I don't have to remind anyone that these are strange times to live and run in.

Many of our favorite activities have been curtailed or cancelled —and for good reason. That includes some of our favorite Thanksgiving turkey trots.

The Butler County Family YMCA Turkey Trot was on pace to celebrate its 39th running on Nov. 2 when the COVID-19 pandemic and state mandated response forced organizers to cancel the in-person event. Instead, the Y is offering runners and walkers a virtual way to continue the tradition and support the community.

Although an in-person run was not possible this year, Christina Dreher, Development Specialist at the Butler Y, says that holding the virtual event helps us keep a good perspective on things and supports the YMCA's mission to give access to programs for families, children, seniors and veterans.

Dreher says that organizers based the Virtual Turkey Trot on their experience conducting the Virtual Butler Road Race this past June. Although participation in the virtual event will probably be only about one-third of the participation in a live event, she says that it has drawn participants from beyond the Butler area as far as New York since the virtual event can be completed anytime from now until Nov. 27 on any course of the participant's choosing.

“You could run in the snow on a hilly trail or pick a sunny day and do the miles on a track,” Christina says. “Just submit your time.”

There are no competitive awards in the virtual events, but results will be listed on the YMCA website.

Participants also have more choices in this year's virtual event. Like the in-person events of the past, kids may run a one-mile run for a discounted entry fee. Anyone can sign up for the traditional 5k distance or for a new 10k choice.

Christina says that the 10k has been a popular choice and that organizers would consider holding at least a virtual if not in-person 10k in future Turkey Trots.

It's not too late to sign up for this year's Butler YMCA Virtual Turkey Trot. Visit www.bcfymca.org, call 724-287-4733 or sign up in person at the Butler location or the Rose M. Schneider YMCA in Cranberry Township.

And look for Butler Road Race's return next June. Christina Dreher says: “We're carefully optimistic about bringing back our beloved race to promote a healthy lifestyle in the community.”

If you prefer an in-person Thanksgiving run, check out Lawrence County YMCA's Turkey Trot 5k Run & Walk beginning at New Castle YMCA downtown. The decades-old event has had to make modifications to comply with state safety mandates. As Michelle Swogger, Community Outreach Director for Lawrence County YMCA says, “We're holding this event for the community's mental health. It's a small point of happiness in an emotionally dark time.”

The decades-old event adheres to social distancing and mask restrictions. Participants and spectators not feeling well or having a fever are asked not to attend. Those in attendance are requested to social distance and wear masks unless they are running. Post-race refreshments will be provided in individually wrapped packages.

There will be day of race sign up beginning at 8 a.m. The 5k course is a fairly level double loop with two wave starts. Any crossing roads will be closed and patrolled by local police. Walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and leashed dogs are welcome for this family-friendly event.

There will be no awards ceremony following the race. Overall and age group awards may be picked up at Shenango or Lawrence County YMCAs. Those from locations farther away (such as Butler) can receive awards by mail.

To sign up for Nov. 26 TDay 5k Run and Walk, visit www.lawcoymca.org/events/tday-5k-run-walk-0 or call the YMCA at 724-658-4766.

Upcoming eventsSaturday, 9 a.m.: Wild Turkey 5 Miler and 6 Hour Challenge, Kittanning. Starts at Richard G. Snyder YMCA, run on flat and scenic Armstrong Trail. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Kittanning/WildTurkey5Milerand6HourChallengeSaturday, 9 a.m.: Duff Park Hill Buster 10k, Murraysville. Starts at Westmoreland Heritage Trail with 3.5 miles of single track hills in Duff Park in the middle. https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Murrysville/DuffParkHillBusterSaturday, 9 a.m.: Oil City YMCA Turkey Trot 5k, Oil City. Run or walk on Samuel Justus Trail. 814-677-3000 or ocywellness@oilcityymca.net. Online signup at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/OilCity/OilCityYMCATurkeyTrot5kRunWalkSaturday, 10 a.m.: Knoch Basketball Boosters 5k Turkey Trot, Cabot. Run at Winfield Township Community Park. https://knochyouthbasketball.sportngin.com/register/form/084698412Nov. 26, 8 a.m.: Indiana County YMCA Turkey Trot 5k, Indiana. Second group starting at 10 A.M. Also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/AnnualTurkeyTrotNov. 26, 8:30 a.m.: New Castle Community YMCA T-Day 5k/Fun K, New Castle. 724-658-4766 or www.lawcoymca.orgNov. 26, 8:30 a.m.: Kiski Valley Turkey Trot 5k, Apollo. Second wave at 9:30 A.M. Clydesdale, team and Thanksgiving costume contests. Also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Apollo/kvturkeytrotNov. 26, 9 a.m.: 5th Annual Grateful Gallop 5k, Grove City. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/GroveCity/GratefulGallop5kNov. 26, 9 a.m.: Bobcats Turkey Trot 5k Run and Walk, Beaver. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Beaver/BobcatsTurkeyTrot5kNov. 26, 9 a.m.: 20th Annual Gobbler's Gallop 10k & 5k, Ellwood City. 5k starts at 10:15 A.M. 724-758-6227 or https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/EllwoodCity/GobblersGallopNov. 26, 9:30 a.m.: 26th Annual Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk, Latrobe. Finishes on Memorial Stadium track. 724-537-4331 or craig@latroberecreation.org.Nov. 28, 9 a.m. Seneca Valley Cross Country Turkey Chase 5k, Cranberry Township. Also 1 Mile Kids Fun Run at 10 A.M. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTwp/svccturkeytrotNov. 28, 10 a.m.: WALKer Run 5k, Conneaut Lake. Out and back course along Aldine Drive. No day of event registration. 814-382-3839 or lauriekurt@gmail.com. http://www.walkerrun5k.com/Nov. 29, 9 a.m.: Road to Trail Victory 5k Road and 4 Mile Trail Run, Beaver Falls. Run one or both events at Brush Creek Park. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/BeaverFalls/RoadtoTrailtoVictoryDec. 5, 9 a.m.: Oil City's Christmas Past Jingle Bell 5k, Oil City. Costumes encouraged, also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/OilCity/OilCitysJingleBell5KDec. 5, 3 p.m.: Santa's Spirit Sprint 1 Mile Walk or Run, Barnsville, OH. 740-309-5039 or https://railstotrails5k.com/contact-us/Dec. 6, 11 a.m.: The Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Run on Ernst Trail. 724-992-9154 or michaelharry40@hotmail.com. Register online at https://localraces.com/events/meadville-pa/the-clint-puller-memorial-toy-run-2019Dec. 19, 9 a.m.: Run Santa Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Santa themed event held at Graham Park. www.runsanta5k.com/pittsburgh

Race resultsChase Away Hunger 1 Mile, Oct. 24: John Boswell, 1st Overall M, 21:32; Andrea Boswell, 1st Overall W, 21:35; Jeremy Hanns, 25:04; Lilian Shingleton, 25:06; Eileen Hanns, 25:07; Rebecca McDaniels, 26:20; Sharon Shingleton, 26:21Chase Away Hunger 5k, Oct. 24: Jack Wright, 1st Overall M, 19:45; Katie Cottrill, 1st Overall W, 20:03; John Hackworth, 2nd Overall M, 21:21; Stephanie Schoefield, 2nd Overall W, 22:06; Mitch Radella, 3rd Overall M, 22:39; Sara Forman, 3rd Overall W, 27:50; Terry McGaffic, 24:37; Boone Weatherly, 26:47; Philip Lynch, 27:10; Frank Tarantine, 27:14; Joe Forman, 27:36; Tim Goetze, 29:17; Jessica Henry, 30:48; Anthony Sunseri, 32:48; Nancy Smith, 35:10; Tonya Scheck, 39:23; Katie Furbee, 39:23; Kate Robertson, 47:23; Bridgette Robertson, 47:23; Tracy Collins, 54:46; Robin Van Dyke, 56:09; Kathy Albert, 57:39; Lorraine Julius, 1:00:01; Diana Rauch, 1:00:05; Barbara Turkovich, 1:00:05; Carol Scarpone, 1:00:07; Patti Flach, 1:02:03; Charlie Flach, 1:02:42Zelienople Haunted Trail 5 Miler, Nov. 1: Ben Capozzi, 1st Overall M, 38:36; Owen Schessler, 2nd Overall M, 38:40; Alex Urling, 3rd Overall M, 38:48; Kevyn Fish, 1st Overall W, 42:19; Jeanine Mcguire, 2nd Overall W, 45:09; Alyssa Urling, 3rd Overall W, 50:02; Adam Shoup, 1st 40-49 M, 42:21; Sawyer Shoup, 1st 13 & Under M, 44:17; Reed Byers, 1st 20-29 M, 50:27; Bill Schessler, 1st 50-59 M, 51:34; Rich Yurocko, 2nd 40-49 M, 52:18; Janel Edwards, 2nd 30-39 W, 52:53; Scott Baker, 3rd 40-49 M, 55:04; Dana Marchionda, 1st 40-49 W, 55:06; Katie Kovacic, 3rd 30-39 W, 55:27; John Kovacic, 1st 30-39 M, 55:27; Hunter Petersen, 2nd 13 & Under M, 55:27; Teagan Yurocko, 1st 13 & Under W, 58:43; Kacie Planavsky, 1st 20-29 W, 1:01:27; Courtney Petersen, 2nd 40-49 W, 1:05:13; Lisa Myers, 1st 50-59 W, 1:05:54; Caroline Hufnagle, 55:27Zelienople Haunted Trail 5k, Nov. 1: Sam West, 1st Overall M, 21:19; Colton Ginsburg, 2nd Overall M, 21:27; Ethan Papa, 3rd Overall M, 21:28; Elise Ashcroft, 1st Overall W, 24:15; Ella Butterfield, 2nd Overall W, 28:00; Nancy Mignanelli, 3rd Overall W, 28:44; Aaron Plyler, 1st 16-19 M, 21:28; Max Smith, 1st 13-15 M, 24:15; Liam Ginsburg, 1st 8 & Under M, 24:19; Brandon Szuch, 1st 9-12 M, 24:55; James Koval, 1st 20-29 M, 25:13; Joe Harmonos, 2nd 13-15 M, 25:23; Billy Kowalkawski, 3rd 13-15 M, 25:29; Reed Byers, 2nd 20-29 M, 26:33; Carlos Fairmont, 1st 40-49 M, 26:35; Harlan Cooper, 2nd 9-12 M, 29:36; Sbby Spalvieri, 1st 13-15 W, 28:52; Alyssa Siegel, 1st 30-39 W, 29:34; Ian Maloney, 3rd 9-12 M, 29:36; Pavana Bhatre, 1st 9-12 W, 30:38; Kinan Bhatre, 1st 50-59 M, 30:55; Dana Marchionds, 1st 40-49 W, 32:07; Tim Maloney, 2nd 40-49 M, 32:09; Leah Shaner, 2nd 40-49 W, 33:06; Melissa Eckenrode, 2nd 30-39 W, 33:06; Chrystal Zinkham, 3rd 40-49 W, 33:13; Danielle Kowalkawski, 1st 50-59 W, 33:25; Janel Edwards, 3rd 30-39 W, 35:32; Dave Horvat, 2nd 50-59 M, 36:38; Barbara McCandless, 2nd 50-59 W, 36:40; Tony Sunseri, 1st 70+ M, 37:03; Ben English, 1st 30-39 M, 37:27; Elliette Smith, 2nd 13-15 W, 39:48; Jane Armstrong, 3rd 50-59 W, 44:24; Adam Teitelbaum, 2nd 8 & Under M, 46:27; Avi Teitelbaum, 3rd 40-49 W, 46:27; Michael Baxa, 3rd 50-59 M, 48:42; Michelle Baxa, 1st 20-29 W, 48:42; Amy Papa, 35:37; Cayden Mohler, 35:39; Luke Kovacic, 35:40; Katie Kovacic, 35:48; Caroline Hufnagle, 35:56; Dana Hoover, 36:18; Joan Schilling, 37:26; Cameron Smith, 41:43; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 41:44; Kim Capozzi, 44:20; Adrienne Hackett, 48:43; Sheila Shaffer, 48:43Zelienople Haunted Trail Mile, Nov. 1: Sam Smith, 1st Overall M, 8:47; Reed Byers, 2nd Overall M, 8:50; Charlie Smith, 3rd Overall M, 9:02; Dana Marchionda, 1st Overall W, 10:55; Angela Maloney, 2nd Overall W, 11:26; Anastasia Ulintz, 3rd Overall W, 11:47; James Christian, 1st 7-8 M, 9:24; Nicholas Christian, 1st 30-39 M, 9:25; Quentin Kelley, 1st 11-12 M, 9:34; Ian Maloney, 1st 9-10 M, 9:57; Zoe Kragten, 1st 6 & Under W, 14:03; Justin Kragten, 2nd 9-10 M, 15:26; Luke Kovacic, 3rd 9-10 M, 14:37; Katie Kovacic, 1st 30-39 W, 14:54; Addison Kovacic, 2nd 6 & Under W, 16:00; Stella Myslinski, 1st 9-10 W, 15:26; Michael Behun, 1st 6 & Under M, 16:00; Gwen Myslinski, 1st 40-49 W, 16:13; Oliver Myslinski, 2nd 6 & Under M, 16:13; Sasha Reedse, 2nd 30-39 W, 16:31; Richard Reese, Jr., 2nd 30-39 M, 16:33; Roddy Reese, 3rd 6 & Under M, 16:34Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<i>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</i>