It's a February event that heralds the end of winter but doesn't involve a groundhog.

The event in question is the 32nd annual Spring Thaw, which will be held at 1 a.m. Saturday North Park.

Spring Thaw began as the original Pittsburgh Marathon, but has evolved into a race and an early tuneup for other spring marathons and half marathons.

Spring Thaw is more than a single race. The event features distances of 10, 15 and 20 miles in consecutive, gently rolling loops around North Park Lake.

Spring Thaw is ChampionChip timed, with runners receiving finishing times along with split times for each 5-mile loop completed. All participants, regardless of distance completed, are rewarded with a commemorative long-sleeved running shirt.

About half of the 200 to 300 participants in the annual event choose to race the 10- mile distance.

As incentive to keep going, all those who continue to the 15-mile mark earn running gloves. Those who complete four loops around the lake, or 20 miles, earn embroidered hats for their efforts.

Each year, nearly 80 runners complete the 20-mile distance, most in preparation for spring marathons.

Race director Kevin Smith of Elite Runners and Walkers said that many runners use the Spring Thaw as a practice race for their popular Just a Short Run Half Marathon on March 29. That event is one of the largest half marathons in the region, due in part to its designation as an official Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training event.

The longer distances of Spring Thaw also are great fitness tests for those planning to run the Boston Marathon on April 21 or one of the many May marathons.

Runners will appreciate the support for their long distance runs. Spring Thaw features aid stations each 1Z\v miles along the course, with water, sports drinks, energy gels and basic first aid supplies.

All runners, whether racing, training or just out for late winter exercise, will appreciate the friendly atmosphere at Spring Thaw. Like Groundhog Day, Spring Thaw celebrates the anticipated end of winter.

All runners will welcome the post-race soup buffet in the Rose Barn across the road from the Boathouse.

"We serve gallons of soup, and it's all homemade," Smith said. "It's really good."

Because it's February, runners should be prepared for any type of weather. There are no plans to reschedule the event if there is inclement weather on race day.

It's not too late to register for Saturday's Spring Thaw. Registration and packet pick-up take place at Elite Runners and Walkers in Robinson Township until 8 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

Runners can register on race day at the Rose Barn beginning at 8:30 a.m. but shirts might be in short supply.

For information about the event, call Elite Runners and Walkers at 412-490-0881 or email shoes@eliterunners.com.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Run from 7 to 20 miles. Leaves from Lt. Stone Field.Sunday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Same as Saturday's run.February 21, 7:30 p.m.: "Spirit of the Marathon," Cinemark, Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills. Encore presentation of the film. Order tickets online at www.fathomevents.comFeb. 23, 9 a.m.: Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10 miles, 15 miles or 20 miles, post-run soup buffet. 412-490-0881 or ksmith@eliterunners.comMarch 2, 8:30 a.m.: Mill Creek Distance Classic, Youngstown, Ohio. Hilly half marathon runs through Mill Creek Metro Park. 330-727-6070 or rhart829@sbglobal.netMarch 8, 11 a.m.: Katrina's 5K Run, Freedom. Benefits New Orleans hurricane relief. 724-728-2648March 8, noon: Air Force ROTC Arnold Air Society Run to Remember, Morgantown, W.Va. 304-483-1579 or hsealove@mix.wvu.eduMarch 9, 9 a.m.: Athletic Trainer River Run, Pittsburgh. Run from UPMC Southside. 412-432-3770 or sanchioligi@upmc.eduMarch 15, 9:30 a.m.: St. Patrick's Day 5K Walk-Run, Big Rock Park, New Brighton. 724-495-9417 or jhilfinger@co.beaver.pa.usMarch 15, 10 a.m.: Diane Kelly 5K Run-Walk, Warren. Starts at YMCA. 814-726-0110 or chris@warrenymcaMarch 15, 10 a.m.: St. Patrick's Day 10K Race, Presque Isle State Park, Erie. Starts at Rotary Pavillion. jimlang@bigwhitetrailer.comMarch 22, 7 a.m.: Lt. J.C. Stone 50K UltraMarathon, North Park. Honors Vietnam War hero. www.active.comMarch 29, 8:30 a.m.: Just a Short Run Half Marathon, North Park. Choice of 5K, 13.1 miles or 30K. 412-490-0881 or info@justashortrun.netMarch 29, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5K, Cook Forest State Park. Scenic out-and-back along Clarion River. 814-393-2081 or jroesch@clarion.edu

<B>Frostbite Five, Feb. 9:</B> Herb Cratty, 1st Overall M, 29:10; Kristen Brown, 1st Overall W, 38:35; Wendy Recio, 2nd Overall W, 39:08; Mark Courtney, 1st Masters M, 31:33; Marty Prokop, 1st 20-29 M, 32:05; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-49 M, 32:56; Benjamin Hoffman, 1st 19 and under M, 33:13; Aaron Anderson, 3rd 19 and under M, 35:37; Debbie Courtney, 2nd 40-49 W, 47:14; Justin Frazier, 35:52; Steve Drew, 47:26; William Dundore, 49:51<B>Frigid Five, Feb. 10:</B> Ed Rosporski, 1st Overall M, 30:04; Andrea Moore, 1st Overall W, 38:31; Mark Courtney, 1st Masters M, 30:23; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-44 M, 35:59; Mary Morgan, 1st 45-49 W, 45:36; Chris Romito, 46:19<B>Ellport Winter Wonderland 5K, Feb. 16:</B> Dominic Wyzomirski, 1st Overall M, 17:23; Bonnie Lathom, 1st Overall W, 20:50; Jim Pitts, 1st 35-39 M, 18:42; Jeff Lynn, 2nd 35-39 M, 18:47; Mitch Radella, 1st 40-44 M, 19:22; Andrew Razanauskas, 1st 15-19 M, 12:42; Jeff Wiley, 3rd 50-54 M, 20:03; Russ Ochenshirt, 1st 30-34 M, 20:03; Frank D'Amrosio, 2nd 40-44 M, 20:28; Kevin Scott Brown, 3rd 45-49 M, 20:55; Bob Crawford, 1st 60-64 M, 22:23; Carrie Smith, 1st 25-29 W, 23:11Lou Alaksin, 1st 65-69 M, 23:19; John Antinossi, 2nd 60-64 M, 23:35; Renee Wilson, 1st 20-24 W, 23:53; Dez Csizmadia, 2nd 65-69 M, 24:31; Richard Boettner, 3rd 60-64 M, 24:37; Gale Mussey, 3rd 55-59 M, 26:35; Lou Lodovico, 1st 70 and over M, 27:41; Tom Murray, 3rd 65-69 M, 27:47; Cindy Suber, 2nd 45-49 W, 28:52; Sherree May, 1st 50-54 W, 31:32; Sue Boettner, 1st 55-59 W, 31:42; Sarahann Bordick, 1st 40-44 W, 32:24; Jill Masura, 1st 30-34 W, 32:58; Nathali Kuffer, 2nd 30-34 W, 32:59; Sharon Bieselt, 1st 60-64 W, 33:42; Debra Kuminkoski, 3rd 45-49 W, 36:51Mark Knapp, 21:33; Phil Barner, 22:55; Mike Covert, 23:53; Ron Hartle, 24:28; Michael Poff, 25:22; Len Yensull, 25:52; Rob Cisco, 37:00Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. E-mail: bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.