This weekend we go with the flow of the Buffalo as two events run along the scenic Buffalo Creek in Butler and Armstrong counties.

On Saturday at 9 a.m., you’re welcome to run the ninth annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon — but only if you’ve pre-registered since there is no race day registration. Race organizers have decided to concentrate on quality, not quantity, limiting its entrants to 1,250.

Although Buffalo Creek Half Marathon runs through rural Butler County, it’s become a destination for those attempting their first half marathon and experienced racers looking to run a personal best. The point-to-point course is mostly a gentle downhill run on the crushed limestone surface of Butler-Freeport Trail, and no matter the weather, gives runners great views of the fall foliage.

Buffalo Creek offers runners many of the perks of large city races, but with a friendly, rural atmosphere. All participants receive a custom designed technical t-shirt while all finishers earn similarly designed cast metal finisher’s medals.

Top three overall male and female finishers as well as top three in age groups from 19 & Under through 70-plus earn medals. Additionally, the race offers a $100 cash prize for anyone who sets a new course record. That won’t be easy as Nick Edinger’s 1:08:12 and Sara Raschiatore’s 1:16:58, both set in 2013, will be hard to beat.

Even a good race can get better, and Buffalo Creek has a few changes for this year. The race finishes on Second Avenue Extension in Freeport, avoiding clashes with traffic during the last mile of the race. Also, runners will be timed with disposable timing chips for the first time.

Runners can enjoy post race refreshments of pizza, fruit, cookies and hot apple cider in Market Street Park.

Spectators are welcome to join in the finish line festivities, but are not welcome on Freeport Bridge as the area must be kept clear for runners. Spectators should check www.butlerfreeporttrail.com for information on trailheads for parking and race watching. Also check the website for information about Butler-Freeport Trail events and how you can support this valuable recreational asset to the community.

This Sunday at 2 p.m., take a trip to the source. The Buffalo Creek 5K runs along the Buffalo Creek in Worthington. Megan Ruffaner, race organizer and a runner since college, describes the loop as beautiful and scenic but a good beginner’s 5K. The run begins at Beatty’s Mill and passes by cows, cornfields and along the stream with only one challenging hill in the middle of the race.

This is the first year for the Buffalo Creek 5K, so organizers don’t know how many runners to expect. They hope to attract runners and walkers of all levels and encourage families to participate by offering a half-mile kids run following the 5K.

All pre-registered runners at Buffalo Creek 5K will receive a long-sleeved shirt to commemorate the event. The 5K awards top finishers as well as top three finishers in age groups in 10-year increments. The event offers the usual runners’ post race refreshments of bananas, oranges, Gatorade and water.

Buffalo Creek 5K is a charity event for the Worthington Lions Club and benefits Lions and Lions Club Charities. Lions Club supports the Butler Blind Association, Leo Club service organization for youth, Lions International Leader Dog School and Alzheimer’s research.

You’re welcome to register on the day of the event beginning at 12:30 for the 2 p.m. start or sign up at Active.com. For more information, call 724-543-1120.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Fineview Step-a-Thon, Pittsburgh. Rugged 5 mile run and hike through Fineview neighborhood. 412-490-0881 or adelinesangels@gmail.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Race for Pace, Pittsburgh. Choice of 5K run/walk, 1 mile fun walk or 1 mile dog walk. 412-342-4302 or www.raceforpace.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Darlington VFD National Fire Prevention Week 5K, Darlington. 724-730-5421 or Rachel.m.farkas@gmail.com

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Miles for Smiles 5 Mile Race and 1 Mile Walk, North Park. 412-261-6347 or Daniel.siegert@nmss.org

Sunday, 10 a.m.: Miles for McKeever 5K, Sandy Lake. Trail run through scenic woodlands of McKeever Center. 724-376-1020 or Julie@mckeever,org

Sunday, 2 p.m: Buffalo Creek 5K, Worthington.

Also kids race. 724-543-1120 or mruffaner@mechlingheller.com

Oct. 25, 8 a.m.: Trail to Eagle Trail Run 10K, Rochester. Run through Brady’s Run Park. 724-480-9250 or troop423@comcast.net

Oct. 25, 10 a.m.: Run the Redbank, Brookville. Choice of half marathon, 10K, 5K or 1 mile on rail trail. 814-849-7255 or www.brookvilleymca.com

Oct. 25, 3 p.m.: 5th Annual Great Pumpkin Race, Zelienople. Costumes encouraged for this 5K or 1 mile fun run. Post race party. 724-272-9815 or harmanosj@zoominternet.net

Oct. 26, 8:30 a.m.: Sasquatch 5K Race, Clarendon. Scenic trail run through Chapman State Park. 814-688-0393 or jesarnold1967@gmail.com

Oct. 26, 9 a.m.: Farmer’s Inn Halloween Half and 5K, Sigel. Also bike race, post race buffet. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Oct. 31, 6 p.m.: Spook-tacular 5K, Grove City. Also half-mile kids run. Participants urged to dress for Halloween. 724-730-3354 or malie.kirkpatrick@gmail.com

Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m.: Halloween Bash 5K and Kids Costume Run, Hermitage.

Run through Buhl Farms Park, post race over-21 Bash at Corinthian Banquet Hall, Sharon. TJ@positiveMovementz.com

Nov. 1, 7 a.m.: Marshall Mangler, North Park. Choice of 50K, 25K or 5 mile trail runs. 412-490-0881 or www.elitetrailrunners.com

Nov. 1, 8 a.m.: ZooZilla 5K Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. 412-365-2536 or gboldizar@pittsburghzoo.org

Nov. 1, 8 a.m.: Marathon on the Mountain, Seven Springs. Full or half marathon on trails and bike paths. 304-488-6424 or asmith@ogdennews.com

Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5 Mile Trail Race and 1 Mile Trail Walk, North Park. www.ocfwpa.org

Nov. 1, 10 a.m.: Butler YMCA Turkey Trot 5K, Butler. Also kids 1 mile race. 724-287-4733 or jknauff@bcfymca.org

Nov. 8, 8:45 a.m.: Fastest & Furriest Dog Dash, Salem, OH. Run 500 meters with your dog or an adoptable dog. 330-332-2600

Nov. 9, 8 a.m.: ET 10 Miler, Pittsburgh. Run through Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Pittsburgh10miler.org

Nov. 8, 9:15 a.m.: Fastest & Furriest 5K, Salem, OH. Cross country trails and residential streets. 330-332-2600330-332-2600

Nov. 9, 9 a.m.: Indiana First Bank Veteran’s Marathon and Half Marathon, Black Lick. Out and back on Ghost Town Trail. 724-349-3200 or dhscanlon@hotmail.com

Nov. 9, 9 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veteran’s Day 5K, Allison Park. Run through Hampton Community Park, All-American post race buffet. Gerardmac977@aol.com

Nov. 15, 9 a.m.: Fight For Life 5K, Apollo. Benefits American Cancer Society. 724-568-2517 or dzukas@cancer.org

Nov. 15, 9:15 a.m.: Run for the Wounded Warrior 5 Mile and 5k, North Park. 412-490-0881 or eliterunners.com

Race results

Zeli Mud Run 5K, Sept. 27: Kara Mohm, 1st Overall W, 22:39; Jeremy Hill, 1st Overall M, 24:02; C J. Gaghan, 2nd Overall M, 24:55; Alaina Hicks, 2nd Overall W, 25:22; Maddie Gaghan, 3rd Overall W, 26:36; Sean Martin, 1st 35-39 M, 26:25; Zachary Baker, 3rd 9-11 M, 27:39; Todd Turner, 1st 50-59 M, 27:59; Micah Hess, 1st 15-19 M, 28:53; Joella Baker, 2nd 40-49 W, 31:50; Ezra Hess, 1st 8 & Under M, 31:56; Mark Harmanos, 2nd 30-39 M, 32:09; Gianna Rotelli, 2nd 9-11 W, 32:18; Mateo Rotelli, 2nd 8 & Under M, 32:24; Chris Rotelli, 1st 40-49 M, 33:10; Enzo Rotelli, 3rd 8 & Under M, 33:10; Emma Bartos, 3rd 9-11 W, 34:27; Dawn Cox, 3rd 30-39 W, 37:07; Mindy Pasquale, 3rd 40-49 W, 38:35; Peter Hess, 2nd 40-49 M, 47:21; Joseph Harmanos, 32:01; Shana Glover, 37:38; Owen Glover, 37:38; Maura Pasquale, 38:35; Emma Konvolinka, 38:44; Esther Hess, 43:56; Samuel Hess, 47:21

Zeli Mud Run 1.25 Miles, Sept.27: Max Skeen, 1st Overall M, 10:18; Tim Landry, 3rd Overall M, 12:15; Olivia Kamarec, 1st Overall W, 12:26; Chloe Weiland, 2nd Overall W, 12:27; Gabby Thomas, 3rd Overall W, 13:16; Raven Britton, 1st 12-14 W, 13:59; Sofia Vogt, 1st 9-11 W, 14:09; Stefan Vogt, 1st 40-49 M, 14:11; Kara Fennell, 1st 8 & Under W, 14:15; Norah Seibel, 2nd 12-14 W, 14:38; Kelli Trimble, 2nd 9-11 W, 18:02; Steven Trimble, 1st 12-14 M, 18:21; Heather Marburger, 1st 40-49 W, 18:42; Rick Colonello, 2nd 30-39 M, 18:44; Devon Horton, 1st 30-39 M, 19:08; Dominic Pasquale, 2nd 12-14 M, 19:24; Tanya Vogt, 3rd 40-49 W, 19:24; Gary Thomas, 2nd 40-49 M, 19:49; Tiler Stoops, 1st 9-11 M, 28:04; Logan Stoops, 2nd 9-11 M, 28:17; Katie Kamarec, 14:39; Emily Fleeger, 14:39; Chloe Roy, 17:59; Alexandra Campbell, 18:04; Vinny Colonello, 18:46; Kara Pasquale, 18:55; Natalia Vogt, 19:25; Andrea Thomas, 19:43; Carrie Anderson, 19:58; Vernon Stoops, 27:49; Krysta Stoops, 28:16; Shelly Stoops, 28:27

Mosaic 5k, Oct. 4: Sam Owori, 1st Overall M, 18:18; Norah Seibel, 1st Overall W, 23:20; Brian Adey, 1st 30-39 M, 22:49; Cameron Ebersole, 1st 14-19 M, 23:13; Adam Corrigan, 1st 13 & Under M, 23:17; Sean Pieszak, 2nd 30-39 M, 23:28; Erin Stewart, 1st 30-39 W, 24:12; Franklin Bame, 2nd 50+ M, 24:57; Robert Wagner, 3rd 40-49 M, 27:29; Eli Stroh, 3rd 13 & Under M, 28:40; Tom Murray , 3rd 50+ M, 30:53; Alyssa Voland, 1st 14-19 W, 32:59; Mackenzie Ebersole, 2nd 14-19 W, 34:38; Anne Daily, 2nd 20-29 W, 37:43; Sara Beneigh, 27:04; Jarod Stewart, 24:12; David Voland, 26:20; Nick Prugar, 26:44; Christy Cownie, 27:52; John Patrus, 34:14; David Ebersole, 34:38; Kristen Jennings, 35:03; Rick Voegtly, 36:26

Mosaic 1 Mile, Oct. 4: Norah Sibel, 1st Overall W, 7:05; Jackson Seely, 1st Overall M, 7:28; Ethan Corrigan, 7:46; Tyler Cownie, 8:22; Corey Cownie, 8:27; Eric Cownie, 8:29; Elliana Stewart, 11:05; Maddi Keefer, 13:44; Kara Keefer, 14:02

Oil Creek 100K, Oct. 11: Nicholas Hanson, 1st Overall M, 10:05:45; Kali Price, 1st Overall W, 12:43:34; Tammy McGaughey, 14:07:00

Oil Creek 100K, Oct. 11: Jeff Nelson, 1st Overall M, 4:25:58; Ashley Moyer, 1st Overall W, 4:52:36; Josh Edmiston, 5:36:58; Ryan Leahy, 7:33:48; David Adams, 9:15:05

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