Crazy running dreams – we've all had them.

You're racing through the woods at night, climbing hills so steep it's easier to go on all fours, sliding down the other side hanging onto trees to break your fall. You slog through a half mile of ankle-deep mud, wander aimlessly when the trail disappears and finish with a straight-up crawl on a mountain bike skills course.

That dream would be crazy enough, but actually living it was insane — insanely fun!

Last Wednesday's Wolf Moon 15k was the first-ever running of the diabolically challenging nighttime romp through the trails of North Park. The race was the brainchild of trail runners Nicholas Sluis-Cramer and Mark Knapp, familiar North Park trail runner and race director of FAAP Trail Race and others. Although Knapp regularly runs at night, this was his first directorship of a night race.

Originally scheduled for Jan. 28 to run under the Wolf Full Moon, the event was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

To honor the original date, runners were encouraged to “awaken the wolf spirit.” As the moon rose between the trees and over the meadows of the park, it was hard not to let out a howl or two.

Mark created the race format to encourage participation and teamwork and to reward athleticism. Three-person teams earned an averaged time based on age and gender. Top three teams earned trophies. To be counted as finishing, all three team members must post a time.

The genius behind the grading system was engineer and trail runner Tomas Castillo. Tomas, with help from Jim Trautman and Nicholas Sluis-Cramer, analyzed more than 3,000 data points and created a computer program that allowed finish line volunteers to instantly generate a finishing time that leveled the playing field and made the race competitive for more runners.

In all, 16 teams counted as finishers with another 16 teams with at least one DNF. There were a number of runners who dropped out on the challenging course with elevation gain of nearly 1,700 feet and hills marked as Suffer This, The Wolf and Bataan Death March.

As a final reward (or torture) to those completing the 9-plus miles, the final mile included a slip 'n' slide through fresh mud and, in a last minute course change, a climb up the mountain bike skills course complete with roller coaster ramps and steeply banked turns.

Mark called the event a “skinny race” with no commemoratives, awards or post-race food. That meant fewer volunteers necessary.

Sixteen volunteers were stationed on the course at critical turns and six handling timing duties. An additional 15 had flagged the course the day before. Professional rescuers with canines stood by but only one runner got lost and he was shuttled back to the start.

This first event was supported by Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh, which holds the annual FAAP trail race in September. T-Mobile also offered assistance at the finish line.

Proceeds from the event benefit FAAP and Beverly's Birthday, a national charity based in Pittsburgh which provides birthday parties for kids experiencing homelessness or families in need. Additionally, trail runner and artist Matt Lipsey donated a sketch for a silent auction.

Although many runners, including me, lost their way when flags were accidently removed, no one seemed to mind. The evening was beautiful, the trail adventurous and the runners friendly.

Mark would like to hold this night run again at the originally scheduled January date and possibly make it a quarterly full moon event. He also looks forward to directing this year's FAAP Trail Race on Sept. 26. The event includes 5k, 10k and 20k distances, handmade awards, Filipino food and a dance demonstration. Visit faap5krace.yolasite.com for more information.

Saturday, 7 a.m.: God's Country Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Galeton. Scenic and challenging point-to-point course. 814-558-5353 or amy_eppley@yahoo.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Boston Trail ½ Marathon and 5k Run/Walk, Elizabeth Township. Run on Yough River Trail of Great Allegheny Passage. 412-780-7802 or thebostontrail.com/half-marathon-and-5k-run-elizabeth-pa/Saturday, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 10k and 5k, Sarver. Starts at Monroe Road trailhead on Butler-Freeport Community Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportFlash5K10KSaturday, 9 a.m.: Art & Sole 5k Run/Walk and 1k Fun Run, Erie. Run through downtown Erie. 814-455-5508 or kstolar@neighborhoodarthouse.orgSunday, 7 a.m.: Lake Wilhelm Marathon and Half Marathon, Sandy Lake. Run on paved trail around scenic Lake Wilhelm in Maurice Goddard State Park. No strollers, no dogs. wolfcreektrackclub.com/lake-wilhelm-marathon-half-marathon/Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: Kenny's Coaster Race 5k, West Mifflin. Run through Kennywood Park. Registration $50, includes park admission. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/WestMifflin/KennysCoasterRaceJune 12, 9 a.m.: Into the Woods 5 Miler Trail Race, Erie. Also non-timed 2-mile walk and youth fun run. Childcare available. 814-836-6189, jfarrar@asburywoods.org or register online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/IntotheWoods5MilerJune 12, 9 a.m.: Beartown Rocks Trail Race 25k and 5.5 Mile, Sigel. 5.5 mile race starts at 10 a.m. www.runreg.com/9747June 13, 10 a.m.: Big Foot Festival 5k Run and Walk, Marienville. Part of Forest County Big Foot Festival. 814-657-0361 or register online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Marienville/ForestCountyBigfootFestival5kJune 16, 7 p.m: Summer Solstice 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Portersville. Run starts and finishes at Moraine State Park's Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore. Free kids (12 & under)race starts at 6:30 p.m. starts at 7 p.m.June 19, 9 a.m: 46th Annual Butler Road Race 5 Mile and 2k Run/Walk, Butler. https://bcfymca.org/Butler-Road-RaceJune 19, 7 a.m: Run Between the Suns Endurance Trail Lap Race, Titusville. Run as many 5k challenging but runnable mostly double-track loops as you wish until 7 p.m. www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=21170PAJune 20, 9 a.m.: Oakmont 5k Run, Oakmont. Out and back course starts at Riverside Park. 412-726-6116 or http://www.oakmontrecreation.org/main-page/annual-5k-run/June 23, 7 p.m: Strawberry Days 5k (QUAD I), Grove City. Starts at East Main Presbyterian Church and runs through town. 724-866-1274 or smc@runhigh.comJune 26, 9 a.m.: Butch's Bucket Brigade 5k, Worthington. Also kids 12 and under bike race at 11 A.M. 724-464-3420, smechling64@yahoo.com or online registration at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Worthington/ButchsBucketBrigadeJune 26, 9 a.m.: Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5k, Allison Park. Also 1 Mile Walk starting at North Park Boathouse. 412-952-0147, info@pghcuresarcoma.org or online registration at www.pittsburghcuresarcoma.org/runwalk/June 27, 8 a.m.: The Dam Tri XII, Meadville. Sprint and Olympic distance, held at Woodcock Creek Lake. 814-336-2196, mcmoyer467@gmail.com or thedamtri.com/July 3, 7:45 a.m.: 37th Annual Whiskey Rebellion 5k, Canonsburg. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Canonsburg/WhiskeyRebellion5KRunWalkJuly 3, 9 a.m.: Ford City 5k Run/Walk, Ford City. Starts at Ford City Borough Park and runs through flat downtown. 724-664-3070, riverhawksfootballboosters@gmail.com or online registration at secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=135658

Ghost Creek Half Marathon, May 2: Adam Van Compernolle, 1st Overall M, 1:26:57; Melissa Conjack, 1st Overall W, 1:29:40; Ryan Russell, 3rd Masters M, 1:39:47; Suzette Cappola, 1st 40-49 W, 2:06:25; Elizabeth Dickey, 3rd 50-59 W, 2:27:14; Dana Nicklas, 1:57:21; Jenn Tompkins, 2:49:52; Karen Welch, 3:19:38; Paul Johnson, 3:19:40; Sue Corbett, 3:20:14Elderton 5k, May 21: Eric Ingros, 1st Overall M, 17:08; Sara Zambotti, 1st Overall W, 19:22; Ala Small, 2nd Overall W, 21:21; Falyn Kiebler, 3rd Overall W, 24:39; Shawn Reese, 1st 40-49 M, 21:39; Mitch Radella, 1st 50-59 M, 24:51; David Suber, 2nd 60-69 M, 25:12; Jeff Cooper, 2nd 30-39 M, 25:57; Amy Ward, 1st 40-49 W, 26:09; Taylor Dailey, 1st 11-15 M, 25:04; Rachel Faas, 1st 30-39 W, 26:25; Mark Walter, 3rd 50-59 M, 27:17; Cindy Suber, 1st 60-69 W, 27:50; Michael Green, 54:00Nesshannock Pool 5k and 1 Mile, May 22: Jason Smith, 1st Overall M, 19:09; Brian O'Rourk, 3rd Overall M, 20:00; Kelly Martin, 1st Overall W, 21:23; Justin Fleo, 1st 20-29 M, 22:39; Brian McConohy, 2nd 15-19 M, 23:09; Mitch Radella, 1st 50-59 M, 23:54; Spencer Doutt, 3rd 11-14 M, 24:28; Elena Noga, 1st 15-19 W, 26:50; Amanda Scheller, 3rd 40-49 W, 27:36; Thomas Devicentis, 2nd 10 & Under M, 29:34; Brooke Presnar, 1st 11-14 W, 30:02; Anthony Sunseri, 1st 60+ M, 30:05; Paul Johnson, 2nd 60+ M, 30:47; Maria Foukas, 3rd 11-14 W, 48:49; Jordan Kosin, 29:08; Sam Miller, 41:37; Annabelle Kosin, 48:49; Jennifer Kosin, 53:55Old Turnpike Half Marathon, May 22: Rachel Rabbit, 1st Overall W, 1:32:37; Benjamin Adams, 1st Overall M, 1:33:41; Jack Kelley (pacer), 1:45:20; Anthony Beilstein, 1:46:54; David Luther, 2:00:04; Joseph Kulbacki, 2:01:17; Vasili Surov, 2:11:30; Heather Kulbacki, 2:18:15; Gretchen Hefner, 2:25:29; Rochelle Graham, 2:37:50; David Ricupero, 2:49:46; Kristen Ricupero, 2:51:40Mighty Moraine Man Sprint Triathlon, May 22: Daniel Meehan, 1st Overall M, 1:09:01; Mackenzie Smith, 1st Overall W, 1:20:12; Lauren Ascah, 2nd Overall W, 1:23:23; Dustin Kalkbremer, 1st 35-39 M, 1:17:06; Scott Baker, 1st 50-54 M, 1:29:18; Jennifer Eckenrode, 1st 35-39 W, 1:31:08; Kevin Hixon, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:32:41; Bill Schessler, 3rd 50-54 M, 1:33:07; Abigail Steele, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:45:34; Laurel Sutterfield, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:47:48; Rick Becker, 1:38:08; Christopher Gabriel, 1:48:22; Tom Potchatko, 1:51:54Mighty Moraine Man Sprint Duathlon, May 22: Logan Baxter, 1st Overall M, 1:15:40; Nicole Corsi, 1st Overall W, 1:26:30; Nick Barcio, 2nd Overall M, 1:43:41; Tony Ciccozzi, 3rd Overall M, 1:54:00Mighty Moraine Man Olympic Triathlon, May 22: Zach Leachman, 1st Overall M, 1:56:08; Ray Reinheimer, 3rd Overall M, 2:04:37; Lauren Eckendorf, 1st Overall W, 2:33:26; James Koval, 1st 46-50 M, 2:12:49; Andrew Chambers, 1st 41-45 M, 2:24:40; Robert Wheatall, 1st 66-70 M, 2:46:35; Vanessa Snyder, 1st 31-35 W, 2:46:36; Hollie Stevenson, 2nd 56-60 W, 3:25:01; Michael Angeli, 2:47:19Mighty Moraine Man Super Sprint Duathlon, May 22: Thomas Pinchieri, 1st Overall M, 39:48; Julian Varlotta, 2nd Overall M, 39:54; Alexandra Gongas, 1st Overall W, 40:33; Teagan Yuroko, 2nd Overall W, 42:33; Alyssa Urling, 3rd Overall W, 42:59; Hunter Peterson, 3rd Overall M, 43:07; Sawyer Shoup, 43:08; Gianni Varlotta, 43:09; Andrew Snyder, 44:45; Melissa Eckenrode, 55:10Mighty Moraine Man Youth Triathlon (11-12), May 22: Meili Clark, 1st W, 27:05; Lilyana Shoup, 2nd W, 36:32; Wyatt Wilson, 1st M, 37:25; Owen Hackworth, 2nd M, 38:40; Matthew Angeli, 3rd M, 42:56; London Murphy, 3rd W, 46:08Mighty Moraine Man Youth Triathlon (10 & Under), May 22: Gabriel Kukkonen, 1st M, 23:10; Jordan Eckenrode, 2nd M, 23:13; Emery Horvath, 1st W, 23:22; Aaron Angeli, 3rd M, 28:00; Keira McGee, 2nd W, 28:55; Abbey Hackworth, 3rd W, 28:55; Evan Liashko, 28:25; Emilia Eckenrode, 29:35; Daniel Liashko, 30:08; Waylon Milligan, 30:37; Caroline Horvath, 30:41; Jackson Milligan, 31:05; Julia Hixon, 36:50Send 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>