With the busy weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s sometimes hard to maintain a training schedule. But it’s easy to get festive and celebrate the season at local events.

This Saturday at 9 a.m., Run Santa Run 5k returns to Cranberry Township for a flat and fast loop of Graham Park. Race director Matt Imhof predicts 350-400 participants, most dressed in Santa attire or another holiday-themed garb.

Matt is excited to see race registrations return to pre-pandemic levels. He says that the race may sell out, depending on supply of finisher’s medals. There will be plenty of swag Santa hats, but if the supply of commemorative fleece pajama pants runs out, registration will be discounted.

Run Santa Run begins at the parking area in the back of Graham Park. Matt emphasizes the importance of arriving at the start prior to 8:30 a.m. since park roads, part of the race course, must close at 8:45. Packet pickup on race day starts at 7:30 a.m. There’s no race day registration, but you may register online until Friday night or until the event sells out.

Run Santa Run welcomes all ages and abilities including runners, walkers and strollers. Strollers should line up in the back for safety. No dogs are allowed on the course. In fact, pets are not permitted in Graham Park.

Matt expects a mix of competitive runners, joggers and walkers. Top male and female finishers as well as top three in age groups from 9 & Under through 70+ earn Christmas stockings.

GCXC Race Timing and Management holds nine Santa runs in Pa., Ohio and West Virginia. Pennsylvania’s events include last weekend’s race held at Helicon Brewing in Oakdale and this Sunday’s run in South Park, which is already sold out.

The three PA events support Amachi Pittsburgh’s annual toy collection drive. Participants are urged to bring an unwrapped toy suitable for children ages infant through 18. Cash donations are also accepted. This year, more than $2,000 and countless toys have been collected at Run Santa Runs. For more information about Amachi Pittsburgh and their mission to help kids and families, visit amachipgh.org.

Santa’s not the only one running this season. On Saturday, Dec. 16, The Reindeer Race returns to the scenic streets of Zelienople with 5k, 1 Mile and Half Mile distances and options to run one or all three. The event began in 2013 in Harmony as a selection of kids’ races and expanded to the current format and Zelie location a few years later.

Reindeer Race benefits Get Fit Families’ youth summer camps and scholarships for kids to attend. In addition to awards for top three overall male and female finishers and top three in age groups from 9 & Under through 70+, first girls and boys in the three youth categories of the 5k and 1-Mile earn $250 scholarships to week-long summer running and triathlon camps held by Get Fit Families.

Race director Joella Baker calls Reindeer Race a fun, family race. “Walkers, dogs, strollers,” she laughed. “We let everybody race.” And most dress for the occasion. There are also Best Dressed awards for creative and holiday-themed attire.

Friendship and food are a Reindeer Race tradition. Joella’s parents, David and Ann Richards will be on hand dishing up Ann’s homemade chicken and dumpling soup, veggie chili and more at the Masonic Hall following the runs.

Reindeer race, always a community event, honors an additional heartfelt cause this year. A special basket auction will be held to support the family of Aiden Lutz, a 15-year-old Butler student-athlete who tragically lost his life this year in a bicycle accident.

Joella invites participants and families to also visit the nearby park with Santa houses on display and to tour and shop local businesses on Main Street. Online registration will stay open until Friday, Dec. 15. You may also register on race day at the Masonic Hall.

As the event description invites, “Gather your family and friends, and prepare for a day filled with joy, remembrance, and community spirit?”

Upcoming Events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Run Santa Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Run through Graham Park. Swag includes fleece pajama pants, Santa hat, finishers medal. Bring unwrapped toy for Amachi toy drive. runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTownship/RunSantaRunCranberryTownship

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Run Santa Run, South Park Township. Dress festive for this run through South Park. Swag includes fleece pajama pants, Santa hat, finishers medal. Bring unwrapped toy for Amachi toy drive. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SouthParkTownship/RunSantaRun5KSouthPark

Dece. 16, 10 a.m.: Reindeer 5k, 1 Mile and ½ Mile, Zelienople. 1-Mile starts at 10:45 A.M., ½ Mile at 11:15 A.M. Run one or all three distances. getfitfamilies.com/events-2/reindeer-race/

Dec. 17, 10 a.m.: 3rd Annual Festivus for the Rest of Us 5k, New Florence. Run, walk or ruck starts at New Florence Fire Hall. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewFlorence/NewFlorenceFestivus5k

Dec. 17, 1 p.m.: 2nd Annual Gingerbread 5k Dash, Saint Marys. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SaintMarys/Gingerbread5kDash

Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.: Silvester 5k and 1 Mile, Harmony. Part of Silvester Celebration. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/HarmonySilvester5K

Dec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run or walk through Lights on the Lake in Lakemont Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/HarmonySilvester5K

Jan. 1, 11 a.m.: New Year’s Resolution Run 5k and 1 Mile Family Walk, Oakdale. Run on Panhandle Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Oakdale/NewYearsResolutionRun5Kand1MileFamilyFunWalk

Jan. 6, 1 p.m.: Resolution Run 5k Run/Fun Walk, New Alexandria. Run around Keystone State Lake Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewAlexandria/ResolutionRunWPA

Jan. 7, 10 a.m.: Set Your Year on Fire 5k Run, Walk and Ruck, Ligonier. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Ligonier/SetYourYearOnFire5k2023

Jan. 13, 1 p.m.: Run 2 Read Half Marathon, Fairmont, WV. Run in Prickett’s Fort State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Oakdale/NewYearsResolutionRun5Kand1MileFamilyFunWalk

Jan. 14, 9 a.m.: Frigid 5 Miler, Hampton Township. Run from North Park Lodge, post-race pancakes. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/Frigid5Miler

Feb. 3, 9 a.m.: Groundhog Day 5k, Allison Park. Choice of 5k, 1-Mile Run Run/Walk or Kids Dash for ages 10 and under starts at North Park Boathouse.

Feb. 3, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Day 4 Mile, Punxsutawney. 814-938-6362 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/GroundhogJog4MileRunWalk

Feb. 10, 9 a.m.: 16th Annual Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5k, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Golf Club. 724-613-8133 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/GroundhogDay5kPGHrunsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/CupidsChase5KButler2024

Feb. 11, 9 a.m.: 4Ever Yours 4 Miler and 2-Person Relay, Allison Park. Valentine’s Day-themed race starts at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/4EverYours4Miler

Feb. 11, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Distance between 4 and 6 miles. Predict your finishing time to win. No watches allowed. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/ERCValentinePredictionRun2

Race results

United Way 10k, Sept. 30: Aaron Titus, 1st Overall M, 38:02; Erika Suhy, 1st Overall W, 40:30; Adrienne Harmon, 2nd Overall W, 42:38; Jayne Wolbert, 56:54; Audrey Russin, 56:54

United Way 5k, Sept. 30: Owen Reeher, 1st Overall M, 16:51; Kim Schwanenbauer, 1st Overall W, 19:24; John Olszak, 2nd 60+ M, 25:20; Susan Klabnik, 1st 60+ W, 30:25; Nancy Womeldorf, 2nd 60+ W, 48:01; Donovan Stephens, 20:14; Dmitri Weckerly, 21:10; Fred Weaver, 27:22; Michael LeClaire, 30:59; Ashley LeClaire, 31:09; Megan Dirlam, 31:29; Sue Corbett, 38:01; Zoey Beck, 50:20

#GETNEBBY5k, Oct. 1: Vern Morrow, 1st Overall M, 21:13; Herb Rieger, 2nd Overall M, 22:23; Gabriel Powell, 3rd Overall M, 23:47; Jessica Titler, 1st Overall W, 26:39; Megan Winters, 2nd Overall W, 29:51; Nicole Thurner, 3rd Overall W, 29:54; Troy Rasely, 1st 30-39 M, 23:57; Tim Kramer, 2nd 30-39 M, 24:12; Brian Donatelli, 1st 40-49 M, 24:27; Dylan Claypoole, 1st 20-29 M, 24:46; N. Powell, 1st 10-14 M, 34:14; Laura Pitchford, 1st 30-39 W, 36:36; Amy Farr, 1st 50-59 W, 40:41; Jesse Tincha, 2nd 20-29 M, 42:12; Evan Strittmatter, 3rd 20-29 M, 44:49; Z. Daubenspeck, 1st 9 & Under M, 15:26; Olivia Gilliland, 2nd 30-39 W, 48:07; Dave Lesney, 3rd 30-39 M, 48:53; Caite Green, 3rd 30-39 W, 15:44; Janine Cypher, 1st 60+ W, 50:43; Halee Gilson, 1st 15-19 W, 16:57; Justin Beck, 3rd 20-29 M, 53:58; Mark Tincha, 1st 50-59 M, 55:10; Brian Veri, 2nd 50-59 M, 56:05; Lisa Rosenbauer, 2nd 50-59 W, 56:07; Brit Gocella, 1st 40-49 W, 56:09; Wendy Edwards, 2nd 60+ W, 56:51; Mareen Russell-Martin, 3rd 50-59 W, 57:14; Ruth Purcell, 3rd 60+ W, 57:15; E. Gocella, 2nd 10-14 M, 57:55; Jesse Trimble-Rager, 56:39; Richelle Hartley, 18:26; Dylan Eyth, 57:19; Katie Brehm, 57:25; Madison Veri, 18:29; Billie Brehm, 57:27; Tyler Tincha, 58:02; Jody Farr, 59:06; Nathaniel Holland, 59:38; Maria Welty, 1:02:33; Lori Doerr, 1:02:34; Debbie Brinkley, 1:02:34; Tom Doerr, 1:02:55; Janis Hackett, 1:02:56; James Tincha, 1:03:37; Malissa Tincha, 1:05:42; Nancy Wilson, 1:06:04; Levi Hayes, 1:06:05; Brandon Kight, 1:06:46; Brandy Craig, 1:07:10; Amy Quickle, 1:07:52; Brett Quickle, 1:07:55

Oil Creek 100 Mile Trail Run, Oct. 7: JR Schlabach, 1st Overall M, 20:23:58; Rebecca Kosek, 1st Overall W, 23:35:40

Oil Creek 100k Trail Run, Oct. 7: Jonathan Smith, 1st Overall, 11:53:58; Kimberly Auth, 1st Overall W, 14:14:52; Jacob Southwick, 17:07:20

Oil Creek 50k Trail Run, Oct. 7: Chas Wagner, 1st Overall M, 4:41:33; Melissa Goodman, 1st Overall W, 5:40:36; Eric Slagle, 6:32:02; Nicholas Sterner, 9:05:20

Oil Creek 25k Trail Run, Oct. 7: Rodney Confer, 1st Overall M, 2:09:08; Rachel Southwick, 1st Overall W, 2:51:24; Tyler Staunch, 2:57:47; Mitchell Haight, 3:20:51

Pine-Richland Ram Run 5k, Oct. 8: Jonah Wynn, 1st Overall M, 19:10; Simon Wynn, 3rd Overall M, 19:13; Taylor Bulevich, 1st Overall W, 21:41; Brian Caskey, 1st Masters M, 21:02; Kristen Wickard, 1st Masters W, 23:20; Kristin Helfrich, 3rd Masters W, 31:52; Corbin Jacobs, 1st 20-29 M, 22:25; John Caskoy, 2nd 40-49 M, 22:58; Brent Collins, 1st 60+ M, 23:07; Brian Bolsijevac, 1st 30-39 M, 23:40; Eric Stauffer, 2nd 20-29 M, 23:40; Bryan Iams, 1st 50-59 M, 24:11; Juliana Hunkele, 1st 12-15 W, 24:15; Nadia Wickard, 1st 9-11 W, 24:24; Christine Farmer, 1st 30-39 W, 24:36; Peter Lyons, 2nd 50-59 M, 24:46; William Wickard, 3rd 40-49 M, 24:48; Mark Schellhaas, 1st 8 & Under M, 25:16; Brooke Donatelli, 2nd 9-11 W, 25:18; Richie Redlinger, 2nd 9-11 M, 27:16; Janell Baden, 3rd 30-39 W, 27:17; Gabriel Vargo, 3rd 9-11 M, 27:18; Anna Schellhaas, 2nd 12-15 W, 29:02; Mia Kampmeyer, 1st 8 & Under W, 30:43; Joe Sasso, 3rd 50-59 M, 30:49; Lorelai Urso, 2nd 8 & Under W, 32:19; Stefanie Disilvio, 1st 40-49 W, 33:56; William Donatelli, 2nd 60+ M, 35:40; Adison Cowan, 3rd 12-15 W, 36:52; Shawna McIntyre, 3rd 40-49 W, 41:17; Don Donatelli, 25:20; Matt Schellhaas, 25:26; Brian Sprool, 26:01; Gauthier Robe, 26:47; David Vargo, 28:00; Enzo Urso, 28:23; Reese Bummer, 29:54; Lena Sasso, 30:41; Francesca Disilvio, 30:54; Phillip Disilvio, 30:57; Paul Urso, 32:20; Amelia Lam, 32:52; Oscar Disilvio, 33:54; Danijel Brener, 34:38; Sarah Brashear, 34:49; Cameron Brash, 36:52; Michael Jenkinson, 37:35; Mason Jenkinson, 37:36; Vada Himes, 39:54; Kelly Himes, 39:56; Luke Miller, 41:04

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle