It’s June — and for area runners, that means it’s time for our big Butler Road Race. Butler Road Race celebrates its 38th year as the starter’s horn sounds on Saturday, June 22 at 9 a.m. on Main Street in front of the courthouse.

Butler Road Race continues to be the largest running event in town. In the past 10 years, participation has averaged 512 finishers in the 5-mile and 2-kilometer distances. While there has been a slight decline in the 5 mile, interest in the shorter distance makes up for the loss.

Runners return to Butler because of its hometown feel and gentle, out-and-back, USATF certified course. The 2-kilometer distance is great for casual exercisers and speedsters. And even though the race finishes on a gentle uphill climb, those looking for a personal best at the 5-mile distance will be encouraged by spectators on Main Street. The 5-mile race has produced 10 national single age records.

Butler Road Race rewards competition with prizes to the top five men and women in the 5-mile distance and top three in the 2-kilometer race. Top three finishers in age groups from Under 12 through 70-plus also win awards. First Butler County male and female finishers in the 5-mile race also win the Donnie Bayne Memorial Award, named for the late Donnie Bayne, provider of T-shirts and awards for the race for 35 years.

Masters runners (those over 40) enjoy a “race within a race” with special awards to top three male and female masters runners and top male and female senior (age 50-59) and super senior (age 60-plus) runners. This year, the oldest male and female finishers in either race distance will be honored with the NexTier Bank Longevity Award.

Although Butler Road Race provides consistent quality and value to area runners, its true benefit becomes evident long after the finish-line clock and podium are taken down. For the past 20 years, Butler Road Race has been “going the distance” for young athletes. Over the past 20 years, Butler Road Race has awarded $337,850 to 635 scholar-athletes graduating from eight area high schools located within the county — Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Karns City, Mars, Slippery Rock, Moniteau and Seneca Valley.

This year, 28 graduates received scholarships. Butler High School’s Sean Rundle was captain of the school’s cross country team. Sean received a $625 Butler Road Race scholarship. Although he has earned a full-tuition scholarship to the US Naval Academy, he’ll use the Butler Road Race scholarship to pay for books and supplies.

Cory Steinhagen, a 2007 Knoch High School graduate, used his Butler Road Race scholarship to pay tuition to Butler County Community College. Cory has run nearly every Butler Road Race since high school but is taking a break from competition this year.

Although Steinhagen will be absent this year, many other past recipients will be at the race to express their gratitude to Butler Road Race, Inc. and the Butler Road Race sponsors for their support. Usually, at least two dozen past scholarship winners return and are honored at the awards podium.

It’s not too late to be a part of this year’s Butler Road Race for scholarships. Applications are available at www.butlerroadrace.org. Preregistered runners may pick up their race packets on Friday, June 21, 4 to 6 p.m. at Cub’s Hall on S. McKean Street.

You may also register on race day but newly redesigned commemorative T-shirts are not guaranteed. Day of event registration begins on Main Street in Diamond Park at 7:30 a.m. on June 22.

For more information about this year’s Butler Road Race 5-Mile Run and 2-Kilometer Run and Health Walk, email brrmail@butlerroadrace.org or phone 724-284-4676.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Foam Fest 5k, Prospect. Run with obstacles and foam at Camp Lutherlyn. 5kfoamfest.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Dayspring Harvest Ministries 5k Run and 2 Mile Fun Walk, Ellwood City. All walkers in the Fun Walk receive a ribbon. 724-752-1600 or antinossi.home@verizon.net

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Warren County YMCA Jogging with Jordan 10k Run and 5k Fun Walk, Warren/ 814-726-0110 or chris@warrenymca.org

Sunday, 8 a.m.: Obediah Cole Foundation Father’s Day 5k/10k Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Popular run for prostate cancer starts at Riverfront Park in front of Heinz Field. 412-572-6830, www.obcolefoundation.org or register online at www.race360.com/16822

June 19, 7 p.m.: Strawberry Days 5k, Grove City. Also half mile kids run at 7:45 a.m., first event in Mercer County Twilight QUAD. Phone 724-866-1374 or register online at Register.runhigh.com.

June 22, 8 a.m.: Fox Township Bicentenniel Half Marathon, Kersey. Starts at Fox Township Community Park. 814-885-8450.

June 22, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race, Butler. Choice of 5 miles or 2k through downtown Butler. Discount for kids under age 16 and seniors over 60. 724-284-4676 or www.butlerroadrace.org

June 22, 9 a.m.: Leslie Sparano Summerfest Sweat 5k, Sharpsville. Out and back course through scenic Mahaney Recreation Area. Fpm.colucci@gmail.com

June 22, 9 a.m.: Run for Shelter 5k, Erie. Starts at Beach 1. 814-459-8381 or rgodzwa@neo.rr.com

June 23, 7:30 a.m.: Peace Love Run 13.1 and 5k, Allison Park. Starts on Pierce Mill Road in North Park. 724-933-6222 or thaughey@catholichospicepgh.org

June 29, 9 a.m.: 7th Annual Parkinson Awareness 5k in Memory of Jerry Maher, Sr., Uniontown. Proceeds benefit Parkinson Foundation of Western PA. 412-629-9292 or www.jerrymahermemorial5k.com.

June 29, 9 a.m.: Chardonnay 5k, Mercer. 724-662-1910 or dennis@coolspringsfitness.com

June 29, 10 a.m.: Salute the Sacrifice 5k/10k, Butler. Run on Butler Freeport Trail starts at Father Marinaro Park. www.butlerfreeporttrail.org

June 29, 10 a.m.: Van UMC 5k and Walk, Franklin. Run on Samuel Justice Rail Trail. 814-657-5776 or monica.hepler@yahoo.com

July 4, 9 a.m.: Brentwood Firecracker 5k, Brentwood. 412-254-3230 or foleyk79@gmail.com

July 4, 9 a.m.: Hampton Rotary 5k, Allison Park. Run through Hampton Community Park. 724-443-7585

July 6, 9 a.m.: WOW (Where’s Our Water?) 10k Run/ Walk, Middlesex Township. Benefits restoration of Glade Run Lake. 724-898-2525 or register online at www.racersignup.com/glade-run-lake/register

July 6, 9 a.m.: Heritage Day 5k, Greenville. jchristiansen@thiel.edu or register online at http://bluesombrero.com/heritageday5k

July 7, 8:30 a.m.: Corry 5k Run/ Walk, Corry. 814-664-7757 or clintaltman@yahoo.com

July 9, 6:15 p.m.: Miles of Smile Fun Run Picknic, Moraine State Park. Meets at McDaniel’s Boat Launch; fun run, then picnic at 7 p.m. Bring a dish to share; silverware, plates and drinks provided. bonnherb@yahoo.com

July 10, 7 p.m.: Fredonia Fireman’s 5k, Fredonia. Second in Mercer County Twilight QUAD. 724-866-1374 or Register.runhigh.com

July 13, 7:30 a.m.: Butler YMCA Adult Triathlon, Moraine State Park. Swim .25 miles, bike 7 miles, run 5k. 724-287-4733 or jknauff@bcfymca.org

Footprints for Hope 5k, Punxsutawney. 814-938-6362

July 13, 8 a.m.: Cross Country Crusade 5k Run/ Walk, Saxonburg. Run on Knoch H.S. cross country course. 724-360-3324 or tip2013@yahoo.com

July 13, 9 a.m.: Wooley Mammoth Extreme 5k, Conneaut Lake. 814-382-2534

July 13, 8 p.m.: Race to the Moon 5k and 5 Miler, Apollo. Run after dark on Roaring Run Trail. Bring flashlight or headlamp. Swamper11@verizon.net

July 14, 6 p.m.: Hoodlebug 5k Run and Fun Walk, Indiana. Part of Indiana County Triple Crown. 724-465-8262 or jswauger@comcast.net

Race results

God’s Country Marathon, June 1: Bryan Morseman, 1st Overall M, 2:41:05; Melissa Oswald, 1st Overall W, 3:34:44; Ferdinando Saglio, 3rd 65-69 M, 4:23:47; William Huber, 3:48:39;

God’s Country Half Marathon, June 1: Katie Chaput, 1st Overall W, 1:28:53; James Krupa, 1st Overall M, 1:33:24; Elizabeth Morris, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:53:24; Megan Cook, 3rd 30-34 W, 1:56:29; David Miller, 2:25:24

Riverview Park 5k, June 7: Daniel Lipus, 1st Overall M, 17:01; Patricia Rich, 1st Overall W, 19:52; Lindse Snyder, 3rd Overall W, 20:18; Jeff Leya, 3rd 50-54 M, 21:12; Gwen Pierce, 3rd 12-14 W, 50:59; Michael Scheid, 24:01; Bob Matchett, 27:02; Sarah Robb, 27:46; Christa Moore, 27:46; Cindy Maro, 33:59; Maria Matchett, 36:32; David Byers, 37:54; Robert Pierce, 51:00

Freeport Flash 5k, June 1: Nick Gentile, 1st Overall M, 17:39; Timothy Wyant, 3rd Overall M, 19:11; Hayley Davis, 1st Overall W, 20:50; Rebecca Dudek, 2nd Overall W, 21:18; Nicole Miller, 3rd Overall W, 21:22; Noah Bowser, 1st 12-15 M, 20:02; Mike Shaffer, 1st 30-39 M, 20:45; Mike Klier, 1st 40-49 M, 20:47; Steven Hepler, 1st 50-59 M, 21:14; Tyler Singer, 1st 20-24 M, 21:33; Alan Peters, 2nd 30-39 M, 21:42; Caleb Bowser, 2nd 12-15 M, 21:58; Kayla Zboran, 1st 16-19 W, 23:17; Malique Nadzam, 2nd 12-15 M, 22:42; Jonathan Nigra, 1st 16-19 M, 23:17; Kim Mixon, 1st 12-15 W, 23:19; Kyle Zboran, 2nd 16-19 M, 23:42; Paul Gentile, 3rd 16-19 M, 23:57; Rebecca Pennington, 2nd 12-15 W, 24:38; Julie Codispot, 1st 40-49 W, 24:39; Katie Hill, 3rd 12-15 W, 24:49; Ken Long, 3rd 50-59 M, 24:56; Danielle Weber, 1st 30-39 W, 25:17; Stacy Cramer, 2nd 40-49 W, 25:24; Andrea Ferko, 1st 20-24 W, 25:25; Megan Menke, 2nd 16-19 W, 25:45; Alex Smith, 2nd 20-24 M, 25:48; Kari Huth, 3rd 16-19 W, 25:50; Austin Hogsett, 3rd 20-24 M, 26:36; Renee Lichety-Bodnar, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:46; Kirstie Priester, 2nd 20-24 W, 26:57; Patricia Wyant, 1st 60-69 W, 27:27; Jill Hanna, 3rd 30-39 W, 27:45; Bode Fair, 1st 11 & Under M, 27:53; Addison Stewart, 2nd 11 & Under M, 28:15; Abby Mason, 1st 11 & Under W, 28:35; Ashley Lucas, 3rd 20-24 W, 28:37; Beth Zboran, 1st 50-59 W, 28:50; Frank Prazenica, 1st 60-69 M, 29:23; Margaret Hollobaugh, 1st 11 & Under W, 29:52; Dezso Csizmadia, 1st 70_ M, 30:19; Emily Huff, 3rd 11 & Under W, 30:36; George Meehan, 2nd 60-69 M, 30:37; Debra Kuminkoski, 2nd 50-59 W, 33:00; Pam Ferko, 3rd 50-59 W, 34:34; Krysten Ross, 2nd 25-29 W, 38:52; Adam Ameel, 3rd 25-29 M, 38:55; Cathy Singer, 2nd 60-69 W, 40:00; Barbara Reeser-Smiesko, 3rd 60-69 W, 40:05; Rosita Michalek, 1st 70+ W, 49:09; Jack Bowswer, 2nd 70_ M, 58:53; Tyler Ben, 22:56; Nate Shaffer, 23:42; Jack Codispot, 24:30; Nicholas Milliron, 24:59; Jacob Sarver, 25:00; Tyler Long, 25:15; Jim Meehan, 25:54; Drew Stefaniak, 26:00; Samson Wyant, 26:34; Logan Ziemkiewicz, 26:47; Stacey Bowen, 26:49; Ariana Clark, 27:13; Andrew Nigra, 27:22; Paul Manke, 28:00; Joseph Molloy, 28:15; Lurena Stewart, 28:30; Jim Stewart, 28:32; Rob Fair, 28:36; Marc Miller, 28:49; Ryan Gould, 28:56; Karen Nigra, 29:08; Rob Pennington, 30:03; Russ Walker, 30:03; Joe Zboran, 29:20; Amy Sue Amadee, 29:25; Don Amadee, 29:26; Anthony Zuccolotto, 29:27; Kristen Toy, 29:29; Abby Ohl, 29:32; Ryan Shaffer, 30:33; Jenna Menke, 30:34; Mary Tola, 30:39; Bruce Soule, 30:55; Alexandra Soule, 30:56; Kelly Bess, 31:16; Matt Buchwald, 31:38; Erica Rusek, 31:54; Jeff Smiesko, 32:17; Kelly Pastoria; 32:26; Thomas Hollobaugh, 32:34; Rhonda Meehan, 32:46; Taylor Lichty, 33:14; Susan Affrica, 33:16; Tammy Menke, 33:21; Oleva Slaughenhoupt, 33:43; Kerri Huff, 34:07; Tammy Sarver, 34:24; Amanda Huff, 34:28; Ralph Huff, 34:30; Heidi Wolanin, 34:40; Judith Fox-Fair, 34:50; Katie Fuhrman, 34:58; Alan Wright, 35:24; Madison Meehan, 36:45; Kayence Stivenson, 36:52; Andrew Nigra, 37:15; Zoe Fair, 37:19; Scott Mason, 37:27; Heather Mason, 37:40; Rebecca Hollobaugh, 37:44; Carla Priester, 38:38; Joy Foust, 39:14; Jade Clinton, 40:04; Raige Stivennson, 40:42; Amy Buchwald, 40:44; Taylor Krumpe, 41:46; Branda Murray, 42:31; JoAnn Crytzer, 46:28; Chris Foust, 47:09; Dan Crytzer, 46:30; Chris Foust, 47:09; Megan Foust, 47:10; Susan Lowers, 47:15; John Lowers, 47:17; Laitlym Ziemkiewicx, 48:29; Jeff Ziemkiewicz, 48:20; Madison Stivenson, 48:56; Amy Walker, 49:08; Kris Hepler, 49:30; David Hepler, 49:31; Jonathan Hill, 51:07; Rachel Hollobaugh, 51:29; Jessica Sulicino, 52:18; Teresa Hollobaugh; 52:53;

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.