Spring is at least on the calendar, if not in the air.

As of this writing, weather for the last Saturday in March is predicted to include snow, rain and gusty wind as the temperature struggles to reach 40 degrees. That’s far from the sunny 50+ degrees of last year at that date.

Still, no matter the weather, spring in western PA is a great time to stretch your running legs at a choice of popular races on March 30.

One of my favorite events of the year, Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5K, celebrates its 29th year as a run along the Clarion River at 11 a.m. March 30.

Although the weather can be unpredictable, the course is always scenic, the air clear and fresh. The out and back course along the Clarion River is the perfect fix for runners tired of the traffic of city or suburban training routes.

The Cook Forest course has gotten considerably easier since a sizable hill in the last mile of the race was eliminated last year. The current starting line for both out-and-back 5K and half marathon is now on the flat River Road in front of the Pale Whale Canoe Rental.

Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5K benefits Clarion University’s Track and Field team and Clarion Athletic Scholarships. Many team members serve as volunteers at the starting area and at aid stations every 2.5 miles along the course.

It’s nice to see a smiling face along the sparsely populated route.

Cook Forest Half Marathon offers simple post race refreshments of sports drink and cookies. All participants earn commemorative long sleeved t-shirts. Overall and age group winners for the chip-timed runs earn hand-made pottery awards while overall and masters winners also earn a night’s stay at area lodges and cabins.

Last year’s participation at Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5K numbered more than 1,000 runners and walkers, one of the largest crowds in the event’s history. Although Cook Forest Half Marathon accepts day-of-event registrations, I would advise pre-registering to avoid long lines on race day. Online registration as well as a downloadable registration form is available at www.cookforest.com/marathon.

If you prefer a more festive (and crowded) running atmosphere, Just a Short Run in North Park, also on March 30 at 8:30 a.m., is one of the area’s largest distance running events.

Just a Short Run began in 2001 with a half marathon and 5K. A 30K distance was added the following year as a training event for those running spring marathons. In 2010 Just a Short Run added an 8.1 mile option, a great choice for those training for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in May.

Just a Short Run continues to grow with the continued popularity of distance running in general. Last year, the event’s registration topped 2,000 with 1,857 runners and walkers completing one of the distances. This year, Just a Short Run may reach its higher 2,500 participant limit.

The growth of Just a Short Run is also due to the event’s attention to runners’ needs and desires. All pre-registered participants receive custom logo shorts instead of the ubiquitous T-shirt commemorative. And all participants will appreciate bag check at the starting area and Just a Short Run’s post race awards party complete with music and food buffet.

The courses for each of the distances are relatively flat, beginning at North Park’s Boathouse and continuing for a short loop to the Ice Rink and the only real hill on the course. The longer runs then circle North Park Lake on the gently rolling pavement. Aid stations with Gatorade, water and energy gels are located at approximately every 1.25 miles along the course, making Just a Short Run a great trial run for marathon and half marathon goal races later this spring.

All pre-registrations are online (unless a paper application is requested) for convenience and to make Just a Short Run a greener event. Online registration will be open until 5 p.m. Tuesday at www.race360.com/14355.

Organizers suggest registering early and picking up your race packet at Elite Runners and Walkers in McKees Rocks on March 27 and 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. or March 28, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. to minimize congestion at the Boathouse starting area on Saturday.

Day-of-event registration opens at 6:30 a.m. at the North Park Boathouse if the event doesn’t sell out. (Check www.eliterunners.com). Organizers encourage all participants to arrive at least 45 minutes before starting time, to carpool, and to make use of shuttle service from parking lots at the spillway, Ice Rink and North Park Pool.

Upcoming events Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSaturdays, 8 a.m.: Big Beaver Big Dawgs Winter Training Runs, Beaver. Group of all ages and abilities running various distances. Starts at Second Avenue near Fire Station. http://bbbigdawgs.weebly.comWednesdays, 6 p.m.: Elite Runners Group Run, Monroeville. Weekly four to five mile group run for all abilities. www.eliterunners.comWednesdays, 7 p.m.: MoJo Sports Group Run, Seven Fields. Run three to seven miles with friends. 724-772-2808Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: Flight for Air Climb, Pittsburgh. Climb the 897 steps of One Oxford Centre. 412-321-4029 or mmysliwiec@lunginfo.orgSaturday, 7:30 a.m.: Lt. JC Stone 50K, North Park. 412-366-8740 or Loudangelo@aol.comSaturday, 10 a.m.: March for the Military 5K, Cranberry Township. 724-591-3261 or ota5k@zoominternet.netSunday, 10 a.m.: Larry Winschel St. Paddy’s Day Run, South Park. Choice of 4.2 or 2 mile run, 1 mile walk with Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club. 412-561-0768March 30, 10 a.m.: Golden Tide Baseball 5K Run/ Walk, Curwensville. 814-715-2351 or debharzinski@atlanticbb.netApril 6, 9 a.m.: Bigfoot Half Marathon and 5K, Kittanning. 724-545-9622 or jbeeker@armstrongymca.orgApril 6, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races at Canoe Creek State Park, Hollidaysburg. Half Marathon and 5 Mile Trail Race. bmazur@intelmarx.comApril 6, 10 a.m.: Prep for Pittsburgh Half Marathon and 5K, Sandy Lake. Run on paved bike path around Lake Wilhelm in Maurice Goddard State Park. 724-301-6775 or outdoors@neo.rr.com.info@mctrails.orgApril 6, 10 a.m.: 35th Annual Fool’s Run 10K and 3 Mile Fun Walk, Indiana. First race in Indiana County Triple Crown. 724-349-0501 or jswauger@comcast.netApril 6, 11 a.m.: Thunder Run 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Meadville. Out and back in Roche Park. 814-763-4280 or brwilliams@zoominternet.netApril 13, 6:30 a.m.: Glacier Ridge Ultra (30K, 50K, 50 miles), Moraine State Park, Portersville. Starts at Pavilion 7, McDaniels Boat Launch. www.glacierridgeultra.comApril 13, 8 a.m.: Pirates Charities 5K Home Run, Pittsburgh. 412-325-4781 or Jackie.hunter@pirates.comApril 13, 9 a.m.: Cancer Awareness 5K Challenge, Rimersburg. Also two mile walk starting at Union High School. 814-221-6554 or emingsdi@unionsd.netApril 13, 9 a.m.: Mars Area Public Library 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Gibsonia. Run at Treesdale Golf and Country Club (same course as Treesdale Turkey Trot). 724-612-9818 or anthonyv9@zoominternet.netApril 13, 9 a.m.: Steps Challenge 5K Run and Walk, Hermitage. 724-981-2950, ext. 234April 20, 8 a.m.: Kids Castle 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Cranberry Township. Run through Community Park. 412-761-9720 or kidscastle5k@hotmail.comApril 20, 9:30 a.m.: Big Blue Quest 5K, North Park. Starts at Pool Area. 724-388-6936 or dcrawfo2@wpahs.org

Race results Mill Creek Distance Classic Half Marathon, March 3: Matt Folk, 1st Overall M, 1:11:32; Libby Rogenski, 1st Overall W, 1:32:58; Ben English, 2nd 25-29 M, 1:23:18; Kristen Kelosky, 3rd 45-49 W, 1:49:36; John Armstrong, 1:39:19; David White, 1:39:50; Adam Leskanic, 1:40:03; Christopher Peters, 1:45:59; Brian Buchan, 1:48:01; Steve Diantonio, 1:49:35; Tara Kennedy, 2:12:25; John Antinossi, 2:14:01; Sherree May, 2:21:59; Joan Schilling, 2:24:23Mill Creek Distance Classic 5K, March 3: Craig Rupe, 1st Overall M, 17:17; Amanda Fire, 1st Overall W, 20:56; Holly Bauer, 2nd Overall W, 23:04; Mitch Radella, 2nd 45-49 M, 22:42; Gale Mussey, 3rd 60-64 M, 29:09; Lou Lodovico, 3rd 65+ M, 35:25; Len Yensull, 28:55; Marissa Beaumont, 30:42; Autumn Heinz, 31:55; Brayden Buchan, 45:07Ellport Boro Community 5K, March 9: Kevin Reno, 1st Overall M, 16:56; Billy Lott, 3rd Overall M, 18:15; Leslie Kramer, 1st Overall W, 20:35; Holly Bauer, 2nd Overall W, 21:41; Greg Banyay, 1st 30-34 M, 18:48; Mitch Radella, 2nd 45-49 M, 20:55; Russell Oschenhirt, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:17; Aaron Depew, 1st 40-44 M, 21:21; Jonah Kingston, 1st 14 & Under M, 21:43; David Cappello, 2nd 40-44 M, 21:56; Kristen Kelosky, 1st 45-49 W, 22:24; Curt Grimm, 2nd 60-65 M, 22:54; James Gajewski, 1st 15-19 M, 23:06; Ike Eisenbrown, 1st 50-54 M, 23:14; Debbie Burry, 2nd 35-39 W, 23:16; Kristen Oschenhirt, 3rd 35-39 W, 23:20; Ethan Depew, 2nd 14 & Under M, 23:42; Lou Alaksin, 1st 70+ M, 24:32; John Antinossi, 2nd 65-69 M, 25:14; Lenny Yensull, 2nd 50-54 M, 25:42; Holly Depew, 1st 40-44 W, 25:46; Michelle Steffler, 2nd 30-34 W, 27:03; Jason Regal, 2nd 15-19 M, 27:23; Dez Csizmadia, 3rd 70+ M, 27:24; Cindy Suber, 1st 50-54 W, 27:59; Sherree May, 1st 55-59 W, 28:05; Alssa Sutter, 3rd 15-19 W, 33:32; Tammy Sutter, 3rd 45-49 W, 33:36; Megan Anderson, 3rd 30-34 W, 33:39; Bob Dawson, 3rd 50-54 M, 34:47; Laura Ferruchie, 2nd 25-29 W, 36:40; Jo Rocco, 1st 60-64 W, 50:35; Madison Rocco, 3rd 14 & Under W, 50:35; Angela Mason, 23:22; David Suber, 24:18; Gale Mussey, 25:58; Ed Leymarie, 27:21; Nathalie Kuffer, 28:17; Dan Weatherly, 29:13; Frank Gajewski, 29:36; Robert Kinney, 29:43; Sam Proya, 31:23; Anne Dawson, 32:31; Dave Steffler, 32:40; Debra Kuminkoski, 32:55; Lou Lodovico, 33:29; Sara Sutter, 33:35; Caryn Morrow, 35:30; Maggie Ewing, 35:32; Sam Ewing, 35:56; Tricia Ketterer, 36:38; Melinda Cappello, 36:42March Mad Dash 5K, March 9: Justin Grubisha, 1st Overall M, 17:40; Amanda Verrengia, 1st Overall W, 21:37; Makara Smocer, 1st 19 & Under W, 23:41; Shelly Shebetich, 3rd 30-39 W, 24:10; Maria Dysert, 2nd 19 & Under W, 25:18; Madison Murchak, 1st 20-24 W, 26:23; Barbara Ford, 2nd 50-59 W, 30:46; Barbara Reeser-Smiesko, 2nd 60+ W, 40:36; Bobby Woods, 28:16; Lindsey Woods, 29:04; Robert Willig, 30:03; Robin Rishel, 30:16; Ellie Tourney, 31:07; Kristi Stiegler, 31:50; Tom Deutsch, 32:13; Sean Kilpatrick, 32:37; Jordan Arthur, 33:05; Lisa Arthur, 33:06; April Pavlina, 34:58; Jennifer Black, 35:34; Heather Mason, 36:30; Crystal Waits, 41:30; Emily Lesko, 45:13; Mary Taube, 46:25; Robin Hunter, 58:10March Mad Dash 5 Mile, March 9: Justin Taylor, 1st Overall M, 28:54; Erica Maloney, 1st Overall W, 31:50; Grant Fleming, 3rd 20-29 W, 34:13; Matt Opdyke, 3rd 30-39 M, 34:42; Sarah Thompson, 2nd 20-29 W, 35:51; Holly Bauer, 1st 30-39 W, 36:43; Myah Merhaut, 1st 19 & Under W, 42:27; Rhonda Merhaut, 3rd 40-49 W, 42:37; Abby Scholl, 2nd 19 & Under W, 51:01; Allie LaNeve, 3rd 19 & Under W, 57:53; Matt Kravec, 37:44; Matthew Nichols, 41:23; Jeffrey Gray, 42:20; Dustin Nolan, 43:53; Jessica Irwin, 44:16; Leslie Babcock, 45:04; Adam Scholl, 45:53; Tom Culley, 46:00; Joaquin Lopez, 47:32; Brian Kravec, 48:33; Michelle Cook, 48:42; Brianne Young, 48:44; Liz DeMoss, 49:05; Brett Carly, 49:34; Autumn Heinz, 50:17; Jamie Pillar, 51:05; Amy Kapp, 52:05; Allison Buddie, 53:04; Jill Conley, 53:30March Mad Dash 10 Mile, March 9: T.J. Black, 1st Overall M, 58:01; Tammy Slusser, 1st Overall W, 1:07:05; Tom Stuart, 1st 30-39 M, 1:02:13; Robert DiLoreto II, 3rd 30-39 M, 1:07:10; Kate Stuart, 3rd 30-39 W, 1:17:30; Anna Schoeppner, 3rd 19 & Under W, 1:45:55; Michael Smocer, 1:06:28; Jeff Simons, 1:08:26; John Armsrong, 1:13:10; Henry Spreng, 1:14:53; Nicole Boyles, 1:19:22; Kate Hrach, 1:22:47; Karl Hart, 1:23:48; Mark Liti, 1:24:19; Danielle Rosswog, 1:24:40; Alex Lauer, 1:25:38; Rachel Salsbury, 1:27:45; Rich Price, 1:28:31; Monica Nielson, 1:29:12; Roger Hyde, 1:29:20; Jeffrey Salsbury, 1:31:33; Bethany Sauers, 1:31:53; Ryan Faulkner, 1:32:20; Tony Chan, 1:33:14; Joan Schilling, 1:33:22; Tara Kennedy, 1:34:11; Kim Weaver, 1:34:41; Barry Bertocki, 1:34:51; Karen Carmichael, 1:36:19; Lesley Stofko, 1:36:36; Mary Moody, 1:36:36; Pamela Scanlon, 1:40:05; Christine Wilson, 1:40:05; Wayne Toy, 1:42:22; Bridget Davis, 1:43:58; Dustin Strayer, 1:46:06; Becky Johnston, 1:47:28; Leann Schoeppner, 1:49:56; Eileen Price, 1:50:44; Tiah Popa, 1:51:35; Amanda Coradi, 1:58:18; Chrissy Shirey, 1:58:18Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net