Major urban races such as the Pittsburgh Marathon, coming in a few short weeks, require a major investment by city government, race organizers, sponsors and volunteers. Those big events can also mean a major investment in registration fees for runners.

For those fees which often top $100, runners expect at least a $100 level of race performance, including swag, shirts, medals, timely start and finish, shuttle service, crowd and traffic control, security, medical aid and more. Runners are willing to pay for the privilege of not having to think about anything but themselves on race day.

But where does that leave those local events which charge $30 or less and provide a commensurate level of service? Last Saturday’s Cook Forest Half Marathon is an example of how runners use their heads and hearts to take care of one another instead of being taken care of.

For 30 years, Cook Forest Half Marathon has offered a small town, scenic event by and for runners. And over the years, runners have become accustomed to the event’s quirks and limitations, adjusting expectations and stepping in to fill gaps in race organization.

Last Saturday, most runners didn’t seem to mind that the race started 15 minutes late as a handful of volunteers processed the long line of race day registrations. Some things never change after 30 years.

Confusion about where the race actually started led to smiles rather than grumbling as the entire field shuffled back 20 yards to a line marked by a small “S” by the side of the road. It merely gave runners a reason to meet people in front and behind them.

And even though the event did not offer a starting mat for chip timing, the 500-plus runners didn’t push or shove to gain a few seconds off the clock. It seems that most had self-seeded, allowing those with a real chance at winning a place on the starting line and spreading out in an orderly fashion behind the speedsters.

Although the Cook Forest Half is run on River Road, lightly travelled especially at this time of year, there are occasional vehicle encounters. Runners along the course graciously moved to the sides of the road to allow vehicles to pass, yelling “Car back” to alert runners ahead of them rather than curse the drivers or berate race organizers for their lack of traffic control.

Runners also looked out for one another along desolate stretches of the course between aid stations. In my area of two-hour finishing pace, each time a runner slowed to a walk or bent to stretch or tie a shoelace, someone passing called to ask if they needed help, if they were OK, and to encourage them to keep going.

Those in my running group who had made the trek to Cooksburg looked out for not only our own runners, but strangers in need as well. After finishing the half marathon, several of my friends ran back at least another two miles to encourage the slower and the blistered from our group. And one helped a stranger in need who staggered across the finish line, but could go no farther.

Runners could have grumbled about the inadequate sound system for the post-race awards or the meager post-race refreshments or the trek back to our vehicles in the sudden rain. My group was more than happy to hitch a ride to our car in the back of a pick-up and to refuel at a local restaurant along with several other tables of fluorescent yellow shirts.

In a few weeks, I’ll join the thousands of pampered runners at the start of the May 4 Pittsburgh Half Marathon. I’ll enjoy all the perks that money can buy. But for the rest of the year, I’ll appreciate the events that remind us that all we really need is a pair of shoes, a starting line and a few friends to have a good race.

Farewell, Rick

We bid farewell this week to one of the fathers of the Butler running community with the passing of Rick Davanzati, Sr. Rick was a fearsome competitor, a true original, and an ambassador and advocate for running, biking and the outdoors.

Although he now calls heaven his home, Rick will be with us in the races we run, trails we ride and stories we tell.

Upcoming events

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

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Sports Group Run, Cranberry Township. 724-772-2808 or www.mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: March Mad Dash, Allison Park. Choice of 5K, 5 miles or 10 miles starting at North Park Boathouse. Also post-race party. www.marchmaddash.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Holy Redeemer 5K, Elwood City. Starts at Holy Redeemer School. 724-752-1091 or willyjammer724@gmail.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Spring Into Fitness 5K, Grove City. 440-840-3705 or currancj1@gcc.edu

Saturday, 9a.m.: Big Foot Half Marathon, 5K Run/walk, Kittanning. 724-545-9622

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Dirty Kiln Trail Races, Hollidaysburg. Half marathon and five mile trail runs at Canoe Creek State Park. Alleghenytrailrunners.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Fool’s Run 10K and 3 Mile Fun Walk, Indiana. First race of Indiana County Triple Crown Series. 724-349-0501 or jswauger@comcast.net

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Prep for Pittsburgh 13.1 and 5K, Sandy Lake. Run on paved bike path around Lake Wilhelm. 724-301-6775 or outdoors@neo.rr.com

Saturday, 11 a.m.: Gary Blum Memorial Foundation 5K Run/ Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Beaver Falls. 724-601-1599 or laurenblum14@gmail.com

Sunday, 10 a.m.: April Fools Challenge 4 Mile Mud Run Obstacle Course, Cheswick. Mud and obstacle run with post race party benefits Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Club. 412-68-RUGBY or www.aprilfoolschallenge.com

April 12, 6:30 a.m.: Glacier Ridge Ultra 30K, 50K, 50 Miles, Moraine State Park. Trail ultra. www.glacierridgeultra.com

April 12, 9 a.m.: Mars Area Public Library 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk, Gibsonia. Run through Treesdale Golf and Country Club. 724-612-9818 or anthonyv9@zoominternet.net

April 12, 9 a.m.: KUMC Missions Bunny Hop 5K, Knox. 814-354-2014 or knoxunitedmethodist.org

April 12, 11 a.m.: Thunder Run 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk, Meadville. Cash prizes in run and walk. 814-724-6606 or cbcathunder.org

April 19, 8 a.m.: Pirates Charities 5K Home Run, Pittsburgh. Starts at PNC Park. 412-325-4781 or pirates.com

April 19, 9 a.m.: Roaring Run Water Association 5K and 15K, Apollo. Run on Roaring Run Rail Trail. www.roaringrun.org

April 19, 9 a.m.: Boston Trail ½ Marathon and 5K Run/ Walk, Elizabeth Township. Run on Youghiogheny River Trail, finisher’s medals for ½ marathon. 412-780-7802 or www.thebostontrail.com

April 26, 9 a.m.: Big Dog 5K, Baden. Run in Old Economy Park. 724-869-3354 or bigdog5k@hotmail.com

April 27, 9 a.m.: 14th Annual Burgh’s Pizza & Wing Pub 5K/ 10K Runs, Cecil. Run on Montour Trail, post race party. 412-860-0551 or www.montourtrail.org

April 30, 7 p.m.: Run to Breathe for CF Twosome Two Miler or Individual 4 Miler, Butler. Run at Alameda Park benefits PA Cystic Fibrosis, Inc. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Race results

Shamrock Shuffle 5K, March 16: Stephanie Bonk, 1st Overall W, 16:43; Dan Carlino, 1st Overall M, 17:47; Dan Monhemius, 3rd Overall M, 18:10; Diane Xalenski, 3rd Overall W, 20:42; David France, 1st 40-44 M, 18:31; John Armstrong, 2nd 35-39 M, 20:24; Christian Resch, 2nd 12-13 M, 20:26; Laine Seely, 2nd 40-44 M, 20:39; Tyler Gilbert, 1st 19-24 M, 20:55; Adam Bouse, 3rd 30-34 M, 21:13; Maggie Welty, 1st 12-13 W, 21:20; Justin Redilla, 2nd 10-11 M, 21:49; Alaina Hicks, 1st 9 and Under W, 22:07; Norah Seibel, 1st 10-11 W, 23:15; Katie Kamarec, 2nd 12-13 W, 23:15; John Alexander, 2nd 55-59 M, 23:35; Zachary Baker, 3rd 10-11 M, 23:42; Alex Hunter, 3rd 12-13 M, 23:44; Shari Allen, 2nd 45-49 W, 25:07; Debbie Jankowski, 3rd 45-49 W, 25:22; Joseph Harmanos, 2nd 9 & Under M, 25:33; Donna Statzer, 3rd 50-54 W, 26:37; Charles Morse, 2nd 60-64 M, 27:02; Barbara Ford, 1st 55-59 W, 27:15; Chase Miller, 2nd 14-18 M, 27:43; Diane Iman, 2nd 55-59 W, 28:47; Jeffrey Iman, 3rd 60-64 M, 28:47; Dezso Csizmadia, 1st 70+ M, 28:53; Larry Laughlin, 3rd 55-59 M, 29:01; Tom Murray, 2nd 70+ M, 29:15; Ann Cheman, 1st 60-64 W, 29:27; Sue Ann Jones, 3rd 55-59 W, 29:28; Devin McDermott, 3rd 14-18 M, 29:54; James Cooper, 1st 65-69 M, 30:25; Robert Reimer, 3rd 70+ M, 39:58; Roger Hyde, 21:24; Michael Yankel, 21:27; Jonathan Gengler, 21:59; Susan Moury, 22:42; Katie Flood, 23:55; Edwin Amrhein, 23:59; David Johnston, 24:02; Rick Becker, 24:10; Tracy Newman, 24:11; Julie Gordon, 24:15; Ashley Salman, 24:39; Raven Boots, 24:39; Mike Bredl, 24:40; Cassidy Wozniak, 24:46; Amanda Hardt, 24:51; Aden Dressler, 25:03; Maegan Emanuel, 25:25; Jeff Lee, 25:46; Sarah Drane, 25:55; Lisa Lee, 26:01; Kevin Alen, 26:04; Mark Harmanos, 26:08; Anthony Bruno, 26:16; Rebecca Finch, 26:26; Kelly Stenger, 26:39; Jarod Stewart, 26:45; Sinead McAnallen, 26:52; Kelly Watson, 26:54; Bethany Sauers, 27:06; Shannon Mick, 27:08; Stephen Mick, 27:10; Lydia Miller, 27:14; Aislynn Paccio, 27:36; Michael Coyne, 27:52; Karen Gliebe, 28:04; Scott Gilbert, 28:04; Danielle Wiles, 28:06; Darlene McCune, 28:26; Kristi Barnyk, 29:06; Melissa Erdice, 29:14; Lori Kosarko, 29:18; Robert Muhl, 29:18; Dan Fazio, 29:19; Michael Baxa, 29:19; Emily Becker, 29:25; Jennifer Grooms, 29:31; Debra Kuminkoski, 29:36; Tim Evans, 29:57; Megan Walsh, 30:18; Christina Scalo, 30:19; Shawn Anglum, 30:19; Rebecca Dressler, 30:28; Michael Dressler, 30:31; Deborah Laughlin, 30:32; David Pruce, 31:05; Kristen Wokutch, 31:13; Katie Julian, 31:15; David Murray, 31:47; Deborah McCune, 31:50; Darcie Paule, 31:53; Julia Murray, 31:57; Kyra Fazio, 32:27; Kathleen Brenneman, 32:27; Kirsten Stauffer, 32:33; Missy Ramirez, 33:06; Shannon Kelley, 33:08; Lisa Molyneaux, 33:31; Chris McDermott, 33:34; Joseph Shetler, 33:34; Chuck Welsh, 33:34; Carol English, 34:08; Taylor McDermott, 34:33; Jen Vogt, 34:39; Mary Cooper, 34:54; Kyle Stelitano, 35:42; Heather Cooper, 36:25; Chelsea Giardina, 36:49; Harold Jurysta, 36:55; Dana Stelitano, 37:26; Kerrianne Mackowski, 37:34; Michelle Baxa, 37:37; Jamie Inferrera, 37:37; Amy Garbacz, 37:38; Jamie Gianechini, 38:25; Penny Walters, 39:22; Julie Sacriponte, 39:54; Jillian Gaghan, 40:38; Shannon Gaghan, 40:38

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle