It’s never been canceled in 47 years — not for bad weather, bad viruses or anything else that might shut down a road race. The 48th Spring Thaw is set to run its laps around North Park Lake at 10 a.m. on Feb. 24 .

Spring Thaw was born in the days of the first running boom to offer local distance runners an opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Marathoners Tom Abbot and Harry Kucherer created the First Annual Boston Marathon Qualifier Marathon in scenic North Park. The event had 24 finishers but by 2000, participation had increased to nearly 200.

The race eventually evolved from a full 26.2 marathon to a multi-distance event of 10, 15 and 20-mile runs in consecutive loops around North Park Lake. Last year, Spring Thaw added a 5-mile distance to the line-up. This new distance is second only to the 10-mile in participation. Race director Matt Imhof speculates that the shorter distances are more popular because Spring Thaw’s February date is still early in runners’ training cycles when they haven’t hit their peak endurance.

Imhof took over as race director in 2020. He’s only the third director in the event’s long history after Mark Courtney and Kevin Smith.

At its peak in the mid-2000s, Spring Thaw saw peak participation numbers above 1,000. Based on last year’s numbers and this year’s sign-ups so far, Imhof expects more than 600 runners.

He urges everyone to register online for the event though there will be in-person registration along with packet pickup from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at Pro Bike+Run in North Park. Although Matt highly discourages day-of-event registration, last minute sign-ups open at 8:30 a.m. on race day unless the event sells out first.

All registered runners will receive commemorative socks and finishers earn hats. Top three men and women, top masters runners in the 10-Mile and top runners in age groups in all distances earn stuffed teddy bear awards. All finishers are rewarded with hot soup and refreshments following the event.

Runners in all the distances line up together and follow the same 5-mile loop around the lake. There will be pacers for various paces for the 10 and 15-mile distances. Visit runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw for details.

Pet dogs are not allowed on the course, but participants with service animals may contact Imhof for special accommodations. Strollers are permitted, but requested to line up in the back of the pack. Imhof advises parents to keep in mind that although the course is paved and gently rolling, the race runs next to park road traffic for several miles which may be unpleasant for stroller-riders.

There are three aid stations per 5-mile loop on the course offering water and Gatorade. And GU is available at the station just past the Boathouse. Check out course and aid station details at the Runsignup.com site.

If you’re not able to “go the distance” for 5 to 20 miles, Imhof says they always need volunteers for a large event like Spring Thaw. Check out the Runsignup race site for volunteer opportunities from bag check to helping at aid stations, post-race food distribution to clean-up.

For the first time in the event’s long history, donations will benefit 412 Food Rescue. This is part of GCXC Timing’s focus on making charity a part of every one of their events in 2024.

412 Food Rescue, with the help of 20,000+ volunteers, has picked up over 26 million pounds of surplus food from food retailers and delivered the equivalent of 21.6 million meals to non-profit partners serving local people in need. For more information about this charity and how to get involved, visit 412foodrescue.org.

Matt Imhof’s parting advice for Spring Thaw is to arrive early and carpool if possible since there is limited parking at North Park Boathouse and to have a fun race.

On a sad note, the world lost a legend when marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a car accident in western Kenya last Sunday. Kiptum, age 24, had broken the world marathon record four months ago with his finishing time of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon.

Upcoming Events

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. Finishers medals to all. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN

Feb 24, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw 5, 10, 15 or 20 Miles, Allison Park. 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

March 2, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k, Ellwood City. Scenic 5k with cash prizes for overall and 70+. 724-841-6528 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5K

March 9, 9 a.m.: March Mad Dash, Allison Park. Run 5k, 5 miles or 10 miles at North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/MarchMadDash

March 9, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp 4.6 Miles, Sharpsville. Race #2 in MCTA 26.2 Series, run on Trout Island Trail. 724-301-6775 or www.mctrails.org/events-1

March 9, 10 a.m.: PHN Charitable Foundation’s Shamrock ‘N’ Run 5k Run/Walk, Sharon. Post-race celebration with breakfast buffet, Irish dance and bagpipe performances. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sharon/ShamrockNRun5krunwalk

March 15, 5 p.m.-March 17, 4 P.M.: Rabid Racoon 100, Beaver Falls. Run 5k, half marathon, 100k or 100 miles in Brady’s Run Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/BeaverFalls/RabidRaccoon100

March 16, 8 a.m.: Gold Rush 5k and 10k, Tyrone. Also untimed kids run. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Tyrone/GoldRushRace5K10K

March 16, 1 p.m.: Shamrock Run 5k and 1-Mile, Canfield, OH. Run at Canfield Fairgrounds. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Canfield/ShamrockRunCanfieldFairgrounds

March 23, 7:30 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Harmony. Challenging half marathon, rolling 5k and 1-mile events. Post-race food and drinks. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/ShamrockShuffleZeienopleRotary

March 23, 8:30 a.m.: Just A Short Run, Allison Park. Choice of 5k, 8.1 miles, half marathon or 30k starting at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/JASR

March 23, 9 a.m.: Fight for Air Climb Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh. Run up 42 floors of One Oxford Centre building. 412-430-3061 or action.lung.org/site/TR?fr_id=25488&pg=entry

March 23, 10 a.m.: Butler’s Best Buddies Easter Egg Dash 5k, Bunny Hop 1 Mile and Kids Easter Egg Hunt, Butler. Held at Butler High School’s Art Bernardi Stadium. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/BestBuddiesEasterEggDash

March 23, 10 a.m.: Semper Gratus Shamrock Shuffle 5k and Fun Walk, Leechburg. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leechburg/ShamShuffle

Race results

Nittany Valley Half Marathon (GPS 12.95 miles), Dec. 3: Alexander Miller, 1st Overall M, 1:13:27; Liz Wright, 1st Overall W, 1:23:36; Ben Rishel, 1:37:34; S. Mark Courtney, 1:47:25; Mark Heron, 1:49:26; John Armstrong, 1:51:47; Dana Nicklas, 2:05:22; Luis Duque, 2:08:25; Bill Swanik, 2:15:50; Bobbi Betush, 2:20:00; Beatrix Stickney, 2:24:11

Saxonburg Truthahntrab 5k, Nov. 25 (top 200): Mike Formica, 1st Overall M, 15:48; Ethan Wymer, 2nd Overall M, 16:02; Daniel Deal, Jr., 3rd Overall M, 16:12; Sammy Jo Barnes, 1st Overall W, 19:10; Ava Santora, 2nd Overall W, 20:28; Quintin Weaver, 2nd 20-29 M, 16:29; Carter French, 1st 15-19 M, 16:59; Terry Beacom, 1st 40-49 M, 18:46; Bob Teagarden, 2nd 40-49 M, 18:51; Jack Kelley, 3rd 40-49 M, 19:26; Eli Ruediger, 2nd 15-19 M, 20:23; David Kristine, 1st 10-14 M, 20:00; Connor McCool, 2nd 10-14 M, 22:12; Meredith Heusey, 1st 40-49 W, 22:20; Thomas Karenbauer, 1st 50-59 M, 22:26; Liam Lash, 3rd 10-14 M, 22:47; Grace Kristine, 1st 15-19 W, 24:00; Mark Lamison, 2nd 50-59 M, 24:19; Brooke Galcik, 2nd 15-19 W, 24:28; Natalie Zolinas, 1st 10-14 W, 24:31; Gia Vresko, 2nd 10-14 W, 24:35; Fallon Bright, 3rd 15-19 W, 24:51; Erin Du Carme, 2nd 30-39 W, 24:52; Micci Hallinan, 1st 60-69 W, 25:22; Anderson Blakely, 3rd 15-19 M, 25:40; Mitch Radella, 3rd 50-59 M, 25:49; Krista Geagan, 3rd 30-39 W, 25:52; Jinny Hertweck, 1st 50-59 W, 26:16; Trish Olkowski, 2nd 50-59 W, 28:20; Madison Hunt, 1st 20-29 W, 29:32; Kristen Kramer, 2nd 20-29 W, 29:46; Malena Maust, 3rd 20-29 W, 30:10; Lucia Cecchetti, 1st 9 & Under W, 30:42; Jackie Karenbauer, 3rd 50-59 W, 30:45 Patricia Neubert, 1st 70+ W, 30:56; Susan Kushnerit,3rd 60-69 W, 31:47; David Drane, 1st 60-69 M, 33:33; Emily Senge, 2nd 9 & Under W, 37:54; Nina Ceccheth, 3rd 9 & Under W, 38:07; Sanay Tackett, 3rd 9 & Under M, 38:35; David Lockerman, 2nd 70+ M, 41:17; John Tackett, 3rd 70+ M, 1:03:38; Connie Tackett, 3rd 70+ W, 1:03:38; Connor Lamison, 18:51; Brian Tackett, 19:24; Owen Vweneski, 19:37; Josh McGinley, 19:56; Rich Earls, 20:03; Benjamin Hutterer, 20:12; Sean Tackett, 21:09; Travis Domhoff, 21:39; Fred Weaver, 21:51; Robert Dummer, 22:07; Patrick Jones, 22:23; Tim Heusey, 22:52; Mitch Andrews, 24:02; Vincent Salvio, 24:14; Brad Emsurak, 24:23; Quinn McCool, 24:26; Owen French, 24:30; Chris Smith, 24:50; Emma Slusser, 25:09; Laurel Hull, 25:09; Myah Smith, 25:12; Braedan Drane, 25:33; Matt Karenbauer, 26:02; Jeff Huckenstein, 26:08; Julia Hixon, 26:11; Kevin Hixon, 26:12; Anthony Beilstein, 26:16; Eric Slagle, 27:13; Mandy Saeler, 27:19; Cooper Rauschenberger, 27:31; Philip Coachman, 27:40; Liam Smith, 27:41; Allison Smith, 27:56; Brea Grant, 28:33; Amanda Fleming, 28:37; Brooke Emsurak, 28:50; Michael Wippenbeck, 29:02; Daniel French, 29:04; David Drane, 29:09; Yumiko Kuo, 29:12; Elisha Crofutt, 29:19; Joni Krajcovic, 29:30; Stephanie Eagal, 29:32; Austin Blakely, 29:41; Supriya Munshaw, 29:47; Ella Barkley, 29:51; Dakota Sexton, 29:57; Savannah Zanoli, 30:02; Chris Zanoli, 30:04; Aaron O'Leary, 30:24; Jenna Galcik, 30:25; Daniele Cecchetti, 30:43; Haley Hutterer, 30:47; Heather Thompson, 31:03; Theodore Tackett, 31:16; Jessica Bryan, 31:31; Lauren O’Donnell, 31:31; Laura Augustine, 31:37; Susan Landgraf, 31:56; Susan Wahl, 32:13; Lily Crowley, 32:16; Michelle Michaelis, 32:17; Jill Leicher, 32:23; Dianna Craig, 32:29; Erin Zanella, 33:09; Lauren Karenbauer, 33:09; Breanna Drane, 33:33; Meegan Looper, 33:37; Sherrie Mazurek, 33:42; Chad Filges, 33:57; Cindy Townley, 34:05; Jared Townley, 34:06; Katie O'Leary, 34:08; Heather Cottage, 34:08; Matt Jones, 34:22; Laurie Jones, 34:39; Rachelle Kelley, 34:45; Christen Dummer, 34:47; Jill Terwilliger, 34:47; Adelynn Thompson, 34:53; Cailin Christie, 34:53; Terri Delzer, 35:09; Emily Deshantz, 35:13; Erica Nebel, 35:17; Jennifer Shuler, 35:23; Olivia Sutara, 35:50; Heidi Fleming, 36:00; Ashley Burns, 37:00; Melissa Crowley, 37:25; Jason Ceccheth, 38:06; Alyssa Patterson, 38:26; Claire Patterson, 38:26; Eric Patterson, 38:29; Jodi Patterson, 38:29; Carol English, 38:35; Craig Smith, 39:15; Catherine Reese, 39:26; Sarah Drane, 39:35, Haley Watkins, 39:36; Emilie Jones; 40:13; Jeremiah Richardson, 40:14; Isabelle Richardson, 40:17; Emma Shuler, 40:22; Emily Townley, 40:31; Valerie Chittester, 41:30; Mary Cooper, 41:44

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle