This Saturday marks the 18th running of one of my favorite events, Buffalo Creek Half Marathon.

The race showcases the fall foliage of scenic Butler-Freeport Community Trail and the warmth of Western Pa. runners, volunteers and spectators.

Race director Chris Ziegler laughed when asked if organizers were prepared for Saturday’s race. “We’ve done this for 18 years,” she said. “I have no worries.”

She says that she has no concerns for weather on race day, which has included heat, cold and threats of rain. “We even survived a tornado watch two years ago,” Chris said.

In addition to a beautiful, point-to-point, mostly downhill course, Buffalo Creek Half offers perks including custom finisher medals, custom bibs courtesy of Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau and long-sleeved technical shirts featuring a unique logo. Although Chris won’t reveal this year’s logo, she teased that this year’s design “goes back to our roots.” Runners who missed the registration deadline for guaranteed shirts may check in at the organizer’s tent following the race to receive a shirt while supplies last.

Because Buffalo Creek Half ends in Freeport, 13.1 miles away from the start in Cabot, runners can have bags with spare clothes and necessities shuttled to the finish. And buses run continuously back to the start area from the finish.

Volunteers are a big part of what makes running Buffalo Creek a special experience. That includes those who work behind the scenes and those with more visible jobs like handing out water at miles 2, 5, 7, 9 or 12, Gatorade at miles 5, 7 and 9, or pizza and hot cider at the finish.

Volunteer bicycle escorts and sweepers patrol the course, looking out for runners who need assistance. Chris says that this year, the bike patrol has eight new members, including one runner not competing due to health issues. Bikers will also recover any clothing discarded on the course. Items found may be picked up at the finish area after the 12:30 p.m. cut-off time or at Up-N-Running, 1177 Pittsburgh Road, Valencia, next week.

Although the event has a limit of 1,250 participants, Chris expects a field of over 800. Many participants choose to sign up at the last minute. Although there is no day of event registration, runners may register online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Cabot/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon or at packet pick-up on Thursday, noon to 6:30 p.m. and Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Up-N-Running.

Although many simply enjoy the pleasure of running the beautiful fall trail, competitive runners are rewarded for their efforts. Runners who set a new male or female course record earn $100 cash. That won’t be easy as Nick Edinger holds the men’s record of 1:08:12 and Sara Rasciatore claims the record for women at 1:16:58. Awards include top three male and female overall, masters and age group finishers in ages 19 and under through 70+.

Chris says that although dogs and strollers are not permitted to participate in the race, they are encouraged as spectators. Check the course map to view where the trail crosses roads or head to the finish area in Freeport to cheer in friends and family. Talk to finish line volunteers if you would like to personally award the finisher medal to your friend or family member.

Proceeds from Buffalo Creek Half Marathon fund trail maintenance and special projects on the Butler-Freeport Community Trail. This year’s proceeds will help the trail association purchase property with a storage building for maintenance equipment and supplies.

I encourage all of you, runners and non-runners, to visit the event’s very thorough runsignup.com event page prepared by Debbie Sweetnam. It includes not only race info, but information about the trail and ways to support this asset to our community. Pay special attention to the “In Memory” section dedicated to those who have made a lasting difference to this race, this trail, this community.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: LECOM Costume Caper 5k Family Fun Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Held in conjunction with Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/PittsburghLECOMCostumeCaper5k

Saturday, 9 a.m.: 18th Annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Cabot. Point-to-point on Butler-Freeport Trail. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Cabot/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Preston Park 5k, Butler. Run on Preston Park drives and trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PrestonPark5k?rsus=100-200-601f95ac-9bcd-4317-9901-6472ff9f26f1

Sunday, 9 a.m.: The Great Pumpkin Race 5k Race and 3k Walk, Monroeville. Run through Monroeville Community Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Monroeville/MonroevilleFoundationGreatPumpkinRun

Oct. 28, 9 a.m.: North Ridge Nightmare, Allison Park. Halloween-themed 13k or 6.66k trail runs through North Park. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=106385

Oct. 28, 10 a.m.: Run for your Life 5k, Kittanning. New race, out-and-back on flat and scenic Armstrong Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Kittanning/KittanningRunforyourlife5k

Oct. 28, 10 a.m.: North Allegheny Foundation Trick or Trot 5k Race and 1 Mile Fun Run, Wexford. Run on Marshall Elementary Campus. Also NA Marching Band, music, arts & crafts, costume parade. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Wexford/NAFoundationTrickorTrot

Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m.: 3rd Annual Quarry Shack 5 Miler, Vintonville. Out-and-back on Ghost Town Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Vintondale/QUARRYSHACK5MILER

Oct. 29, 9 a.m.: South Ridge Trail Challenge, Allison Park. Challenging 10k or 5k trail runs in North Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallenge?rsus=500-400-02ccde1b-5bff-43a3-acea-3dc811a8345f

Oct. 29, 9 a.m.: Highland Fall Scramble 12 Miler, Cook Forest. Run on remote portions of North Country Trail through Cook Forest State Park. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=104907

Nov. 4, 10 a.m.: Butler YMCA Turkey Trot, Butler. Also 1 Mile Walk at 9:45 A.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/ButlerYMCATurkeyTrot

Nov. 5, 7:30 a.m.: EQT 10 Miler and 10k, Pittsburgh. raceroster.com/events/2023/75730/eqt-pittsburgh-10-miler-2023

Nov.5, 9 a.m.: InFirst Bank Veteran’s Marathon and Half Marathon, Blairsville. Out and back on Ghost Town Trail. Boston qualifier. 724-388-4047 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Blairsville/IndianaFirstBankVeteransMarathonHalfMarathonandMarathonRelay

Nov. 5, 9 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veteran’s Day 5k Race, Hampton Twp. Rolling course through Hampton Community Park, entertainment, post-race buffet. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/OPERATIONTROOPAPPRECIATION5K

Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5 Mile Trail Race, Allison Park. Run on North Park trails starts at Grant Pavilion. trailrunner.com/event/dirt-monster-trail-race/

Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.: Pine Richland 5k Classic, Gibsonia. Run on Pine-Richland High School track. Also 800m & 1600m options seeded by time. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Gibsonia/PineRichlandTrack5k

Race results

Ice Dream Race Kids Run, Aug. 16: Vito Donatelli, 1st Overall M, 3:13; Ben Hindman, 2nd Overall M, 3:13; Amya Buxton, 2nd Overall W, 3:31; Allie Jordan, 3rd Overall W, 3:33; Lexie Davis, 1st Overall W, 3:27; Roman Scott, 1st 8-9 M, 3:23; Levi Richards, 3rd 10-11 M, 3:25; Dan Sabella, 3rd 8-9 M, 3:25; Adrianna Vandegrift, 1st 8-9 W, 3:38; Audrey McMann, 1st 6-7 W, 3:44; Scarlett Blair, 2nd 10-11 W, 3:45; Baylee Hayes, 3rd 8-9 W, 3:59; Clara Sabella, 2nd 6-7 W, 4:03; Nora Rumbaugh, 3rd 6-7 W, 4:04; Judah Woodard, 3rd 5 & Under M, 4:51; Sadie Gildersleeve, 1st 5 & Under W, 4:54; Isaac Prins, 3:40; Ruth Hindman, 3:47; Jasetin Griffin, 3:51; Ryan Eller, 3:56; Ezra Gomez, 3:56; Lyla Holmes, 3:57; Joshua Woodard, 4:04; Preston Buckley, 4:06; Easton Cook, 4:06; Lizzi Jordan, 4:07; Lili Unverzagt, 4:09; Gabby Peluso, 4:09; Ella Faulconbridge, 4:11; Reeves Fowler, 4:13; Joshua Graeser, 4:15; Jack Hedegore, 4:16; Emmett Conjack, 4:29; Teague Scott, 4:32; Klara Edmonds, 4:35; Hudson Fisher, 4:35; Olivia Gomez, 4:36; Lily Faulconbridge, 4:44; Isabella Holtz, 4:46; Anthem Funte, 4:55; Jak McMann, 5:07; Samuel Riddle, 5:15; Tenley Griffin, 5:42; Charlie Thomas, 5:43; Ben Funte, 7:03

Ice Cream Race 5k, Aug. 16 (finishers under 30:00): Jed Christiansen, 1st Overall M, 15:20; MJ Pottinger, 2nd Overall M, 15:39; Colsen Frank, 4th Overall M, 15:57; Amy O’donnell, 1st Overall W, 19:12; Julia Bojaczko, 2nd Overall W, 19:47; Josie Jones, 4th Overall W, 20:07; Gregory Silvaggio, 1st Masters M, 17:46; Melissa Sabella, 1st Masters W, 22:00; Tim Sabella, 1st 16-19 M, 16:24; Chad Pakozdi, 2nd 20-24 M, 16:53; Miles Jenny, 3rd 12-15 M, 17:44; Seth Jenny, 1st 40-44 M, 18:03; Jack Kelley, 2nd 35-39 M, 18:52; Sarah Sabella, 3rd 16-19 W, 20:48; Hannah Gildersleeve, 3rd 35-39 W, 20:51; Michael Brown, 1st 65-69 M, 21:06; Eleanor Chuzie, 1st 20-24 W, 21:08; S Mark Courtney, 2nd 65-69 M, 21:20; Morgan Davis, 2nd 12-15 W, 21:57; Todd Allman, 3rd 55-59 M, 22:08; Chrissy Hayes, 1st 40-44 W, 23:47; Rebekka Dinh, 2nd 30-34 W, 24:14; Jinny Hertweck, 3rd 50-54 W, 24:57; David Suber, 3rd 65-69 M, 25:21; Madison Nash, 3rd 10-11 W, 25:29; Debbie Courtney, 1st 60-64 W, 26:03; Cindy Suber, 3rd 60-64 W, 28:38; Layne Serball, 2nd 8-9 W, 29:29; Rezdyn Harold, 1st 6-7 M, 29:45; Joann Fairhead, 1st 70-74 W, 31:50; Tony Sunseri, 1st 70-74 M, 32:14; Hadley Miller, 1st 6-7 W, 32:31; James Lakin, 3rd 70-74 M, 32:57; Carol English, 3rd 65-69 W, 38:18; Valerie Sands, 2nd 75+ W, 38:24; Andrew Maxwell, 18:02; Simon Hazy, 18:05; Ira Graham, 18:46; Jason Rich, 18:55; Harrison Saltrick, 19:03; George Sabella, 19:20; Timothy Shimo, 19:56; BJ Unverzagt, 20:16; Laken Cook, 20:25; Jake Taciuch, 20:50; Justin Barger, 21:11; Andrew Gildersleeve, 21:35; Alayna Bishop, 21:39; Jack Wells, 21:49; Dallas Jackson, 22:04; Anthony Zieg, 22:09; Noah Graeser, 22:11; Patrick Daugherty, 22:13; Melissa Conjack, 22:17; Talan Conjack, 22:17; Nathaniel Whittaker, 22:17; Thomas Whittaker, 22:20; Michael Gildersleeve, 22:23; Abby Perrine, 22:27; Jarius Huntsberger, 22:41; Juliet Ryan, 22:48; Emmaleah Riddle, 22:52; Ava Hannon, 22:56; Tyler Gomez, 23:07; Caleb Ritenour, 23:09; Levi Fowler, 23:16; Jordan Eckenrode, 23:17; Chloe Highland, 23:28; Cole Tucci, 23:52; Richard Stewart, 24:06; Tim Sloan, 24:09; Dominick Degilio, 24:11; Lurena Stewart, 24:17; Philip Prins, 24:19; Philip David Prins, 24:26; Liza Jefferis, 24:32; Kate Jordan, 24:36; Lindon Fowler, 24:39; Curtis Reynolds, 24:43; Elizabeth Witmer, 24:44; Benjamin Sabella, 24:46; Elsea Moeller, 24:46; Alexis Bishop, 24:49; Rachel Beilstein, 25:05; Cara Rumbaugh, 25:08; Lacey Blair, 25:23; Joe Nash, 25:31; Jesse Burris, 25:32; Bill Swanik, 25:45; Joseph Funte, 25:46; Ravenna Harold, 26:04; Megan Fowler, 26:09; Jarek Moon, 26:12; Claire Allman, 26:17; Megan Scott, 26:23; Mandy James, 26:26; Brooklyn Grace, 26:34; James Stewart, 26:37; Simon Coulter, 26:49; Mateo Holtz, 26:56; Aisling Brink, 26:57; Jen Beachem, 26:58; Justin Rich, 27:00; James Edmonds, 27:03; Amanda Arnhold, 27:05; Leigha Owrey, 27:06; Owen Morris, 27:08; Evonne Patterson, 27:21; Abygail Bishop, 27:31; Corinne Savena, 27:41; Dustin Fox, 27:52; Shields Fowler, 28:00; Jacob Hughes, 28:18; Phoenix Jackson, 28:27; Emilia Eckenrode, 28:50; Jennifer Eckenrode, 28:51; Christopher Kimrey, 29:01; Kelsey Burris, 29:02; Dawn Tucci, 29:02; Brian Crescini, 29:21; Amanda Krise, 29:29; Tom McMann, 29:55; Vicki Brendlinger, 30:09

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle