Despite the race’s name, there were no deer flies present at last Sunday’s Run with the Deer Flies 15k/25k Run in Penn Run.

The 68-degree starting temperature under mostly overcast skies made great weather for trail runners, not so much for deer flies.

More than 110 runners, including several Butler Babes trail runners and a large contingent from North Park Trail Runners, finished their choice of distances over wooded, sometimes rocky single track trails and dirt access roads from Seph Mack Boy Scout Camp through Yellow Creek State Park.

The race, now in its ninth year, is conducted by Indiana Road Runners Club and benefits both the scout camp and park.

Although the course for Deer Flies Run remained the same as in past years, race directorship of the event was passed to Indiana Road Runners Vice President Darryl Walker. Not only was this Walker’s first year at directing Deer Flies, but his first-ever stint as race director of any race.

Walker, who calls himself a “consumer of running,” stepped up as race director of the Deer Flies event as a way of giving back to the sport that has meant so much in his life. He says that conducting the trail race was a lot of work, but definitely enjoyable.

Darryl Walker is a life-long runner who has competed at distances from one mile to 100 miles on the road and on trails. He says his favorite races are the Main Street Mile in Maryland where he set a road personal best of 4:53 and the Oil Creek 100 Mile trail race. He feels that running is “a blessing that we can cover the earth on our own two feet.”

Walker plans to return as director of Run with the Deer Flies on July 30, 2017 vowing to improve next year’s race. He plans to offer runners bottled water at aid stations instead of the highly chlorinated campground water. And he says that although the 18 to 20 volunteers worked very hard, the event could benefit from the help of many more.

One area in which the race appeared to be understaffed was in direction along the wooded trail course. Several runners made wrong turns, either inadvertently shortening or lengthening their runs. This led to controversy about who actually earned overall finishing honors.

Deer Flies does not offer age group awards, though finishers are listed by age group on the website www.indianaroadrunners.com. This year’s overall winners in the 25k event were Ryan Cook, 2:11:29 and Kristen Krempasky, 2:20:58. Overall top finishers in the 15k were Cory Fulmer, 1:14:10, who won after leader Jordan Ciccone made a wrong turn close to the finish, and Jacqueline Flaherty, 1:23:40.

Experienced trail racer and Butler Babes’ founder Tammy McGaughey says that she had no problem following the trail marked in pink ribbon. She considered the trail well marked, though she was glad that she had the experience of running last year’s race. “I remembered most of the turns,” she said.

Although Yellow Creek Park is a little over an hour’s drive from Butler, there’s free overnight camping at Seph Mack Camp. Deer Flies also makes hot showers available following the race.

If you wish to experience Yellow Creek trails and can’t wait for next year’s Run with the Deer Flies, consider the XTERRA Appalachia sprint triathlon this Sunday at 9 a.m. The event features an 800-meter lake swim, 13-mile mountain bike and 4-mile trail run. Winners earn a qualifying spot at the XTERRA World Championship on Oct. 23 in Maui.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Cranberry CUP 5k Run & Walk, Cranberry Township. Run at Graham Park. 724-504-5110 or inko@zoominternet.net

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Canoe Creek Triathlon, Duathlon, 5k Run or 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. tkunstbeck@hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Raise the Roof 5k, Kittanning. Run on Armstrong Rail Trail held in conjunction with Armstrong Folk Festival. Mikemacsr17@gmail.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Cancer Society 5k Run and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Natrona Heights. 724-448-7590 or cj.thimons@yahoo.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Habitat for Humanity Kids Triathlon, North Park. Various distances for kids ages 7 through 15. 412-523-6670 or jwolfebaxt@aol.com

Sunday, 7 a.m.: Drake Well Marathon and Half Marathon, Titusville. 814-827-2799 or rd_dwm@yahoo.com

Sunday, 8 a.m.: XTERRA Appalachia Triathlon, Indiana. Staged at Yellow Creek State Park. 814-397-4316 or www.americanadventuresports.com

Aug. 13, 8 a.m.: Roebling’s Run 5k Run/Walk, Saxonburg. Out and back starting at Knoch High School. 412-603-1999 or ap2426@zoominternet.net

Aug. 13, 6:30 a.m.: Pittsburgh Triathlon, Pittsburgh. Olympic distance individual or team relay staged at Point State Park. Pittsburghtriathlon.org

Aug. 13, 7:30 a.m.: Pittsburgh Adventure Race, Pittsburgh. 2 mile paddle, 20k bike, 5k run for individuals or team relay staged at Point State Park. Pittsburghtriathlon.org

Aug. 13, 9 a.m.: Rimersburg Cookie Daze 5k, Rimersburg. 814-473-6427

August 13, 6 P.M.: Run for the Trail 7k Run and 2 Mile Fun Run/walk, Dilltown. 724-479-0769 or tmprrcih@yahoo.com

Aug. 14, 7 a.m.: Pittsburgh Triathlon, Pittsburgh. Sprint distance individual or team relay staged at Point State Park. Pittsburghtriathlon.org

Aug. 14, 9 a.m.: P & LE Express 4 Mile/ 10 Mile, Boston. Run on Yough River Trail. teambrunazzi@gmail.com

Aug. 17, 7 p.m.: Courtney’s Ice Cream Race 5k, Grove City. 724-866-1374 or register.runhigh.com

Aug. 20, 7:30 a.m.: Grandparents Race 10 Mile, 5k and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run, Zelienople. 724-321-4265 or joella@zoominternet.net

Aug. 21, 9 a.m.: Prospect Chiefs 5k Run/ Walk and Kids Race, Butler. bonnherb@yahoo.com

Aug. 27, 9 a.m.: Southern Venango County Community Days Hamstring Hustle 5k, Clintonville. Also 2.5k at 10:30 A.M. Run one or both events. 814-385-6515 or mlsandrock@gmail.com

Sept. 4, 7 a.m.: French Creek Half Marathon and 5k, Meadville. Mostly flat and shaded. 814-720-2924 or kristoph.ymca@zoominternet.net

Sept. 5, 9:15 a.m.: Buhl Day 5k, Hermitage. 724-981-3700 or mbower@fhbuhlclub.org

Oct. 15, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Cabot. Register now. This event sells out. www.butlerfreeporttrail.org

Race results

Community Chase 5k, July 9: Dan Cheung, 1st Overall M, 16:24; Kathleen Conway, 1st Overall W, 21:29; Carter Smith, 1st 20-29 M, 17:02; Michael Segulla, 1st 30-37 M, 20:35; Dominic Camasso, 3rd 20-29 M, 20:35; Michael Chamberlain, 2nd 30-39 M, 21:47; Gavin Thomas, 1st 10-14 M, 22:53; Garcia Enrigue, 1st 40-49 M, 22:58; Nathan Stoner, 2nd 15-19 M, 23:33; Mark Vitalbo, 3rd 30-39 M, 23:37; Mikayla Psenick, 1st 15-19 W, 23:47; Tanner Quiggle, 3rd 15-19 M, 23:47; Sherry Cusatis, 2nd 40-49 W, 24:14; Mitch Radella, 2nd 50-59 M, 24:35; Joey Coon, 2nd 10-14 M, 25:34; Erin Hart, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:00; Kristy Marcinko, 2nd 30-39 W, 26:34; David Stoner, 2nd 40-49 M, 26:40; Melanie Christie, 3rd 30-39 W, 26:52; Amanda Hardt, 1st 20-29 W, 27:13; Sean Stewart, 3rd 40-49 M, 27:15; Mark D. Bidoli, 3rd 10-14 M, 27:28; Grace Lazzara, 1st 10-14 W, 27:46; John Rusnak, 3rd 50-59 M, 28:17; Anna Lazzara, 1st 9 & Under W, 28:37; Ed Murray, 1st 60-69 M, 29:08; Denise Traubert, 2nd 50-59 W, 29:16; Jeff Iman, 2nd 60-69 M, 30:19; Audra Lazzara, 2nd 9 & Under W, 31:00; Hannah Ptak, 3rd 15-19 W, 31:05; Tammy Schuey, 3rd 50-59 W, 31:30; Micheal Spinelli, 3rd 60-69 M, 31:48; Emma Mooney, 3rd 10-14 W, 32:30; Amanda Follett, 3rd 20-29 W, 34:15; Judy Lyle, 3rd 60-69 W, 43:14; Evan Dils, 24:28; Cody Beahm, 24:56; Jordan Williams, 25:46; Brad Vukich, 26:06; Tricia Posey, 26:52; Joshua Keir, 26:59; Brendan Scott, 27:12; Sara Houk, 27:36; Corrine Satriano, 27:36; Janel Edwards, 27:37; Sara Coon, 27:55; Christine Lazzara, 28:38; Christine Patton, 28:52; Diana Besoiu, 29:01; Alexander Donaldson, 29:03; Matthew Jones, 29:05; Jeff Ptak, 29:05; Corey Moniot, 29:11; Russ Sanfilippe, 29:15; Al Sanderbeck, 30:12; Maura Dye, 30:14; Mark Bidoli, 30:30; Derrek Jones, 30:30; Tracie Moniot, 30:39; Jessica Moslander, 30:53; Angie Demaster, 31:32; Dave Moniot, 31:43; Roman Royal, 32:01; Robin James, 32:02; Dani Reynolds, 32:18; John Francis, 32:21; Diane Iman, 32:23; Kris Heinz, 32:54; Kelly McCarthy, 32:57; Sherree Pawlowski, 33:16; Christine Koenig, 33:59; Tom Jones, 34:00; Heather Dils, 34:27; Keith Dils, 34:28; Allyson Chamberlain, 34:57; Sofia Vogt, 35:23; Tanya Vogt, 35:23; Tricia Prag, 35:48; Brenda Psenick, 36:03; Laura Shore, 36:18; Erin Kenyon, 36:40; Hannah Kenyon, 36:47; Amanda Hoban, 37:26; Emma Deshay, 38:12; Gretchen Mooney, 38:48; Noah Wolf-Johnston, 38:56; Lisa Todd, 39:05; Rebel Williams, 39:35; Bruce Hall, 41:23; Britta Schaefer, 41:42; Tiffany Dick, 41:57; Cindy Waltemire, 43:14; Wendy Jones, 43:14; Sarah Hitchcock, 43:59; Heather Stiner, 45:19; Jake Reisdorf, 46:44; Bryce Deshay, 48:10; Angel Deshay, 48:14; Krishna Rathod, 49:41; Lexi Marcotte, 52:33; Jamie Marcotte, 52:33; Carla Lavelle, 52:33; Karina Munshi, 53:08; Mihir Munshi, 53:07; Shefali Shah, 53:51; Rosemarie Young, 1:07:36

East Brady Riverfest 5k, July 16: Ean King, 1st Overall M, 17:45; Mike Stimac, 2nd Overall M, 19:11; Timothy Wyant, 3rd Overall M, 19:13; Rebecca Pennington, 1st Overall W, 21:27; Emily Schumacher, 2nd Overall W, 23:00; Dave Colwell, 1st 50-59 M, 19:26; Aj Mayernik, 1st 20-29 M, 19:30; Conrad Snyder, 1st 10-19 M, 20:09; Todd Shaffer, 2nd 30-39 M, 20:11; Evan Olszak, 2nd 229 M, 20:17; Jack Codispot, 2nd 10-19 M, 21:19; Mike Stitt, 1st 40-49 M, 21:56; Blake Kelly, 3rd 10-19 M, 22:20; John Olszak, 2nd 50-59 M, 22:36; Allen Clinger, 3rd 30-39 M, 23:15; Jason Troutman, 2nd 40-49 M, 23:47; John Misitis, 3rd 40-49 M, 23:57; Gabriella Stewart, 1st 40-49 W, 24:53; Julie M Codispot, 2nd 40-49 W, 24:55; Mckenna Bowes, 1st 10-19 W, 24:57; Patrick McMillen, 3d 50-59 M, 25:38; Beth Graham, 1st 30-39 W, 25:39; Carol Conner, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:13; Kaitlyn Fleeger, 3rd 10-19 W, 26:49; Dave King, 2nd 6069 M, 29:02; Jody Shawley, 2nd 50-59 W, 29:17; Greg Seybert, 3rd 60-69 M, 30:37; Karen McMillen, 3d 50-59 W, 30:45 Silvio Andreassi, 1st 9 & Under M, 30:54; Dezso Csizmadia, 1st 70+ M, 33:4; Mandy Kamerer, 2nd 303 3624; Levi Anderson, 2nd 9 & Under W, 41:11; Caedon West, 22:52; Ben Faulkner, 23:02; Gary Cooper, 23:28; Justin Beham, 23:44; Evan Stitt, 24:22; Matthew Greenawalt, 24:49; Carlos Santano, 24:52; Scott Bowes, 24:57; Jim Brosius, 25:07; Chad Graham, 25:22; Robert Shick, 27:37; Frank Beham, 28:19; Jay Silski, 28:36; Ethan Clinger, 28:43; Mike Greenawalt, 28:50; Mike Greenawalt, 28:56; Abby Wolfe, 29:26; Matt Wolfe, 29:53; Emily Wolfe, 30:11; Gracie Shawley, 30:23; Emily Shawley, 30:24; Rob Pennington, 30:56; Robert Crawford, 31:05; Alyssa Stitt, 32:00; Kim Beham, 32:12; Debra Kuminkoski, 32:39; Morgan King, 33:05; Brian Kepple, 33:34; Grant West, 33:47; Stacy Ginkel, 35:41; Luke Anderson, 39:21; Mel Risinger, 39:34; Melanie Bartel, 39:35; Kara-Ann Kelley, 39:46; Katelyn Scott, 40:05; Lynzie Ball, 40:05; Lexie Ball, 40:06; Donna Campbell, 44:3; Jeff Campbell, 44:08; Barb M, 46:14; Dean Murray, 56:20

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle