Times are changing — hopefully for the good. After months of cancellations and virtual races, real events are popping up on the calendar. This signals a slow return to social activity, but it’s a new normal.

Following a spring of solitary running and virtual racing, I’m ready to reconnect with running friends. On the other hand, with COVID-19 still lurking in the shadows, I hesitate to end my quarantine.

To make an educated judgment on returning to racing, I checked in with Herb Cratty of Miles of Smiles Timing Services who enlightened me on the new guidelines for social running. Herb, along with representatives of USATF, RRCA and other running organizations recently participated in a meeting where Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine outlined guidelines for all PA sports moving forward.

First, Herb is advising race organizers to continue offering virtual race options along with real events since not everyone feels comfortable yet with social closeness. “We may see virtual events into next year,” he predicts, especially for large races such as Pittsburgh Marathon.

For those who wish to attend group running events, he suggests trail races and small events where there is naturally less physical contact. Always check the event’s registration details for particular safety guidelines and requirements.

For safety’s sake, races will adopt new guidelines which minimize close contact and large groups. All timers, race organizers, spectators and volunteers will wear masks but participants are excluded from this requirement.

To eliminate contact in start and finish areas, races will have wave starts with a timing mat at the start and finish lines. Runners’ times will be measured net point-to-point, a time trial, rather than head-to-head competition.

Gone are the days of coolers and paper cups at aid stations. Participants may be required to carry their own fluids or to expect bottled water at refreshment stops. And post-race food and beverages will be pre-packaged items only — no more self-serve pizza and cut orange wedges.

Runners will also bask in their own glory as award ceremonies will be eliminated to minimize crowd contact. Instead, finishers will receive their finishing times, places and awards at a designated area soon after finishing.

Spectators will also be encouraged to keep the finish area for runners and volunteers only. Family and friends should cheer from a place along the course and practice social distancing.

Herb’s Miles of Smiles will be timing several events this summer beginning with two on July 4. Those who wish to ease into social running may consider Canadohta Lake Firecracker 5k/10k, a small event expected to attract 75 participants. Those who are definitely ready to run with others may try Angie Gioiosa Memorial 15k, 5k and 2 Mile, an Altoona event expected to attract 500 runners and walkers in a three-wave start.

Like all of us, Herb is hopeful that, with proper precautions, we can continue to enjoy road and trail races throughout the summer and fall.

Upcoming Events

Now through June 30: Freeport Flash 10k & 5k Run/Walk, Sarver. Virtual race this year. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportFlash5K10K

June through July 31: Run Across PA. Choice of virtual North to South or East to West run/walk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AcrossPennsylvania/CrossingPennsylvaniaVirtualChallenge

June through August 31: Conquer Everest Elevation Challenge. Virtual event based on total elevation climb. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Anywhere/ConquerEverestChallenge

June through August 31: Rocksylvania Remix, Pennsylvania. Rocksylvania Trail Series is virtual this year. Run 175 or 350 total miles on any Pennsylvania trails between June 1 and August 31. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Rocksylvania/RocksylvaniaVirtualChallenge

June 20: Clarksburg 10k, Clarksburg, WV. Virtual race this year. 304-672-3637 or runwithhat@yahoo.com

June 20: Butler Road Race 5 Mile and 2k, Butler. Virtual race this year. 724-287-4733 or cdreher@bcfymca.org

June 20: Butch’s Bucket Brigade, Worthington. This race has been cancelled.

June 27, 9 a.m.: Monaca Mad Dash 5k, Monaca. Run at John A. Antoline Memorial Park. www.monacamaddash.com

June 28, 8 a.m.: The Dam Tri XII, Meadville. Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon at Woodcock Lake with $1200 in prize money. 814-336-2196 or www.thedamtri.com

June 28, 9 a.m.: Laurel Hill Adventure Race, Somerset. 2 mile kayak, 9 mile mountain bike, 5k trail run at scenic Laurel Hill State Park. 724-987-3597 or www.facebook.com/LaurelHillAdventureRace/

July 4, 9 a.m.: Canadohta Lake Firecracker 5k/10k, Union City. Also a virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/UnionCity/CanadohtaLakeFirecracker5k10k

July 4, 8 a.m.: Angie Gioiosa Memorial 15k, 5k and 2 Mile, Altoona. 814-695-4467 or www.blairregionalymca.org/raceseries/angie-gioiosa-4th-of-july-memorial-race/

July 4: Zelienople Firecracker 5k and 1 Mile, Zelienople. This race has been cancelled.

July 12, 8 a.m.: Hermitage Arts Festival 5k and 12 Mile, Hermitage. This race has been cancelled.

July 15, 7 p.m.: 20th Annual Kalajainen Klassic 5k Run/Walk, New Castle. Also virtual option. 724-971-3736 or stellabalzi@gmail.com

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone: 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net.

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle