze began to pick up, rippling over the water on dark clouds. Its coolness brought relief, but I knew it was time to head back down. Lightning flashed in the distance and I knew that top of the dike is no place to weather a storm.

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.: MoJo Sports Group Run, Seven Fields. Run three to seven miles with friends. 724-772-2808

Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.: Good Form Running classes, Elite Runner and Walkers, Robinson Township. Free classes help runners improve form. Sign up at www.eliterunners.com. Call 412-490-0881 for more information.

Saturday, 6:30 a.m.: Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50 Mile Ultramarathon and Relay, Summerville. Unique medal for all finishers, individual and team awards. www.rachelcarsontrails.org or ultrachallenge@rachelcarsontrails.org

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Dam Scramble, Curwensville. Choice of 11 or 18 miles of trails at Curwensville Lake Recreation Area. 814-765-2629

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Run Around the Square, Pittsburgh. Run through Regent Square neighborhood. 412-780-7802

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Southern Venango County Community Days Hamstring Hustle 5K, Clintonville. Also 2.5K at 10:30 a.m. 814-385-6515 or misandrock@gmail.com

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.: Run the Park10k Trail Challenge and 5k Trail Run/ Walk, Johnstown. Run on trails through Stackhouse Park. Run_stackhousepark@yahoo.com

Sept. 2, 9 a.m.: Gatorade Steelers 5K Race, Fitness Walk and Kids Kick Off Run, Pittsburgh. Run at Heinz Field benefits Art Rooney Scholarship Fund. 412-697-7713 or 5k@steelers.nfl.com

Sept. 2, 9 a.m.: Pizza Joe’s 5K, New Castle. Kids run at 8:40 a.m. 724-658-1716 or jessicat@pizzajoes.com

Sept. 8, 8 a.m.: Saxonburg Festival 5K, Saxonburg. Final race in Saxonburg Distance Series. 724-898-2525

Sept. 8, 9 a.m.: Adams Area Fire Department Herb Kaufman Memorial 5K Run/ Walk, Mars. Run in Adams Community Park. reneehay@zoominternet.net

Sept. 8, 9 a.m.: Music on the Hill Festival 5K Run/ Walk, Oil City. 814-673-9606 or debra.grove3@gmail.com

Sept. 9, 9 a.m.: Denny’s Picnic Challenge, South Park. Choice of 1, 3 or 6 miles with Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club. 412-952-9474

Sept. 11, 7 p.m.: Don’t Stop Runnin’ 5K, Apollo. Run at West Haven Manor, final run in series. www.5k.qualitylifeservices.com

Sept. 15: USA Air Force Marathon, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH. Also half marathon and 10k. 937-257-4350

Sept. 15, 9:30 a.m.: Pineapple Classic 5K, Hartwood Acres. Run and obstacle course, costumes encouraged. 412-395-2873 or www.pineappleclassic5k.org

Sept. 16, 7 a.m.: Erie Marathon, Presque Isle State Park, Erie: Also half marathon at 7:30 A.M. and 5K Fun Run at 7:15 A.M. www.eriemarathon.org or email eriemara@yahoo.com

Sept. 16, 2 p.m.: Run to Remember 5K, West Kittanning. 724-548-7836 or leighharvey@windstream.net

Sept. 22, 9 a.m.: Les Haas Memorial Trail Challenge 16K Run and 5K Run/ Walk, Ridgeway. Run on Laurel Mill Trail through Allegheny National Forest. 814-776-5373 or sputt@countyofelkpa.com

Sept. 23, 9 a.m.: Elorapalooza 5K/ 1 mile Run, Walk or Lolligag, North Park. 412-608-2135 or www.elorashope.com

Sept. 23, Noon: Junior Great Race, Pittsburgh. Run and fun for kids in Point State Park. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 30, 8 a.m.: The Great Race 5K, Pittsburgh. Point to point from Oakland to downtown. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m.: Great Race 10K, Pittsburgh. Point to point from Frick Park to downtown. 12-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Race results

Presque Isle Half Marathon, July 15: Martin Zegarelli, 1st Overall M, 1:14:35; Tamara Marquardt, 1st Overall W, 1:23:46; Leslie Kramer, 5th Overall W, 1:29:24; Ben English, 2nd 25-29 M, 1:23:24; Cheryl Ferraro, 1st 50-54 W, 1:45:33; Brandon Wise, 1:30:28; Wesley Omer, 1:32:38; Adam Lowe, 1:35:55; Rick Hinman, 1:37:26; Ann Gagliardi, 1:38:11; John Armstrong, 1:39:36; Nicole Binnie, 1:48:53; Scott Pearson, 1:53:33; Greg Harsin, 1:55:27; Stacy Juchno, 1:57:47; Nate Nuss, 2:00:22; Julianne Helfich, 2:00:59; Andrea Ferko, 2:01:10; Olivia Lowe, 2:01:50; Katie Roitz, 2:03:07; Steve Roitz, 2:06:49; Adam Kettler, 2:09:14; Karen Ketler, 2:09:15; Joan Schilling, 2:10:45; Edwin Amrhein, 2:11:24; Chelsey Giardina, 2:11:24; Jinny Hertweck, 2:11:27; Jennifer Hardin, 2:12:05; Sarah Whittaker, 2:13:00; Evan Lowe, 2:16:03; Beverly Lowe, 2:16:03; Jessica Rutkowski, 2:16:31; Calandra Verba, 2:16:49; Steve Verba, 2:16:49; Elizabeth Dickey, 2:21:57; Rebecca Woods, 2:24:29; Missy Jungling, 2:25:17; Jeremy Dicus, 2:29:39; Jami Cox, 2:33:02; Amanda Dicus, 2:37:14; Cheryl Ferraro, 2:44:11; Susan Wojnar, 2:51:21; Jessica McKnight, 2:52:31; John Ropelewski, 3:06:26

Butler LHOT 5K, Aug. 11: Doug Basinski, 1st Overall M, 18:25; Brian Forester, 3d Overall M, 18:45; Erica Maloney, 1st Overall W, 19:55; Jennifer Bole, 2nd Overall W, 20:47; Carrie Smith, 3rd Overall W, 23:44; Brent Collins, 1st 50-54 M, 19:27; Aaeon Depew, 1st 40-44 M, 20:42; Lucas Adams, 1st 16-19 M, 20:49; Bobby Osterrieder, 1st 20-24 M, 21:52; Matt Drohan, 2nd 40-44 M, 21:54; Billy Wolfe, 1st 12-15 M, 23:49; Holly Depew, 1st 40-44 W, 24:17; Ethan Depew, 2nd 12-15 M, 24:30; Vincent Moore, 1st 35-39 M, 24:44; Donald McMonagle, 2nd 45-49 M, 24:57; Dave Murray, 3rd 45-49 M, 25:58; Thomas Preston, 1st 11 & Under M, 26:50; Tasha Werner, 1st 35-39 W, 27:09; John O’Dennell, 1st 65-69 M, 27:25; Natalie Mason, 1st 11 & Under W, 27:51; Daniel Borchert, 2nd 35-39 M, 27:52; Glenn Brennen, 1st 60-64 M, 28:11; Lisa Moss, 1st 45-49 W, 28:12; Jesica Lauer, 1st 25-29 W, 28:14; Emilee Altman, 2nd 11 & Under W, 28:37; Emma Preston, 1st 16-19 W, 28:55; Dana Greenblatt, 2nd 35-39 W, 29:27; Michael Heims, 1st 55-59 M, 29:31; Dyane Brutkovich, 2nd 30-34 W, 30:22; Lily Murray, 1st 12-15 W, 30:30; Vickie Turner, 1st 55-59 W, 31:00; Claire Preston, 2nd 12-15 W, 32:13; Tina Roth, 3rd 11 & Under W, 32:17; Michelle Smith, 3rd 35-39 W, 29:27; Randall Mortimer, 2nd 50-54 M, 33:44; Al Lane, 2nd 55-59 M, 33:45; Duke Snyder, 2nd 65-69 M, 34:04; Patrick Lane, 2nd 11 & Under M, 34:25; Susan Tassey, 2nd 55-59 W, 34:58; Ed Graham, 3rd 60-64 M, 35:55; Michelle Fry, 1st 20-24 W, 35:58; Kate Murray, 2nd 20-24 W, 39:03; Julia Murray, 2nd 45-49 W, 39:05; Craig Moss, 3rd 50-54 M, 40:54; Heather Borchert, 3rd 30-34 W, 41:01; Edward Tassey, 3rd 55-59 M, 41:33; Donna Birchbichler, 3rd 55-59 W, 42:32; Donna Imhoff, 1st 50-54 W, 42:42; Rebecca Imhoff, 2nd 16-19 W, 42:44; Donna Preston, 3rd 45-49 W, 46:17; Raymie Bell, 1st 30-34 M, 51:00; Rita Lane, 2nd 50-54 W, 54:30; Jada Mason, 32:20; Buddy Turner, 39:06; Sarah Preston, 42:02; Tom Turner, 43:43; Bridget Preston, 46:14; Alyssa Magill, 51:07

Rimersburg Cookie Daze 5K Run, Aug. 11: Ean King, 1st Overall M, 17:17; Kevin Watkins, 3rd Overall M, 20:11; Sara Roudybush, 1st Overall W, 21:30; David Olszak, 1st 15 & Under M, 20:24; Michael Stitt, 1st 40-44 M, 20:28; Evan Olszak, 1st 20-24 M, 20:38; John Olszak, 1st 55-59 M, 21:30; Shawn Hazlett, 1st 16-19 M, 23:34; Derek Carmichael, 1st 25-29 M, 24:37; Jimmy Smathers, 2nd 15 & Under M, 25:06; David King, 1st 60+ M, 25:30; Megan Slaugenhoup, 1st 35-39 W, 25:47; Cameron Weaver, 3rd 15 & Under M, 26:11; Carmichael Carmichael, 1st 40-44 W, 26:15; Bob Carmichael, 2nd 60+ M, 26:25; Scott Campbell, 1st 45-49 M, 26:36; Audrey Hageter, 2nd 30-34 W, 27:11; Jeannine Snyder, 2nd 20-24 W, 27:18; Kelly Daugherty, 2nd 15 & Under W, 29:23; John Daugherty, 2nd 45-49 M, 29:55; Crystal Shick, 2nd 40-44 W, 29:57; Greg Smathers, 2nd 50-54 M, 31:16; Amy Milanovich, 1st 55-59 W, 31:19; Jean McCleary, 3rd 40-44 W, 31:52; Crissy Shirey, 2nd 35-39 W, 33:59; Angie Lerch, 1st 25-29 W, 35:11; JJ Lerch, 2nd 25-29 M, 35:11; Brenda Murray, 1st 50-54 W, 38:14; Dixie Shirey, 2nd 50-54 W, 40:36; Larry McCauley, 3rd 60+ M, 40:55; Lark Palm, 3rd 35-39 W, 45:11; Sam Lerch, 26:38; Kara Foster, 30:18; Shawn F. Foster, 31:38; Patrick Coradi, 35:08; Amanda Coradi, 37:05; Kara Daugherty, 38:16; Kendall Kirkpatrick, 40:37; Jessica Kirkpatrick, 40:38; Amy Himes, 40:52; Kim Weaver, 43:22; Jeff Campbell, 43:48; Georgia Palm, 45:01

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 Eagle