It's time to trot again, as the Butler Family YMCA Turkey Trot 5K returns to the city at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The event, which celebrates its 28th running this weekend, is a tradition for YMCA members and runners throughout the region. For many, it marks the end of the racing season and a final chance to get together with like-minded runners before winter closes in.

Richard Sefton of Saxonburg and daughter, Katie, are veterans of at least five Turkey Trots. The elder Sefton said the race hasn't changed much over the years — except that when he began running with Katie, he could beat her in the race. Now, she beats him.

Katie, who won her age group at last year's Turkey Trot, runs to stay in shape for lacrosse. The Knoch High junior has encouraged a friend, Nicole Binnie, to run with her this year.

"The course is pretty easy," Katie said," but I don't like the cold weather."

Turkey Trot participation has held above 100 finishers no matter what the weather. The event continues to grow in popularity, with more than 180 runners and walkers completing the scenic tour of Butler's Memorial Park in 2007.

The course has been the same for 28 years and begins and ends at the Butler Family YMCA on North Washington Street. From there, it's a gently rolling ramble to and through scenic Memorial Park on the paved park drive.

The race is open to runners ages 11 and older. Younger runners can participate in a shorter trot along Penn Street following the longer race.

Awards for the Turkey Trot include the usual overall and age groups. YMCA members from any chapter vie for special YMCA awards. The biggest reward to runners might be the warm changing rooms available to all runners after the run.

Day-of-event registrations are welcome at 8:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. start.

For information call Jamie Knauff at 724-287-4733 or email jknauff@bcfymca.org

If you just can't pack the racing gear away yet, extend the season one more week with the Armstrong County YMCA Fall Classic 10K Race and 5K Run-Walk Nov. 8 in nearby Kittanning. The event offers something for everyone from competitive runner to those who walk for fun and exercise.

The 10k event includes an out-and-back on the paved Armstrong Trail.

Like Butler's YMCA event, Armstrong YMCA Fall Classic offers runners the use of YMCA changing rooms before and after the event.

The event also has what race director Kathy Knepshield calls, "the best post race refreshments around," with pizza, fruit and healthy snacks for all.

Runners can register on the day of the event and volunteers are also needed. For information or to volunteer, call Knepshield at 724-545-9622 or email kknepshield@armstrongymca.org. Print an application at www.smileymiles.com

Upcoming events

Wednesday, 6 p.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Pitcairn Lions 5K, Pitcairn. 412-856-9111 or jaiken2@juno.com

Nov. 8, 8:30 a.m.: Gomer Davis Pumpkin Chase, Wilmerding. 412-823-9000 or skalinoski@ymcapgh.org

Nov. 8, 10 a.m.: Pittsylvania XC Challenge, Pittsburgh. Cross country run through Frick Park. 412-885-2537

Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5K, Allison Park. Run through Hampton Community Park with post race buffet. Gerardmac977@aol.com

Nov. 15, 9 a.m.: Fight for Life 5K Run-Walk, Apollo. 724-568-2517 or dzukas@cancer.org

Nov. 15, 9 a.m.: Hofacre 5K Run-Walk, Moon Township. 412-397-3426 or clarkj@rmu.edu

Nov. 19, 6:45 p.m.: Run the Lights, Hartwood Acres. Fun run through Festival of Lights. Strollers welcome, but no dogs or bicycles. runthelights@verizon.net

Race results

Applefest 5K, Oct. 4: Brian Ulrich, 1st Overall M, 16:04; Leah Shouey, 1st Overall W, 17:37; Adam Leskanic, 1st 35-39 M, 18:33; Susan Dreves, 1st 30-34 W, 20:11; Heather Leskanic, 1st 35-30 W, 22:15; Kristin McDeavitt, 3rd 12-15 W, 23:00G. Ronald Ripper, 22:14; Trey Maher, 23:04; Raplh Bommer,23:57; Jeff Nichols, 23:59; Mark Pekich,24:19; Rick Bobosky, 24:54; Jen Beachem,25:11; John Reiser, 26:04; Tammy Myers, 26:32; Jennifer Hancox, 27:31; Paris Howat, 29:25; Kendyl Sunck, 30:24; Crystal Albert, 30:39; Denise Knauff, 30:43; Chase Shirey, 30:47; Christine Gonzales, 30:52; Karen Shaeffer, 30:55; Ed Knauff, 30:57; Kristen Suveck, 31:00; Trenton Shirey, 31:02; Curtis Cooper, 31:19; David Foley, 31:59; Ethan Foley, 31:59; Lorenzo Gonzales, 34:37; Melinda McConnell, 37:50

Zoozilla 5K, Oct. 5: Jacob Montag, 1st Overall M, 17:57; Tammy Slusser, 1st Overall W, 18:43; Heather Melzer, 2nd Overall W, 19:13; Scott Slaney, 2nd 14-19 M, 18:46; Christopher Stephens, 1st 13 and under M, 20:53; Kelsey Hillock, 1st 13 and under W, 21:59; Jessica Hunter, 3rd 13 and under W, 27:48Jake Huner, 20:18; Colby Mathews, 20:45; Stephen Doe, 21:12; Benjamin Allen, 21:51; Brendan Beale, 23:34; Dylan Evans, 23:50; Evan Long, 24:37; Julie Mattscheck, 24:52; Elspeth Glasgow, 25:23; Elizabeth Parsons, 25:23; Cathleen Matozak, 25:29; Carly Clark, 25:33; Brynn Warkinan, 25:54; Casey Melzer, 26:13; Bob Congdon, 26:16Scott Ackerman, 26:36; Rita McGrogan, 26:45; Eric Rosers, 27:37; Eriksa Raymundo, 28:10; Larissa Dover, 28:11; Robert Zaccari, 28:20; Rebecca Parsons, 28:34; Courtney Cooper, 28:35; Tara Dover, 28:45; Nicholas Radio, 29:30; Lynsi Renwick, 29:38; Jeffrey Renwick, 29:40Gary Golebiewski, 29:52; Lisa Radio, 31:12; Abigail Huffman, 31:54; Valerie Cesare, 31:59; Mary Johnson, 32:28; John Sleightner, 32:54; Brieann Artz, 32:59; Jeannie McBride, 33:16; Christine Rogers, 41:31Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.