It was born a 10k in the first running boom of the ‘70s, offering competition and a chance at prize money. Reborn as a quick five-mile race, it rewarded high school scholar-athletes.

Since 2018, the community event benefits free YMCA programs for Butler youth, adults and seniors. It’s the 46th Annual Butler Road Race, the longest-held running race in our region and it runs through downtown this Saturday at 9 a.m.

Butler Road Race 5-Mile and 2k has been a June tradition since 1975. Although a virtual event as COVID struck in 2020, runners will once again toe the starting line in front of the Butler Courthouse, dash down Main Street heading toward the turnaround in Alameda Park and follow the painted feet to the finish line. (There is also a virtual option for those who cannot participate in person.)

Christina Dreher, Development and Marketing Specialist for the Butler Family YMCA, says registration is on pace for 500 participants. The Butler Road Race has averaged 350 to 400 finishers over the past four years of in-person events.

Christina, a runner herself, says that although her race day duties prevent her from participating this year, she enjoyed running the 5-mile race in 2019.

“It’s a great course for novices,” she says. “I love the feeling of running down Main Street with no traffic.”

As usual, Butler City Police and local CB Rangers will monitor traffic and keep the streets closed for runners’ safety. This year, runners should plan to finish by 11 a.m. as streets will begin to reopen then.

Last year’s virtual race saw 200 participants, but this year only five plan to take the virtual option of completing either distance on their own. Christina says that a few of the YMCA employees who are volunteering on race day have registered for the virtual race, but for the most part, everyone is happy to get together to run with each other once again.

Among this year’s participants is David Convery, winner and sole participant in the 5-mile wheelchair division for the past three in-person races. Before defending his winning streak, Convery will deliver an opening prayer at the start.

There will be a few differences in this year’s event, mostly due to COVID safety issues at the finish area. Masks are not required at the start, finish or on the course but people are welcome to wear them for their own reassurance.

Three aid stations with water will be located along the course, but runners may carry their own refreshments if desired. There will be no post-race refreshments due to the anticipated crowd size at Diamond Park following the race.

There also will not be an awards ceremony this year. Top three male and female finishers, and top three in age groups from 9 and Under through 70+ earn certificates. First male and female YMCA members earn special recognition and the first Butler County male and female finishers earn the Donny Bayne Memorial Award, named for one of the original organizers, longtime BRR supporter and distance runner, the late Donald D. Bayne.

If you’re preregistered for the BRR, you may pick up your race packet at the Butler Family YMCA on Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Packet pick-up and day of event registration opens in Diamond Park at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Kids ages 12 and under may register at a discounted cost of $10.

Butler Road Race is one event in the YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign which funds programs and services like the free Reach and Rise youth mentoring program. Other events include a golf scramble in September, Giving Tuesday in December, Bowl for Kids in March, Rally for the Y indoor bike challenge in April.

For more information about Butler Road Race, YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign events or Butler Family YMCA’s programs, visit www.bcfymca.org or call 724-287-4733.

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle