Holiday lights come down.

Cold, dark winter stretches out for months. Winter can be a lonely season, especially for those who suffer from seasonal depression.

But seasonal sadness doesn’t explain a wave of loneliness and disconnection that’s blanketing our population.

Even before the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of adults in the U.S. reported levels of loneliness. This past May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivec Murthy released a General Advisary calling attention to a nationwide health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection.

Physical health consequences of this loneliness include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32 % increased risk of stroke and 50% increased risk of dementia in older adults. Lack of social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60 %.

And it’s not only adults who suffer. In addition to adversely affecting physical health, loneliness contributes to depression and anxiety in people of all ages, including children.

While running isn’t the prescription to cure all ills, it does hold power to influence physical and mental health. Running improves cardiovascular health and muscular strength, increases bone density, and can lower blood pressure and resting heart rate.

Running can improve blood sugar control, lower cholesterol and reduce body fat percentage. Improving those physical markers lays a healthy base that leads to an overall feeling of health and well-being.

Running (or walking) outdoors adds the benefits of stimulating all the senses. Spending time in natural light, even in dim Western PA light, improves mood and reduces stress and depression.

Exposure to Vitamin D in sunlight may protect against osteoporosis, cancer and depression. And being in nature just makes us feel better about ourselves.

Running alone is an amazingly effective preventive medicine, but running with a buddy or in a group bestows even more mental health benefits. As noted by David Berman in NIFS Healthy Living Blog, group running promotes a sense of belonging and purpose, stimulates creative thinking and provides motivation.

Running together builds and strengthens relationships and connections over a wide range of ages, temperaments and abilities — We’re all members of the same tribe.

So where do we look for these like-minded tribes — men and women? You could start by perusing the Events listings in this column. Most races, large or small, buzz with nervous conversation at packet pickup or the starting line and more relaxed post-race banter with cooldown and snacks.

Most runners enjoy talking about their sport almost as much as doing it. A simple, “How do you like those new Hokas?” or “Is this your first time running this event?” are sure lead-ins to conversation.

Look for events that include kids’ runs, walks or activities to interest the whole family. And volunteering for an event can be a great way to connect with your family and others.

If you’re not into racing, check out some of the local non-competitive running clubs. Butler County Milers, formed in January of 2020, shares the love of running and being active with the community. Check their Facebook page or email butlercountymilers.com for weekly road and trail runs or walks.

North Park Trail Runners Club members lead trail runs of various lengths and paces on many days each week, and not necessarily only in North Park. Events are listed on the club’s Facebook page.

Local health clubs, YMCAs and running stores sometimes act as anchors for social or competitive running clubs. Check in with one close to you.

And if you’d like to merge two social activities, try adding beer to running. Some Pittsburgh breweries such as Dancing Gnome and Allegheny City Brewing hold fun runs with post-run beer. And don’t forget the original running and drinking club, Hash House Harriers, which hosts events in the Pittsburgh area.

Saturday, 9 a.m.: North Park Half Marathon, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/NorthParkHalfMarathon

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

Sunday, 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/WV/Fairmont/RuntoReadHalfMarathon

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. 10, 10 a.m.: 16th Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5k, Pittsburgh. Starts near PNC Park, runs on North Shore. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/CupidsChase5KPittsburgh

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: You Complete Me 5k, Canfield, OH. Run at Canfield Fairgrounds, finisher’s medals for individuals and couples. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Canfield/YouCompleteMe5K

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/sonPark/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

Feb. 17, 8 a.m.: NPTR Frozen Goat 2024, Allison Park. Choice of 20, 15, 10 or 5 miles on North Park trails. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=112230

Feb. 17, 9 a.m.: Epicenter Eight (0.5), Fredonia. Race 1 of MCTA 26.2 Series. 724-301-6775 or www.mctrails.org/events-1

Feb. 17, 4 p.m.: Big One Run Mile Race and 5k, New Castle. Run in Cascade Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN

Feb. 24, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw 5, 10, 15 or 20 Miles, Allison Park. Start at Boathouse, run loops around North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw

March 2, 9 a.m.: Shamrock Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Run in Graham Park. Also 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash. runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTownship/ShamrockRunCranberry

March 2, 9 a.m.: South Park Half Marathon, South Park Township. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SouthParkTownship/SouthParkHalfMarathon

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, October 21: Will Loevner, 1st Overall M, 1:04:57; Jennifer Bigham, 1st Overall W, 1:18:10; Josh Flanhofer, 2nd 35-39 M, 1:19:51; Corey Zielinski, 3rd 30-34 M, 1:24:42; Michal Kawecki, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:25:35; Brian McGowan, 1st 55-59 M, 1:30:52; Todd Roberts, 2nd 55-59 M, 1:32:38; Michael Brown, 1st 65-69 M, 1:34:40; Kim Platt, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:43:57; Grace Wu, 1st 19 & Under W, 1:45:17; Chuck Sarver, 2nd 65-69 M, 1:47:48; Susan DiCello, 2nd 60-64 W, 1:56:44; Richard Adams, 1st 70+ M, 2:10:32; Debbie Deddo, 2nd 65-69 W, 2:15:37; Patricia Neubert, 2nd 70+ W, 2:15:46; Tyler Ross, 1:29:03; Matthew Sydlik, 1:29:29; Adriene Harmon, 1:30:59; Matt Bernardi, 1:31:20; Marc Bentley, 1:32:37; Brian Lasko, 1:33:08; Christopher Boltz, 1:34:19; Melissa Conjack, 1:34:54; Jake Taciuch, 1:35:07; Jeromee Geibel, 1:35:09; Kevin Hixon, 1:35:54; Vincent Donatelli, 1:36:14; Matthew Opdyke, 1:37:58; Calum Munro, 1:38:25; Matthew Frazer, 1:39:24; Randal Boivin, 1:39:53; Greg Huth, 1:40:47; Donald Donatelli, 1:40:56; James Dankovich, 1:41:48; Jordan Peticca, 1:43:12; Doug Donatelli, 1:45:11; John Armstrong, 1:45:13; Richard Stewart, 1:45:25; Andrew Nigra, 1:45:49; Travis Domhoff, 1:45:53; Stephen Hepler, 1:46:20; Alyssa Siegel, 1:46:20; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 1:46:50; Dustin Kalkbrenner, 1:47:27; Thomas Toplak, 1:48:05; Caleb Rauscher, 1:48:35; Chris Romito, 1:48:48; Tony Chan, 1:48:57; Lurena Stewart, 1:49:26; Brian Welsh, 1:49:36; Scott Bowes, 1:49:54; Michael Trusik, 1:50:08; Rick Paese, 1:50:28; Sonnet Robertson, 1:50:37; Briana Dugan, 1:50:51; Matthew Corbin, 1:51:13; Myah Haid, 1:51:13; William Burns, 1:51:29; Nicole Laborie, 1:52:32; Rose Manning, Jason Kovach, 1:53:37; Roger Lutz, 1:53:48; Angela Giori, 1:53:58; Lisa Waddell, 1:54;54; Catherine Hrach, 1:55:17; James Stewart, 1:55:58; AJ May, 1:56:20; Jaimee Freyermuth, 1:56:39; Ryan Karlheim, 1:56:44; Connie Hoffer, 1:56:52; Amanda Zavidnym 1:57:06; Nick King, 1:57:07; Amanda Hardt, 1:57:23; Debbie Fugate, 1:58:00; Taylor Amerson, 1:58:07; Andrew Menchyk, 1:58:26; Meredith Eckman, 1:58:41; Kim McLoughlin, 1:58:56; Douglas Hall, 1:59:02; Trevor Zaliponi, 1:59:10; Denise Whitacre, 1:59:32; Wendy Wick, 1:59:33; Nicole Prioletti, 1:59:40; Seth Stallard, 1:59:41; Barbie Cessar, 2:00:43; Karen DeLorenzo, 2:02:47; Karl Johnson, 2:03:07; Shawna Zaliponi, 2:03:36; John Lesjack, 2:03:52; Jason Steele, 2:04:06; Jen Beachem, 2:05:25; Mandy James, 2:05:56; Cayden Beck, 2:06:33; Bill Swanik, 2:06:50; Lucas Bowser, 2:06:55; Jennifer Eckenrode, 2:07:34; Josh Albert, 2:08:01; Jodi Porterfield, 2:08:21; Brian Crescini, 2:08:23; Timothy Miller, 2:08:25; Katie Kukieza, 2:08:43; Annie Kukieza, 2:08:44; Heather Alter, 2:08:53; Jarrod Sleppy, 2:09:00; Elizabeth Svoboda, 2:09:00; Jessica Bryan, 2:09:10; Jill Takach, 2:09:25; Dylan Snyder, 2:10:22; Jim Henry, 2:10:26; Lauren DiGiorno, 2:10:32; Carly Thompson, 2:10:38; Jeff Huckenstein, 2:11:03; Crystal Wonderling, 2:11:31; Julie Hook, 2:11:32; Stephanie White, 2:12:10; Anna Toplak, 2:12:48; Stephen Haberman, 2:13:56; Veronica Prefling, 2:14:44; Brad Prefling, 2:14:44; Mike Mills, 2:15:07; Rachel Rutkowski, 2:15:20; Abigail Williams, 2:16:57; Megan Koroly, 2:18:24; Patrick Koroly, 2:18:31; William Wolfe, 2:20:02; Wyatt Wolfe, 2:20:03; Trista Huth, 2:20:49; Jennifer Rottman, 2:22:21; Amy Lutz, 2:22:46; Henry Nolan, 2:22:57; Kayla Albert, 2:24:13; Casey Eckman, 2:25:11; Matt Riffle, 2:28:31; Josie Kiggins, 2:32:47; Jodie Anderson, 2:32:38; Lacey Anderson, 2:32:48; Amber Trusik, 2:33:08; Maura Harrocks, 2:34:01; John Sestak, 2:35:01; Sam Hartzberg, 2:35:45; Robert Dum, 2:35:58; Amy Stinelli, 2:39:22; Riley Cornelious, 2:39:56; Madison Hersman, 2:39:57; Olivia Sutara, 2:40:17; Nick Hersman, 2:40:32; Philip Cornelious, 2:40:33; Katie Frantz, 2:43:10; Katie Elliz, 2:45:07; Abigail Steele, 2:47:31; Lori Haughey, 2:48:01; Christen Dummer, 2:48:10; Christina McNamara, 2:49:17; Ashley Burns, 2:53:25; Michael McNamara, 2:53:50; Mackenzie Campbell, 2:57:49; Jacob Bash, 2:58:43; Jenn Mertz, 2:59:11; Katherine Metcalfe, 2:59:13; Heidi McDowell, 3:01:03; Jenn Tompkins, 3:01:09; Jim Haughey, 3:01:16; Abigail Haughey, 3:01:17; Bertha Cazy, 3:02:08; Michael Reed, 3:09:48

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle