In my last column, I previewed three Butler County races scheduled for a single weekend.

I expected that runners would choose one. But at least two local longtime runners decided that one wasn’t enough. Jinny Hertweck ran two and Mitch Radella completed all three in a kind of mini-stage race.

Running multi-day races may be unusual in our neighborhood, but stage races are common worldwide in trail running. A stage race, whether run individually or as a team, is a multi-day running event (usually 3 to 8 days) with different courses completed each day. Participants run one stage daily, then rest and recover to return for the next day’s stage.

While stage races award competitors daily and at the cumulative finish, most people participate for the experience. The fun of a stage race is in sharing the experience with the same people throughout the event.

It’s like if you and your friends decide to run a race, then go out for lunch. And the next day, run another race and have a few beers to celebrate. And the following day, another race followed by dinner and maybe some awards among the group. If they’re really good friends, maybe you rent a cabin for the weekend, have a campfire or two. Sound like fun?

Several years ago, I, along with nine area trail runners, ran the Grand Circle Trailfest, a three-stage, 45-mile event in Utah through rugged terrain near Bryce and the Grand Canyon. I started the first stage fearful that I would get lost, miss the cutoff time or get injured on the rocky trails. But I quickly found myself among a few hundred friends who shared the same fears and the same joys of running together.

If you’d like to try a stage race, you could sign up for a Trailfest through VacationRaces or another trail organizer. Or gather a few friends together, choose a few weekend or weekday races and stay local. You won’t have to spring for accommodations or pack a bag.

Even if you are an experienced runner/racer, you may want to modify your training and racing to successfully complete your multi-day event. Back-to-back racing, especially on uneven terrain or at unusual distances will stretch your fitness limits. And you’ll want to enjoy the adventure, not just survive it.

Add up the miles. Schedule your stage race with plenty of time to build a solid base to complete the total distance of all the individual events. It may sound easy to run a 5k, but three of them together and you’re facing nearly 10 miles of racing with little recovery in between.

Emphasize base building. The most important thing is to finish. A solid base of conversational-paced running will get you there. Schedule a few back-to-back longer runs in training to prepare for the feeling of starting to run on tired legs.

Pacing. You may be a veteran racer, but start your first stage race slower than normal. You should feel fresh but remember, it’s only the first day. Don’t drain the tank.

Drink up. Be sure to stay hydrated during and after each stage of the event. And while it’s OK to toast the first race, save most of the beer for the final celebration.

Refuel. It’s important to eat after each day’s run. But remember, today’s post-race food is also tomorrow’s pre-race meal. Rethink those spicy tacos or giant milkshakes if you have an intolerance.

Rest. It may be normal for you to nap or at least put your feet up and relax after a race. In a stage race, it’s almost necessary since you’ll need that strength for tomorrow’s race. If possible, preface that with a 10-15 minute cold shower or bath followed by light yoga or foam roller massage.`

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Galeton. Scenic point-to-point course. 814-558-5353, amy_eppley@yahoo.com or active.com/coudersport-pa/running/distance-running-races/god-s-country-marathon-2023

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 10k and 5k Run/Walk, Sarver. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportFlash5K10K

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.: Donut Day 5k Run/Walk and Kids’ ½ Mile, Brackenridge. give.salvationarmy.org/event/use-wpa-allegheny-valley-donut-day-5k/e468734

Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide, Pittsburgh. Run through Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park. 412-328-0190 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/GreenfieldGlide

June 8, 6:30 p.m.: 31st Annual Gateway Mile, Monroeville. Run at Gateway High School Track, no entry fee. 412-372-3212 or Robert Zukas,

June 10, 6:45 a.m.: Lake Wilhelm Marathon and Half Marathon, Sandy Lake. Run on paved trail around the lake. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/SandyLake/LakeWilhelmMarathon

June 11, 9 a.m.: Big Foot Festival 5k Run and Walk, Marienville. Run on Bike/walk Marienville rail trail. Sign up by June 1 to guarantee t-shirt. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Marienville/ForestCountyBigfootFestival5k

June 17, 9 a.m.: Laurel Fest 5k, Brookville. Also 1 Mile Walk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Brookville/LaurelFest5kHostedByPCK9SU

June 21, 7 p.m.: Summer Solstice 5k and 1 Mile Kids Run, Portersville. Run at Moraine State Park’s South Shore. Kids run for 12 and under starts at 6:30 P.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/SUMMERSOLSTICE5K1MILE

June 21, 7 p.m.: Strawberry Days 5k (QUAD I), Grove City. As in 2021, run entirely on bike path. Also kids race.724-866-1374 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=138529

June 23, 7 p.m.: New River Gorge Trail Festival 5k, Fayetteville, WV. Trail run in our newest national park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/WV/Fayetteville/NewRiverGorgeHalfMarathon

June 24, 6:30 a.m.: New River Gorge Trail Festival 30k and Half Marathon, Fayetteville, WV. Trail runs in our newest national park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/WV/Fayetteville/NewRiverGorgeHalfMarathon

June 24, 9 a.m.: Butch’s Bucket Brigade 5k, Worthington. Also kids 12 and under bike race at 11 A.M. 724-464-3420 or download an application.com/Event%20Calendar/June%20Events.html

June 24, 9 a.m.: Butler County Road Race 5 Mile and 2k, Butler. Register online or in Diamond Park on race day beginning at 7:30 A.M. bcfymca.org/events/butler-road-race

June 24, 9 a.m.: Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk, Allison Park. Starts 724-816-4074 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/pcsrunwalk

July 1, 6 a.m.: Hell Hath No Hurry, Carnegie. Run 10k, 30k, 50k or 50k relay on Settlers’ Cabin Park trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Carnegie/HellHathNoHurry2021

July 1, 9 a.m.: Ellwood City Ledger 10k, Ellwood City. Starts at Veterans Memorial Pool in Ewing Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/EllwoodCity/EllwoodCityLedgerArtsCraftsFoodFestival10k

July 1, 9 a.m.: Jolly July Jaunt and Dog Dash 5k, Oil City. Starts at Oil City Marina. Run with or without dog. secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=138182

Race results

Pittsburgh Marathon, May 6: Tyler McCandless, 1st Overall M, 2:16:08; Margo Malone, 1st Overall W, 2:41,56; Anna Balouris, 2nd Overall W, 2:51:35; Lance Appleman, 1st 40+ Clydesdale M, 3:29:10; Aaron Plyler, 2nd 20-24 M, 2:42:13; Josh Flanhofer, 2nd 35-39 M, 2:48:55; Ann Cook, 2nd 30-34 W, 3:07:04; Emily Wolfarth, 3rd 30-34 W, 3:07:57; Ava Pietrzyk, 2nd 20-24 W, 3:17:09; Kim Spears, 1st 50-54 W, 3:46:19; Robert Zukas, 2nd 75-79 M, 5:46:56; Jacob Campbell, 2:44:47; Zach Manuel, 2:53:31; Terry Beacom, 3:05:59; Dan Wiese, 3:11:44; Lewis Gregory, 3:12:26; William Huber, 3:16:30; Patrick Himes, 3:21:49; Mark Speicher, 3:24:59; Samuel Mashuda, 3:26:34; Josiah Mitchell, 3:26:52; Kyle Ford, 3:27:26; Joe Floris, 3:28:16; Hannah Gildersleeve, 3:29:51; Roberto da Silva, 3:30:27; Garret Daugherty, 3:32:14; Dennis Yonkin, 3:34:48; Nicholas Lewis, 3:35:38; Alex Vaz, 3:36:25; Nathan Kraus, 3:36:56; Domenic Borgese, 3:4:30; Mark Casteel, 3:42:10; Benjamin Carnovale, 3:42:52; Robert Pudlo, 3:43:23; Chris Gilman, 3:44:00; Dillon Burkarth, 3:46:37; Nicholas Fritch, 3:47:36; Eric Andersson, 3:48:25; Adam Welle, 3:49:00; Luke Taylor, 3:49:19; Antonio Garofalo, 3:50:40; Anthony Beilstein, 3:52:18; Michael Gerver, 3:52:56; Anthony Spalvieri, 3:54:00; Lance Hoyson, 3:55:01; Elizabeth Heinlein, 3:55:13; Haomiao Yu, 3:56:58; Joe Simoes, 3:59:14; Ben Portz, 3:59:18; Justin Relihan, 3:59:31; Travis Ritenour, 3:59:38; Glenn Battle, 3:59:45; Akira Nakanishi, 4:00:34; Zach Emigh, 4:01;22; Jared Todorowski, 4:04:00; Bill Petulla, 4:04:30; Caleb Rauscher, 4:05:14; Justin Angert, 4:05:29; Allen Long, 4:05:38; Rebecca Smith, 4:07:10; Eric Rudish, 4:07:53; Jeff Peters, 4:08:37; Ryan Bauder, 4:09:04; Josh McAuley, 4:09:22; Caden Jacobs, 4:09:50; Brett Simmons, 4:11:06; Caleb Ritenour, 4:11:33; Jason Rich, 4:12:13; Daniel Bencun, 4:13:16; Emma Strausser, 4:14:03; Tyler McDonald, 4:14:34; Camden Jackson, 4:15:10; Jenifer Carter, 4:16:14; Mary White, 4:16:17; Alex Prizzi, 4:17:15; Greg Vojcsik, 4:17:19; Nakia Emigh, 4:17:25; Toni Weis, 4:19:42; Corey Savannah, 4:19:55; Dillan Wilson, 4:20:21; Brock Seeley, 4:211:10; Elizabeth White, 4:21:31; Brandon Konieczny, 4:21:55; Craig Kunkel, 4:22:02; Nitin Gupta, 4:22:17; Jinny Hertweck, 4:22:28; Matthew Tarasovich, 4:24:22; Bo McCleary, 4:24:27; Vijay Murthy, 4:24:33; Calandra Verbam 4:25:44; David Miller, 4:26:30; Valerie Andreassi, 4:26:46; Connor Alfreno, 4:27:25; Valerie Kunkel, 4:27:34; Denise Shearer, 4:28:11; Kevin Roach, 4:29:25; Ethan Myers, 4:31:28; Garret Bontempo, 4:31:54; James Gascoine, 4:32:01; Navkiranjit Gill, 4:32:04; Shannon Smith, 4:32:05; Kevin Suchcicki,4:32:10; Kristian Feterik, 4:32:36; Gary Hubbard, 4:32:39; Ryan English, 4:33:35; Jeff Gavin, 4:34:05; Seth Stallard, 4:39:50; Janel Edwards, 4:39:55; Sarah Harrison, 4:40:51; Yulian Lutsiv, 4:41:37; Xavier Bennett, 4:42:31: Christopher Tamasy, 4:42:46; Elizabeth McDermott, 4:42:58; Mark Schaeffer, 4:43:35; Jennifer Eckenrode, 4:44:08; Robert Mitchell, 4:44:31; Ryan Haver, 4:45:01; Hunter Chechak, 4:46:26; Lindsay Allanson, 4:46:39; Heather Alter, 4:46:45; Justice Newland, 4:46:47; Adam Thomas, 4:47:21; Vasilii Surov, 4:47:47; Audrey Rattay, 4:48:36; Jeff Deshay, 4:48:39; Ashley Bucek, 4:49:51; Ty Borro, 4:51:05; Duncan Bruce, 4:51:29; Derek Burk, 4:51:53; Mamta Bhatnagar, 4:52:10; Elle Kelley, 4:52:48; Heather LiVorio, 4:52:52; Kevin Cramer, 4:54:42; Karen Beilstein, 4:56:47; Benjamin Gillian, 4:56:59; Michael Lucas, 4:57:04; Palmer Cuny, 4:57:51; Dustin Hook, 4:58:00; Chris Lindemann, 4:58:31; Joshua Snyder, 4:59:11; John Bronder, 4:59:19; Erin Kohlmeyer, 4:59:32; Tyer Symanski, 4:59:46; Piper Angert, 5:01:01; Dustin Kopchinsky, 5:01:10; Jasmine Bryant, 5:03:17; Christopher Newingham, 5:03:21; Sarah Say, 5:09:53; Garret English, 5:11:54; Gauthier Robe, 5:14:26; Christine Mohney, 5:20:25; Troy Mohney, 5:20:27; Beatrix Stickney, 5:21:25; Edward Deutsch, 5:22:15; Erin Foley, 5:27:06; Tyler Moss, 5:27:12; Emily Melton, 5:27:23; Aubrey Brewer, 5:27:23; Lori Fromlak, 5:27:25; Erica Dietz, 5:28:01; Andrew Schafale, 5:29:16; Anna Timko, 5:29:33; David McMichael, 5:30:16; Carrie Angeli, 5:32:08; Michael Angeli, 5:32:08; Andrew Chwalik, 5:33:19; Kevin Butler, 5:38:07; Danielle German, 5:41:17; Thomas Colella, Sr., 5:41:47: Thomas Colella, Jr., 5:41:47; Julia Necciai, 5:43:23; Samson Wyant, 5:45:17; Richard McMichael, 5:45:28; Kyle Morgan, 6:03:12: Terrence Moore, 6:09:20; Amy Black-Stockham, 6:20:57; Hattie Brasseur, 6:28:21; Jordan Uber, 6:28:48; Sabrina Travis, 6:32:25; Tarra Prince, 6:43:40; Sarah Peterec, 7:04:12; Stephanie Haase, 7:05:03.

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle