More than 46,000 runners and walkers and 150,000 spectators celebrated the biggest run in the region at the Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon and associated events last weekend.

Participation numbers included individuals and members of 750 five-person relay teams. All 50 states and 19 countries were represented.

Running Pittsburgh’s 26.2-mile course is not easy, but Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa, of Ethiopia, finished first overall in the men’s race in 2:14:28. Jane Bareikis, of Chicago, was the first woman in 2:35:59. The half marathon saw an exciting photo-finish win by Kenyan Dominic Ondoro in 1:01:46, while Evelyn Kemboi, also of Kenya, finished as first woman in a time of 1:10:05.

I enjoy the energy of a big city marathon, but last weekend I chose to attend an event at the other end of the excitement spectrum. I ran a small-town half marathon to accompany friend Jinny Hertweck on her quest to complete her lifetime 25th marathon.

The 46th Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon boasted fewer than 3,200 finishers for race distances of kids’ 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half and full marathon combined. And all but one of the winners had a Michigan address.

The Kalamazoo Marathon had all the essentials: certified course, chip timing, aid and refueling stations, post-race replenishing snacks and great finisher medals. What the event lacked in size, it made up in attitude — the attitude of midwestern friendship and camaraderie. Everyone downtown and along the winding residential course was encouraging, helpful and excited for the success of this hometown effort and all the participants.

Jinny and I, after our races and an afternoon nap, encountered that same hometown friendliness as we wandered the downtown area. Kalamazoo is home to a vibrant arts community, the nation’s oldest outdoor pedestrian mall, NCAA ice hockey champion Western Michigan University and Bell’s Brewery.

If you’d like to visit, next year’s Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon will be April 26, 2026. Visit www.zeiglerkalamazoomarathon.com for more information or to register.

This weekend, you don’t have to travel far to run a good race for a good cause. The 2nd annual Run Like a Mother 5K and 1-Mile Walk on Moraine State Park’s paved bike trail begins at Lakeview Beach, Pavilion 4.

Keller Williams, international real estate franchise and race sponsor, is committed to giving back to the community it serves. Real estate agent and race director Brandy Kight said last year’s event with 204 runners raised more than $7,600 for Isaiah 117 House, a charity that offers kids who are awaiting placement in foster care a safe and friendly space. They are on track to give over $5,000 this year to provide shoes, clothing, cribs, car seats or whatever is needed for kids on their way to foster homes.

Kight said the event welcomes everyone — runners, walkers, strollers and dogs on leashes. She said it’s a great event for first timers. Race day registration opens at 7 a.m. Sunday. Burn Boot Camp will lead runners in a warmup before the 9 a.m. start.

Post-race refreshments include water, fruit and snacks. There will also be a lemonade stand at the finish area. Through the generosity of community sponsors, Run Like a Mother will offer cash prizes for overall winners and first male and female finishers in age groups from 11-under through 20-29. Age groups through 60-plus receive medals.

For more information about Isaiah 117 House, visit https://isaiah117house.com/

Saturday, 6 a.m.: Glacier Ridge 20-Mile, 50K and 50-Mile, Portersville. Challenging trail runs starting at Moraine State Park’s North Shore. Volunteers also needed. www.glacierridgetrailultra.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Thrifty 5K, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Pool area, Garage Sale with vintage GCXC shirts and medals. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/Thrifty5KPittsburgh

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.: Paws & Feet 5K, Ford City. 724-859-3559 or calliesbartender@gmail.com

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Butler’s Back the Blue 5K, Butler. Also 2-Mile Walk starting at Alameda Park’s carousel pavilion. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/ButlersBacktheBlue5k

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Run Like a Mother 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, Portersville. Run/walk on Moraine State Park’s paved bike trail starting at North Shore Beach Pavilion 4. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/RunLikeaMother5kMoraineStatePark

May 14, 6:30 p.m.: Frick Park Spring Trail Series, Pittsburgh. Race No. 3 in series with 5.84 miles and 600 feet of climb on Frick Park trails. Orienteering event of 5-6 miles in Frick Park. www.movemint.cc/events/race_3_orienteering_by_kevin_tucker_2025

May 16, 7 p.m.: Elderton 5K, Elderton. 724-354-3779 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Elderton/Elderton5KRunWalk

May 17, 7 a.m.: Oil Creek 5 & 13 Mile Stacked Trail Races, Titusville. Choice of 5, 13 or 18 miles on Gerard Hiking Trail in Oil Creek State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Titusville/OilCreekStackedTrailRaces

May 18, 10 a.m.: Lace Up for the Library presented by Patti J. Nelson Foundation, Evans City. Challenging course on back roads with post-race lunch benefits Evans City Library. runsignup.com/Race/PA/EvansCity/PattiJNelsonFoundationMemorialRunWalk

May 21, 6:30 p.m.: Frick Park Spring Trail Series, Pittsburgh. www.movemint.cc/events/frick_park_race_4_5mile_speed_2025_Rw

May 23, 7 p.m.: Fryburg Mayfest Fun Run/Walk 5K, Fryburg. Challenging course kicks off Mayfest celebration. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Fryburg/FryburgMayfestFunRun5K

May 24, 9 a.m.: Memorial Day Remembrance 5K/10K run, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/MemorialDayRemembranceRun

May 31, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 10K and 5K Run/Walk, Sarver. Run on Butler-Freeport Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportFlash5K10K

June 1, 7 a.m.: South Ridge Trail Challenge 5K, 10K, 20K, Allison Park. Trail run begins at North Park Pool area. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallenge

June 1, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5K, Pittsburgh. Run through hilly Schenley Park. 412-328-0190 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/GreenfieldGlide

June 1, 9 a.m.: Run to Breathe Half Marathon and 5K, Portersville. Run out and back on Moraine State Park’s paved bike trail to support PA Cystic Fibrosis, Inc. 724-841-6528 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/RunToBreatheHalfMarathon5K

June 5, 6:30 p.m.: 33rd Annual Gateway Mile, Monroeville. Free run in heats on Gateway Middle School Track, created by Don and Tammy Slusser. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Monroeville/Mars

June 7, 7 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Galeton. Point-to-point from Galeton to Coudersport, named one of the “10 toughest marathons” by Runner’s World. 814-558-5353 or rungcm.com

Butler’s Best Buddies Easter Egg Dash 5K, April 12: Jim Haughey, 1st Overall M, 20:17; Andrew Grossman, 1st Overall Wheelchair, 22:36; Melissa Zundel, 1st Overall W, 24:38; Jerome Geibel, 1st 20-39 M, 20:24; Kevin Lupo, 2nd 20-39 M, 21:53; Cooper Rauschenberger, 1st 14 & Under M, 24:00; Luke Robbins, 1st 15-19 M, 24:31; Jacob Ponteous, 2nd 14 & Under M, 24:50; Sara Young, 1st 20-39 W, 24:53; Gregg West, 1st 40-59 M, 25:59; Cayden Quinn, 3rd 14 & Under M, 26:09; Casey Clouse, 1st 15-19 W, 26:26; Jen Beachem, 2nd 40-59 W, 26:37; Mandy James, 3rd 40-59 W, 27:03; Kayla Yepez, 3rd 20-39 W, 27:54; Natalie Weyant, 2nd 14 & Under W, 28:53; Emily Clouse, 3rd 14 & Under W, 28:53; Ken Walker, 2nd 40-59 M, 29:01; Tye West, 2nd 15-19 M, 31:54; Anthony Sunseri, 2nd 60+ M, 33:31; Joshua Ramos, 3rd 40-59 M, 48:37; Ethan Fouch, 3rd 15-19 M, 51:54; Kathy White, 2nd 15-19 W, 52:26; Andrew Wasko, 23:42; Dominic Cardamone, 26:04; Alex Tvaroha, 27:54; Holly Markel, 28:00; Jessica Green, 28:28; Letricia Vantine, 28:36; Douglas Green, 28:42; Kerry Lascuola, 28:43; Hope Barnhart, 29:22; Logan Smith, 29:51; Isabelle Fesler, 30:51; Dianna Craig, 30:55; Tasha Ponteous, 30:56; Lori Haughey, 32:15; Jenn Fesler, 32:20; Rose Cardamone, 32:45; Andrea Smith, 33:25; Judson Smith, 33:52; Susan Landgraf, 34:17; Kimberly Elser, 37:12; Becky Clouse, 37:39; Maria Cosme, 39:02; Abigail Haughey, 46:43; Elizabeth Haughey, 47:27; Sophia Ramos, 48:38; Monica Ramos, 50:58; Cristi Daugherty, 59:39; Dale Daugherty, 1:01:12

Butler’s Best Buddies Bunny Hop 1 Mile, April 12: Tyson Netzel, 6:52; Levi Mersing, 7:42; Talon Netzel, 8:08; Paisley Werner, 8:31; Julius Wick, 8:40; Liam Cosme, 8:52; Lucia Wick, 8:56; Anna James, 8:58; Aurora Gumpp, 9:01; Chelsie Wick, 9:28; Jackson Harper, 9:54; Cali Beachem, 9:59; Isabelle Fesler, 10:02; Bob Wick, 10:18; Karlie Harper, 10:24; Jenn Fesler, 10:27; Cohen Ingram, 10:35; Stephen Kline, 10:37; Hayden Gilliland, 10:50; Ryli Beachem, 11:07; Wynsla Gumpp, 11:31; Tyler Fazio, 11:52; Maddox Weltner, 11:59; Abby Rivera, 11:59; Emily Gumpp, 12:08; Dale Clark, 12:25; Mariella Clark, 12:26; Julia Crawford, 12:34; Lillie Mersing, 12:59; Annie Mersing, 13:05; Liam Snyder, 13:12; Caitlin Snyder, 13:12; Karla Clark, 13:21; William Clark, 13:23; Emily Gibson, 13:30; Sophia Gibson, 14:10; Jose Cosme, 14:15; Callum Cosme, 14:17; Mya Zabicki, 14:38; Kena Zabicki, 14:39; Rhiannon Bulfone; 15:13; Chris Bulfone, 15:20; Layla Stanfill, 15:56; Ron Gianneski, 16:31; Luke Robbins, 16:50; Erik Robbins, 16:50; Renee Miller, 17:11; Jason Hindman, 17:20; Gayle Hindman, 17:20; Krystal Rivera, 17:35; Lisa Hilliard, 17:35; William Gibson, 17:36; Megan Burrows, 17:49; Camden Burrows, 17:50; Lynsey Bleicher, 18:17; Heather Venesky, 18:35; Beckett Ingram, 19:37; Joshua Ingram, 19:38; Jenna Kahle, 19:38; Joyce Schindley, 20:07; Chelsie Smith, 20:12; Judson Smith, 20:13; Channing Kline, 20:13; Robert Kline, 20:13; Sandy Markle, 20:14; Colleen Gianneski, 21:04; Shannon Fazio, 21:04; Suzy Fleeger, 21:04; Anna D'Antonio, 24:02; Dana D'Antonio, 24:03; Vincent D'Antonio, 24:04

Boston Trail Half Marathon, April 12: Zack Mitarotonda, 1st Overall M, 1:13:26; George Nix, 3rd Overall M, 1:16:07; Jennifer Kobin, 1st Overall W, 1:27:19; Elijah Gretz, 1st 10-14 M, 1:29:23; Hannah Bauer, 1st 20-24 W, 1:32:11; Josh Gretz, 1st 40-44 M, 1:35:33; Karis Blagden, 1st 20-24 W, 1:38:11; Timothy James, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:48:51; Steven Barnard, 1:23:41; Nathan Allen, 1:24:31; Gunner Denius, 1:39:45; Felicity Parrish, 1:44:38; Scarlet Davies, 1:44:38; Raya Pauling, 1:45:45; Rachel DÕsouza, 1:52:11; Olivia Lam, 1:52:27; Cole Zimmerman, 1:57:07; Natania Arun, 2:06:53; Natalie Wright, 2:11:18; Amy Manofsky, 2:28:07; Ryan Welles, 2:34:10; Marcy Byrne, 2:49:30; Jenn Mertz, 2:52:36; Alyssa Moody, 2:54:21

Boston Trail 5K, April 12: Seth Martin, 1st Overall M, 18:35; Allison Schmidt, 1st Overall W, 24:00; Joseph Grunwald, 1st Masters M, 23:04; Kelley Murdock, 1st Masters W, 25:45; Joanne Foerster, 3rd 60-64 W, 32:22; Alexis Rodriguez, 33:47

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle. Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, phone 724-352-4395, email lotzak@consolidated.net