Site last updated: Monday, November 4, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Sign-ups still open for annual Buffalo Creek Half-Marathon

There are plenty of long-distance runs in Western Pennsylvania, but few of them take place in such a gorgeous setting as the Buffalo Creek Half-Marathon.

The 19th edition will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, and will go forward rain or shine.

The race is point-to-point, with most of it — roughly 11 miles of the 13-mile distance — taking place along the Butler-Freeport Community Trail in Buffalo Township. The starting point is at Cabot Methodist Church in Winfield Township, with the finish line in Freeport, Armstrong County.

The half-marathon serves as the main fundraiser for the Butler-Freeport Community Trail and raises tens of thousands of dollars every year in both registration fees and sponsorships.

“Back in the beginning when we started it, we made a few hundred dollars,” said Chris Ziegler, president of the trail association. “And now we make between $30,000 and $40,000.”

Funds from the event will go to maintaining the 21-mile trail, which spans parts of both counties, and is entirely staffed by volunteers.

“We use them for maintenance ... if we have a washout or if we have to buy stones,” Ziegler said. “There are no admin costs. We have no paid staff. We’re all volunteers.”

Registration is still open for runners interested in taking part in the half-marathon and is available at runsignup.com. The cost of registration is currently $60, although the price will increase after the end of September. Registration will close on Oct. 18.

The organizers are seeking volunteers willing to work from 6:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to check in runners and hand out number bibs and race T-shirts.

“We have about 180 volunteers that help out in the two days leading up to and including the race,” Ziegler said.

For runners, there will be hydration available at miles 2, 5, 7, 9, 12 and the finish. A shuttle will be available to take runners from Freeport back to Winfield Township after they finish the race.

More in Arts & Entertainment

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS