Fall is my favorite running season, and Buffalo Creek Half Marathon is my favorite event of the season.

On Oct. 18, the scenic run from Cabot to Freeport celebrates its 20th year on the Butler Freeport Community Trail.

Chris Ziegler, president of Butler Freeport Trail Association and Race Director for 15 years, expects more than 1,000 runners for the momentous event.

“We get a mix of local runners and out-of-towners,” she said, “just by word-of-mouth advertising. People love the race.”

Ziegler said she can’t adequately convey the importance of the Buffalo Creek Half to the Butler Freeport Trail. In 19 years, the half marathon contributed more than $600,000 to construct, maintain and mow 40 miles of trail. That includes purchasing equipment and contributing to an emergency fund to repair storm damage like the trail suffered in April.

Ziegler said awesome volunteers are what makes the trail and the race possible. Many have been with the event for 20 years, including Boy Scout Troop 19 members who staff the aid station in Cabot. This year, two volunteers, founding Butler Freeport Trail president Ron Bennett and Carol Doyle, wife of the late Ed Doyle, a longtime Buffalo Creek Half supporter, will be honored as race marshals.

Buffalo Creek will always be a half marathon. But Ziegler said there are plans for a full marathon to be held on the equally scenic Armstrong Trail in 2027 and to create a triple crown of races in the future.

Buffalo Creek’s mostly downhill course is fast, but this year runners can set new records since, with the completion of the trail into Butler Junction, the race ends there instead of climbing a hill into Freeport. There’s plenty of room at the new finish area, but spectators should check the race website or Facebook page for directions to park at Butler Junction.

When runners cross the finish line, they’ll receive this year’s custom-designed medal and the traditional post-race food: hot cider, bananas, pizza, fig bars and more. Finishers can stay for the awards ceremony or board a shuttle back to the start. Shuttles run until 12:30 as the course closes at noon.

There’s still time to register to be a part of this year’s Buffalo Creek Half Marathon. Visit runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Cabot/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon to run, volunteer or attend as a spectator. There’s no day-of-event sign-up, but there’s registration and packet pickup at Up-N-Running store noon-6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 and 11:30-5:30 Oct. 17.

Race-day pickup starts at 7 a.m. Saturday at Cabot Methodist Church. Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the church food bank.

For those who can’t get enough of this beautiful fall weather, the Preston Park 5K & 10K on Oct. 19 offers a gentle 5K stroll on wooded trails or the more difficult terrain of a 10K. If that’s not enough, runners can do both in the Trail Challenge.

Race director Anthony Stagno said the event showcases “Butler County’s Hidden Gem.” The park’s reputation is spreading as runners from Pittsburgh, Erie and Irwin have registered so far, along with 82-year-old Mac Mackenzie of Ohio.

Stagno’s Monday Morning Maintenance Crew has worked hard to clear brush from along the trails and will mark trip hazards before race day. The 12-15 seniors will also act as course monitors of the 5K event. Lucca Unik, Butler Student Representative to the Township Commissioners, will head a group of high schoolers providing aid and direction on the 10K course.

Preston events offer awards for overall and age groups in 5K, 10K and Challenge. Challenge finishers also earn a ski cap. Post-race refreshments include water, bananas and energy bars following the 5K with Firehouse Subs hoagies for 10K and Challenge finishers.

You may register for Preston Park’s 5K, 10K or Challenge online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PrestonPark5k until Oct. 17 or in person on race day beginning at 8 a.m.

Friday, 6 p.m.: Riverview 5K, Pittsburgh. Run through scenic Riverview Park. 412-328-0190 or elizabeth.bliss@pittsburghpa.gov

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Slippery Rock Community Library Halloween Hustle 5K Run and Walk, 1-Mile Kids Run/Walk, Slippery Rock. Run at Cooper’s Lake Campground. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SlipperyRock/SlipperyRockCommunityLibraryHalloweenHustle

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Mahoning Shadow Shuffle Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run, Punxsutawney. Run on Rail Trail starting at Little League Field. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/PUNXSUTAWNEYMAHONINGSHADOWSHUFFLE

Saturday, 6:45 p.m.: Light the Night 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Butler. Glow-themed event in Butler Memorial Park to benefit Butler Catholic School. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/ButlerGlowRun

Sunday, 9 a.m.: 33rd Annual HAEE 5K and 1.5 Mile Walk, Allison Park. Run in Hampton Community Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/HAEE5k

Sunday, 9 a.m.: 51st Annual Youngstown Peace Race, Youngstown, OH. Choice of 25K, 10K, 2-Mile Run/Walk or 400-meter Kids’ Fun Run. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Youngstown/ytownPeaceRace

Sunday, 3 p.m.: NOW Foundation Color Run 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk, New Castle. Also Kids Run in Pearson Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/NOWFoundationColorRun

Oct. 18, 8 a.m.: Lecom Costume Caper 5K Family Fun Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Held in conjunction with Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkin Festival. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/PittsburghLECOMCostumeCaper5k

Oct. 18, 9 a.m.: 20th Annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Cabot. Point-to-point on scenic Butler-Freeport Trail. New course finish this year. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Cabot/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon

Oct. 19, 8:30 a.m.: 2025 Pine-Richland Ram Run 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Gibsonia. Run at Pine-Richland High School/Middle School Campus. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Gibsonia/PineRichlandRamRun

Oct. 19, 9 a.m.: Preston Park 5K, 10K and 15K Challenge, Butler. Choice of 5K, 10K or both on scenic Preston Park trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/PrestonPark5k

Oct. 25, 10 a.m.: Run for Your Life 5K, Kittanning. Starts at Kittanning YMCA, runs onto scenic Armstrong Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Kittanning/KittanningRunforyourlife5k

Oct. 26, 3 p.m.: 15th Annual Great Pumpkin 5K and 1 Mile, Zelienople. Benefits St. Gregory School Parent-Teacher Organization and Athletic Programs. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Zelienople/8thAnnualGreatPumpkinRace

Nov. 1, 9 a.m.: North Ridge Nightmare 6.66K or 13K, Allison Park. Run on challenging North Park trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/NorthRidgeNightmareTrailRace

Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5 Mile Trail Race, Allison Park. Challenging trail run starts at Grant Pavillion in North Park. trailrunner.com/event/dirt-monster-trail-race/

Nov. 1, 9:45 a.m.: Butler YMC~A Turkey Trot 5K, Butler. Choice of 1 Mile or 5K run in downtown Butler. runsignup.com/Race?raceId=152203

Nov. 2, 9 a.m.: Indiana First Bank Veteran’s Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Black Lick. Run on Ghost Town Rail Trail at Saylor Park.

runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Blairsville/IndianaFirstBankVeteransMarathonHalfMarathonandMarathonRelay

Nov. 2, 9 a.m.: Marigold 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Allison Park. Day of the Dead themed run at North Park to benefit the Latino Communty Center. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/Marigold5Krun

Nov. 2, 9 a.m.: SFC Ryan Gloyer Memorial 5K Run/Walk, Harmony. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/RyanGloyerMemorialRun

All Saints Parish 5K, July 25: Michael Braun, 1st Overall M, 16:00; Brendan Eicher, 2nd Overall M, 16:16; Zachary Slear, 3rd Overall M, 17:11; Ava Brewster, 1st Overall W, 18:52; Lacee Loos, 2nd Overall W, 22:44; Malaya Azarcon, 3rd Overall W, 24:53; Alex Motonis, 1st 15-18 M, 17:46; Stefan Carlsson, 1st 30-39 M, 17:53; Logan Reyes, 2nd 15-18 M, 17:55; Daelen Hickley, 1st 19-29 M, 18:35; Drew Griffith, 2nd 19-29 M, 18:41; Drew Knight, 3rd 19-29 M, 18:41; Camden Schaefer, 1st 11-14 M, 18:59; Joe Floris, 3rd 40-49 M, 19:45; James Haughey, 1st 50-59 M, 21:24; Todd F Wiest, Jr, 2nd 30-39 M, 22:06; Evan Ordy, 2nd 11-14 M, 22:29; Joe Mullen, 2nd 50-59 M, 24:15; Joey Edwards, 3rd 11-14 M, 24:18; David Czifra, 1st 60+ M, 24:29; Erick Hortert, 3rd 50-59 M, 24:57; Sara Young, 1st 20-29 W, 24:58; Gracie Szul, 1st 10 & Under W, 25:06; Julie Kasunic, 2nd 20-29 W, 25:45; Rick McKain, 2nd 60+ M, 26:00; Jake Bogan, 2nd 10 & Under M, 26:09; Addison Eicher, 1st 15-18 M, 27:23; Jen Beachem, 1st 40-49 W, 27:32; Tricia Schaefer, 2nd 40-49 W, 27:33; Kayla Yepez, 1st 30-39 W, 27:42; Elliette Smith, 2nd 15-18 W, 28:10; Allison Jordan, 2nd 10 & Under W, 28:47; Madison McMann, 3rd 10 & Under W, 28:51; Ashley Trott, 3rd 30-39 W, 29:17; Madelyn Miklavic, 1st 11-14 W, 29:26; Mandy James, 3rd 40-49 W, 29:33; Kailyn Plant, 3rd 15-18 W, 31:45; Lily Sherman, 2nd 11-14 W, 34:47; Lori Haughey, 1st 50-59 W, 37:06; Juliana Warnick, 3rd 11-14 W, 37:10; Carol English, 2nd 60+ W, 43:15; Sue Ann Jones, 3rd 60+ W, 43:22; Melanie Dougherty, 2nd 50-59 W, 54:53; C J Singelton, 18:41; Jacob Szul, 18:55; Gavin Gardner, 19:09; Jacob Kauffman, 19:34; Preston Carlsson, 20:56; Vernon Morrow, 21:10; Michael Motonis, 21:30; Mateo Saspe, 21:53; Colten English, 22:11; Matt Schaefer, 22:24; Noah Ernst, 22:37; Seth Ordy, 22:41; Darren Hildebrand, 23:08; Tommy Edwards, 23:14; Cruz Napoleone III, 23:38; Joel Zanicky, 23:56; Jackson Stewart, 23:58; Maxwell Davis, 23:59; Jared Geist, 24:05; Luke Robbins, 24:12; Ethan Babay, 24:25; Drew Diamond, 24:28; Easton Floris, 24:30; Kevin Fazio, 25:19; Justin McCandless, 25:37; Nate Morgus, 25:44; David Thompson, 25:57; Matthew Bogan, 26:09; Joshua Aspelin, 26:22; Carrie Birkebihler-Smith, 26:26; Aaron McAfee, 26:27; Noah Karnes, 26:36; Colton Crider, 26:44; Luke Szul, 26:48; Sam Beaver, 26:55; Brad Regis, 27:53; Raylan Senft, 27:56; Cayden Quinn, 28:12; Ken Wagner, 28:38; Zachary Boda, 29:05; Ethan Hatern, 29:09; Dominick Davido, 29:31; Matt Nocera, 29:42; Michael LeClaire, 30:04; Jonathan Valentino, 30:28; Isaiah Lucas, 30:47; Michael Rizzo, 30:49; Brianna Bailey, 30:54; Jennifer Hammonds, 31:08; Kara Plant, 31:41; Paulina Wiest, 31:43; Kristen Miklavic, 31:56; Maria Zanicky, 32:14; Sofia Matonak, 32:16; Liam Dunkle, 32:24; Sarah McAfee, 32:28; Sara McGee, 32:35; Nicole Laborie, 32:38; Renee Lemmon, 33:06; Ian Hammonds, 33:13; Al Feczko, 33:40; Alexis Loos, 34:51; Andrew Gapinski, 35:15; Jeffrey Orlowsky, 35:25; Michael Edwards, 35:36; Anthony Edwards, 35:39; Ken Peth, 35:41; Jerry Maher, 36:24; Douglas Tapager, 37:02; Anna Moore, 37:32; Ashley Gapinski, 38:23; John Grenci, 39:05; Liam Cosme, 39:09; Emma Charlton, 39:42; Grace Peth, 39:43; Daniel Tarr, 40:07; Maria Cosme, 40:18; Matthew Yeager, 41:40; Luciana Warnick, 42:20; Laura Vollmer, 42:45; Abigail Haughey, 42:50; James Warnick, 43:27; Jaci Warnick, 43:29; Pamela Farnworth, 43:32; Ashley Teuteberg, 43:32; Trevor Sherman, 43:38; Charlotte Sherman, 43:39; Leeann Sherman, 43:44; Lois McMichael, 47:52; Kimberly McAfee, 48:50; Andrew Hancheck, 49:11; Regina M Beaver, 50:27; Beth Beaver, 50:28; Augusta Beaver, 50:29; Summer Balik, 50:40; Ainsley Plant, 50:53; Maria Worst, 51:01; Gunnar Hammonds, 51:14; Sean Martin, 51:16; John Dougherty, 54:52; Marilyn Catalfano, 56:33; Lori Brady, 56:33; Anna Hoover, 59:02; Kristin Karam, 59:11; Lenora Lamatrice-Lewis, 59:15

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