As a competitive runner, I appreciate a good race. But while I can identify what makes a race successful, I have only a vague notion of how to assemble one.

This week I’ll take a look behind the scenes to see what it takes to produce a quality local event with staying power. Race directors Ed Doyle and Jerry Maher walked me through the process. Ed has directed five or six different races annually for the past fifteen years. Jerry heads the Parkinson Awareness Memorial 5k Run, now in its eighth year, in Uniontown in memory of his father.

Both Doyle and Maher advise anyone interested in hosting a race to start planning early. Ed Doyle suggests beginning at least eight to nine months prior to the desired race start.

The first step in planning a race is to choose a date for the event. In many cases, it’s just as important not to choose a date. While new races spring up on the calendar each week, there are still a limited number of participants to run on any single day. It’s foolish for a new event to compete head-to-head with established events like the Butler Road Race, always held on the last Saturday in June or St. Barnabas 5k on the first Saturday in August.

Holidays like July 4th or Labor Day may seem like a great time to schedule a race. But remember that staging a race requires help from volunteers, many of whom will be on vacation or have other commitments on major holidays.

Choosing a location goes hand-in-hand with picking a date. Maher says that it’s critical to enlist a timing service and to secure permits from local government officials before finalizing a race date. And be sure to check for proposed road construction or closures which can influence the race course.

Of course, even the best plans can change suddenly. Maher relates that last year’s Parkinson Awareness course was altered due to bridge construction. Then he and his brother scrambled to make course changes 20 minutes prior to race start when a tree fell across a road 200 meters from the turnaround.

The next step in race planning is to recruit sponsors. Generous sponsors underwrite the cost of staging the event, keeping registration fees low and allowing more funds to benefit charity. Sponsors also contribute prizes, both competitive and door prize items.

Both Doyle and Maher agree that prizes are an important draw. Maher has seen participation build at the older and younger ages and sees a need to increase competitive awards on both ends of the age spectrum. He also says that creative prizes such as sports tickets, Ipods, etc. add to runners’ overall satisfaction with the event.

Once the race structure is in place, race directors need to advertise their event in every way possible. Doyle suggests distributing applications or flyers at local races and running stores. Maher sends “Save the Date” cards as soon as possible and follows up with applications by mail to previous participants.

Maher also suggests creating Facebook advertising and an event website. Runners can access directions and details about the race and its cause, and participants love to see and share race photos posted after the event.

Word-of-mouth is great advertising. Ed Doyle advises race directors to make their event inviting and “as easy as possible for runners.” That’s a great way to build interest for the following year’s race.

If you’re planning to conduct a race, check out Jerry Maher’s www.jerrymahermemorial5k.com as an example of an event website. Contact Ed Doyle, 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com for a free four-page checklist of what you’ll need to do before and on race day.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8:30 A.M.: Run on the River 10k and 5k Run, 2k Family/ Pet Fun Walk, Lower Burrell. 724-331-3569 or www.vpfymca.org

Saturday, 9 A.M.: Warren County YMCA Jogging with Jordan 10k and 5k Fun Walk, Warren. 814-726-0110 or chris@warrenymca.org

Sunday, 8 A.M.: Man Up Father’s Day 5k/10k Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Run at Riverfront Park for prostate cancer starts at Heinz Field. 412-572-6830 or www.obcolefoundation.org

Sunday, 8 A.M.: Bantam Jeep Muddy 5k, Coopers Lake. Registration includes breakfast and admission to Bantam Jeep Festival. www.bantamjeepfestival.com/5k-mud-race

Sunday, 8:30 A.M.: Corry 5k Run/Walk, Corry. Starts at Corry City Park. 814-664-7757

June 18, 7 P.M.: Strawberry Days 5k, Grove City. First race in Mercer County QUAD Series. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhigh.com

June 21, 7 A.M.: PTARC Run Bike Run, Harrison City. Wave starts for kids ages 6 through 17 and adults. 724-744-2171

June 21, 8 A.M.: The Pyle Run, Ohiopyle. Choice of 4, 7, 13.1 or 26.2 mile on rugged trails. 724-205-8450 or www.americanadventuresports.com

June 21, 9 A.M.: A Length for Strength 5k, Ellwood City. Flat and fast course. Asantillo22@outlook.com

June 21, 9 A.M.: Butch’s Bucket Brigade, Worthington. 724-464-3420 or smechling64@yahoo.com

June 21, 9:30 A.M.: Hope for Your Future 2 Mile Walk, 5k and 10k Run and Children’s Superhero Run (11 A.M.), Rimersburg. All superheroes between the ages of 3 and 11 receive a cape. Hopeforyourfuture13@gmail.com

June 27, 7 P.M.: Latrobe 4th of July Celebration 5 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Latrobe. 724-537-8417 or www.latrobe4thofjuly.com

June 28, 8:30 A.M.: Treasure Lake Triathlon and 13.8 Mile Challenge, DuBois. Minimum age 15 years old. Pldubois1@comcast.net

June 28, 9 A.M.: Butler Road Race 5 Mile Run and 2 Kilometer Run and Health Walk, Butler. Run for scholarships with more than 130 competitive awards. 724-284-4676 or www.butlerroadrace.org

June 28, 9 A.M.: Parkinson Awareness Memorial 5k Run and Walk in Memory of Jerry Maher, Uniontown. Gently rolling course, good prizes. 412-629-9292 or www.jerrymahermemorial5k.com

June 28, 10 A.M.: Wilderness Trail Run, Wattsburg. Choice of 2k/ 10k/ 20k on cross country ski trails at Wilderness Lodge. Mike.vieyra1@gmail.com

July 2, 7 P.M.: Groundhog Jog 5k, Punxsutawney. Part of Groundhog Festival events. 814-938-1008 or www.punxsutawneycommunitycenter.org

July 4, 7:45 A.M.: Whiskey Rebellion 5k, Canonsburg. 724-575-6047 or www.eteamz.com/whiskeyrebellion

July 4, 8 A.M.: Firecracker 5k, Zelienople. Parade and Community Days following race. 724-321-4265 or www.getfitfamilies.com

July 5, 9 A.M.: Ellwood City Ledger 10k, Ellwood City. 724-752-1583

July 12, 8 A.M.: Cross Country Crusade 5k, Saxonburg. First race in Saxonburg Distance Series. 724-898-2525 or tjp@yahoo.com

July 12, 1 P.M.: Hills and Thrills 30k, Freeport. Trail run starting at Birdsfoot Golf Club. 724-295-3656 or tomparenti@yahoo.com

July 12, 3 P.M.: Hills and Thrills 5k and 10k, Freeport. Trail runs starting at Birdsfoot Golf Club. 724-295-3656 or tomparenti@yahoo.com

Race results

Freeport Flash 5k, May 31: Nick Gentile, 1st Overall M, 16:58; Melissa Kemp, 1st Overall W, 20:26; Dominic Wyzomirski, 1st 50-59 M, 17:59; Noah Bowser, 1st 16-19 M, 19:29; Mike Shaffer, 1st 40-49 M, 19:52; Tim Wyant, 2nd 40-49 M, 20:05; Matt Casabeer, 1st 30-39 M, 20:05; Stephen Hepler, 2nd 50-59 M, 21:11; Holly Bauer, 11st 30-39 W, 21:14; Rebecca Dudek, 1st 16-19 W, 21:39; Robert Reichenbaugh, 2nd 12-15 M, 21:44; Nathan McCombs, 2nd 16-19 M, 21:57; David Fugate, 3rd 50-59 M, 21:53; Kayla Zboran, 2nd 16-19 W, 21:57; Linsey Westerman, 2nd 30-39 W, 22:02; Ryan Miller, 3rd 16-19 M, 22:27; Jonathan Asay, 3rd 12-15 M, 22:34; Alan Peters, 2nd 30-39 M, 22:39; Jocelyn Johnston, 3rd 30-39 W, 22:50; Kyle Zboran, 1st 20-24 M, 23:20; Jinny Hertweck, 1st 40-49 W, 23:36; Cliff Wilcox, 1st 25-29 M, 23:44; Kim Mixon, 2nd 12-15 W, 23:50; Joseph Tusi, 2nd 25-29 M, 24:16; Maggie Ward, 3rd 12-15 W, 24:26; Grace Ward, 3rd 16-19 W, 24:36; Isaac Fischer, 2nd 20-24 M, 24:38; Debbie Fugate, 2nd 40-49 W, 24:48; Andrea Ferko, 1st 20-24 W, 25:08; Maggie Hollobaugh, 1st 11 & Under W, 25:13; Bode Fair, 1st 11 & Under M, 25:15; Tyler Long, 3rd 20-24 M, 25:21; Marcy Mann, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:11; Addison Stewart, 2nd 11 & Under M,, 27:01; Steven Guthrie, 3rd 11 & Under M, 27:55; Patricia Wyant, 1st 60-69 W, 28:10; Tammy Sarver, 1st 50-59 W, 28:26; Laney Pastoria, 2nd 25-29 W, 28:56; Becky DeSantis, 2nd 60-69 W, 29:02; Suzanne Principe, 2nd 20-24 W, 29:47; Melissa Black 2nd 11 & Under W, 29:49; Frank Prazenica 1st 60-69 M, 29:58; Deb Shockey, 2nd 50-59 W, 31:20; Debra Kuminkoski, 3rd 50-59 W, 31:41; Christine Gilkey, 3rd 25-29 W, 35:29; Jessica Kibler, 3rd 11 & Under W, 36:20; Dez Csizmadia, 1st 70+ M, 36:44; John Patrus, 2nd 60-69 M, 37:08; Ada Rumburg, 3rd 60-69 W, 40:21; John Lowers, 3rd 60-69 M, 41:25; Donald Cescon, 2nd 70+ M, 42:31; Eric Slagle, 21:59; Larry Lutz, 22:17; Nate Shaffer, 22:36; Owen Parks, 23:31; Paul Gentile, 24:13; Jacob Sarver, 24:15; Landon Hacker, 24:15; Tyler Ben, 24:27; David Malecki, 24:31; Danielle Weber, 24:33; Kari Huth, 24:44; Katie Hill, 24:52; Patrick Reitz, 25:05; Anthony Zuccolotto, 25:17; Natalie Dell, 25:23; Todd Walker, 25:31; Jon Hill, 25:52; Dean Cyphert, 26:00; Sam Wyant, 26:13; Dava Jack, 26:14; Matthew Hooks; 26:22; Carly VanTine, 26:25; Hugh Rumbaugh; 26:36; Ariana Clark; 26:42; Joseph Molloy, 26:42; Annette Domachowski, 26:45; Karen Nigra, 27:00; Lurena Stewart, 27:11; Jim Stewart, 27:12; Rebecca Pennington, 27:37; Dawn Brennan, 27:52; Lexi Dell, 27:57; Mary Tola, 28:12; Mario DeVivo, 28:16; Stacy DeVivo, 28:18; Kelly Pastoria, 28:35; Allison Norris, 28:45; Joe Lutz, 28:47; Sawyer Parks, 28:49; Marin Hespenneide, 28:53; Savanna Urick, 28:54; Katie Fuhrman, 28:54; Erica Rusek, 29:01; Caleb Bowser, 29:18; Marc Miller, 29:23; Joe Zboran 29:28; Rob Pennington, 29:40; Penny Ward, 29:56; Claudine Rumbaugh, 30:02; Michaela Mattiva, 30:03; Sophia Reitz, 30:20; Don Dell, 30:32; Emily Huff, 30:34; Isabella Parks, 30:41; Jake Huff, 30:44; Tim Fritz, 30:48; Sam Blair, 30:51; Julie Fry, 31:01; Vincent Moore, 31:02; Sean Fennell, 31:59; Ashley Domachowski, 32:04; Taylor Lichty, 32:09; Jenee Crissman, 32:11; Hannah Comeau, 32:12; Jacey Napierski, 32:12; Jamie Phillips, 32:25; Caria Schreckengost, 33:10; Judy Fair, 33:24; Pam Ferko, 33:36; Rebecca Black 33:38; Eileen Shemanski, 33:40; Kerri Huff, 33:46; Jeremy Huth. 34:07; Bryce Radio, 34:23; Nicolas Radio, 34:23; Leslie Westendorf, 34:27; Tanner Lichty, 34:34; Renee Lichty-Bodnar, 34:34; Leeland Guthrie, 35:20; Susan Affrica, 35:31; Donna Guthrie, 35:35; Aaron McCrea, 36:10; Travis Domhoff, 36:12; Lori Kibler, 36:19; Judy Mattiva, 36:22; Cindy McCrea, 36:30; Mikaela Zubal, 36:49; Rhonda Meehan, 37:16; Terri Romanchak, 37:16; Sylvia Lowry, 37:42; Jeff Campbell, 40:45; Rachel Hollobaugh,41:12; Jan Weleski, 41:18; Susan Lowers, 42:21;

Pamela Gilkey, 42:45; Thomas Gilkey,42:52, Nellie Black, 43:56; Brenda Murray, 44:29; Donna Campbell,44:43; Ashley Callender, 46:08; Olivia Stonebraker, 47:46; Robert Blair, 47:49; Colette Blair, 47:49; Jim Hill, 48:19; Kim Westerman, 48:22; JoAnn Crytzer, 48:33; Kori Hill, 48:37;

Dan Crytzer, 48:39; Kathy Greene, 49:38; Gloria Gorog, 51:37; Kristina Kushon-Iusi, 52:06; Janie Kushon, 52:06, Kelly Thomas, 53:25; Janet Pernazza 54:55; Jackie Glock, 55:31; Jack Bowser,55:31; Cody Duke, 56:41; Joan Duke, 56:41; Teresa Hollobaugh, 57:26; Haley Nixon, 57:55; Cynthia Nixon, 58:05; Eileen Albert, 58:58; Lori Shane, 58:59; Jan Fitzgerald, 58:59; Krista Fennell, 1:05:00; Susan Neal, 1:05:02; Melissa Hilko, 1:05:10; Jesse Hilko, 1:05:12

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 the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.