The inaugural event sold out in less than two months.

This year, it took nine days to fill the 615 available spots. If you weren’t included in the fortunate few who ran Saturday’s Runnin’ Outta Our Mine 5K, here’s what you missed.

Runnin’ Outta Our Mine is run almost completely within the former underground limestone mines now owned by Gateway Commerce storage facility. The constant temperature of 55 degrees is perfect for storing anything from documents to boats and motor homes, and perfect for runners looking for relief from winter running conditions.

Even in this mild winter, running in shorts and t-shirts was a pleasant change from hats, gloves and jackets.

Runners and spectators gathered before the race in the mine entrance in front of Gateway Commerce offices underground. Competitors warmed up in a long paved exit hallway while friends tried to converse over the loud music provided by a local DJ.

Close to the 11 a.m. start, a garage door opened to allow registered runners to access the starting area. Because of security and safety regulations, only registered participants are allowed into the depths of the facility.

With more than 600 participants, many of them lured by the novelty of the event, the start was a little disorganized. Several of the faster runners complained about walkers and young kids on the starting line crowding out those who had a legitimate chance of winning and causing a safety hazard for everyone.

After a quarter mile, the wide straight paved entry to the mine quickly becomes a much narrower and darker packed dirt road. Although the race used the same course as last year, it seemed smoother and brighter than last year’s event.

Race director and Gateway Commerce employee Allison Frickanish later told me that since the 2011 Runnin’ Outta Our Mine 5K, new lighting has been installed. Employees also filled potholes and tamped down loose dirt to improve conditions for not only 5K runners, but users of the mine’s storage space.

Participants wound their way around mine pillars and nearly 40 turns on the course. Although it sometimes felt like we were rats running in a maze, there was no chance of getting lost. The entire course was marked by caution tape and large, highly visible arrows at the turns.

Suddenly the race course straightened, widened and became smooth as we neared the end of the 5K. The finish banner appeared in the sunshine at the mine’s exit. We ran down the paved hallway and out of the mine to the finish line just outside.

Following the finish, runners filed back into the mine to enjoy pizza and cookies and congratulate race winners. But rather than a time of recognition for excellent performances, the awards ceremony was what Allison Frickanish describes as “a fiasco.”

Citing ignorance as a new race director, she had not ordered separate awards for men’s and women’s race divisions. Though the women were denied their recognition at the race, they will receive their own handcrafted awards as soon as they can be produced.

Jonathan Kraas journeyed from South Bend, Ind., to win the men’s race in a time of 16:57. Laura Harnish won the women’s race with a finishing time and new course record of 18:14.

Runnin’ Outta Our Mine 5K raises money for New Beaver Borough Food Bank and for four local high schools cross country teams. Team members from Ellwood City, Shenango, Mohawk and Neshannock high schools served as volunteers. The 10 Gateway Commerce employees and their families also volunteered their time in various capacities.

The unique Runnin’ Outta Our Mine 5K is sure to sell out next year, but due to safety concerns, participation numbers will probably remain at this year’s level. There has been talk of holding a Mine Cooler 5K on the same course during the summer months. The mine interior will still be a cool 55 degrees when those above ground are sweltering.

Upcoming eventsSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Your choice of mileage, post run coffee and snacks. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSaturday, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles, post race soup and pizza buffet. 412-1900881 or ksmith@eliterunners.org,Saturday, 10 a.m.: Rotary Club 5K, Kittanning. New course on Armstrong Trail starts at new YMCA. jbecker@armstrongymca.orgMarch 4, 8:30 a.m.: Mill Creek Classic Half Marathon and 5K, Youngstown, Ohio. Run through Mill Creek Metro Park, 5Kstarts at 8:45 A.M. 330-727-6070March 4, 8:30 a.m.: Athletic Trainer River Run, Pittsburgh. Run 5K or one mile from UPMC Sports Medicine Center on Southside. 412-432-3770 or sanchioligi@upmc.eduMarch 10, 9 a.m.: March Mad Dash 10 Mile and 5 Mile Run, North Park. Starts at Boathouse, post race party. www.marchmaddash.orgMarch 10, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5K, Ellport. Scenic run with lots of food and drinks, indoor restrooms. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.comMarch 17, 7:30 a.m.” Lt. J.C. Stone 50K, North Park. Starts at boathouse. 412-366-8740 or loudangelo@aol.comMarch 17, 7:30 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, Harmony. Challenging, hilly course. 724-321-4265 or joella@zoominternet.netMarch 17, 9 a.m.: Chippewa Township St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run, Beaver Falls. Starts at Chippewa Township Municipal Building. 724-843-8177 or wissnerc@verizon.netMarch 17, 9 a.m.: St. Patrick’s Day Distance Festival 10K/5K, Erie. Starts at Rotary Pavilion in Presque Isle State Park. 814-580-8339 or jimlang@bigwhitetrailer.comMarch 17, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5K, Harmony. Rolling course. Also 1 mile run at 11:15 a.m. 724-321-4265 or joella@zoominternet.netMarch 17, 10 a.m.: Judith’s Jig 5K, Meadville. Starts at Diamond Park. neeners01@yahoo.comMarch 24, 9 a.m.: Fight for Air Climb, Pittsburgh. Climb 45 floors (897 steps) to promote lung health and raise funds for lung disease research. 412-321-4029, ext. 226 or tvillalba@lunginfo.orgMarch 24, 10 a.m.: Diane Kelly Memorial 5K Run and Fun Walk, Warren. chris@warrenymca.orgMarch 25, 10 a.m.: March for the Military 5K, Cranberry Township. 724-841-7535 or ota5k@zoominternet.net

Race resultsCupid’s Chase 5K, February 11: Dan Holland, 1st Overall M, 18:12; Erica Maloney, 1st Overall W, 22:37; Debra Busch, 2nd 55-59 W, 50:51; Betsy Smith, 50:51; Erin Miller, 52:20Outta Our Mine 5K, February 18: Jonathan Kress, 1st Overall M, 16:57; Laura Harnish, 1st Overall W, 18:14; Ben English, 1st 25-29 M, 17:39; Elizabeth Green, 2nd 65+ W, 34:42; Josh Edmiston, 20:17; Jon Holtz, 20:59; Christine Edmiston, 22:05; Jim Gallagher, 22:27; Steve Segulla, 23:02; Tom Parenti, 23:41; Tracy Newman, 24:02; Jonathan Bost, 24:24; Pamela McMurdo, 24:54; Robert McMurdo, 24:55; Jeff Hartzell, 26:30; Steve Gould, 26:33; Ron Ripper, 26:36; Jennifer McNabb, 26:47; Christopher Robertson, 27:12; Chrystal Zinkham, 27:25; John Kovacic, 27:46; Robyn Stewart, 28:13; Luke Michael, 28:28; J.J. Fogel, 28:36; David Decaria, 29:03; Fred Doerfler, 29:53; Jody Robertson, 29:56; Lily Murray, 30:58; David Murray, 31:09; Kim Swendsen, 31:40; Vickie Turner, 31:47; Matthew Kingston, 31:53; Ryan Reep, 32:22; Teresa Lammie, 32:28; Miriam Mealy, 33:10; John Nicholas, 34:58; Kaitlyn Nicholas, 34:59; Caryn Morrow, 35:08; Kate Murray, 35:19; Julia Murray, 35:19; Lisa Goard, 35:27; Adrik Sekely, 35:42; Patricia Neubert, 38:57; Raymie Bell, 39:52; Lisa Young, 44:36; Margaret Kimpel, 45:04; Damien Decaria, 51:53; Kelly-lee Decaria, 51:53; Arby Shenesky, 58:18; Mike Shenesky, 58:18Freeze Your Lymphs Off 5K, February 18: Jack Morrow, 1st Overall M, 16:07; Larren Ferris, 1st Overall W, 19:51; Nick Wargo, 2nd 40-49 M, 22:51; Emily Quayle, 3rd 15-19 W, 28:26; Carter Smith, 20:23; Glenn Wargo, 20:35; Mark Courtney, 20:54; Kristen Bailey, 25:49; Lisa Fennick, 25:52; Jon Labach, 25:04; Jeff Smith, 26:21; Pamela Cardon, 31:06; Travis Bailey, 31:14; Samantha Simmons, 31:51; Lindsay Scaglione, 32:11; Maria Mullin, 37:18; Ashley Dawson, 43:53Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle