For some, the Butler Road Race is a competition.

For many others, the annual event is just as much about camaraderie.

The initial group of athletes to cross the finish line Saturday in the 38th Butler Road Race showcased speed and endurance.

As the race wore on, especially in the 2-kilometer portion, the runners — or walkers — seemed more focused on fun.

Many participants enjoyed the hot summer day spending quality time with loved ones.

Some crossed the finish line hand-in-hand with either a family member or their significant other.

Results showed many finishers with the same last names grouped together.

Part of the reason is the annual race’s local appeal.

“A lot of it is tradition,” said Butler Road Race director Mike Blessel. “A lot of the people have been here for a number of years and it is a big event for downtown here, so we attract a lot of local people.”

The 2K is a particularly big draw for parents who accompany their children or for athletes a little past their prime but like to stay active.

The finishers’ ages ranged from 2 to 84 in the 2K event this year. There were 41 participants under the age of 12 and 31 who were 60 years or older.

“We get a lot of people for that,” said Blessel of the 2K. “The attraction there is it’s a way for people to come out with the family. A lot of kids come out with their parents. It’s just a family event.”

The race also serves as good reason to come back home.

Jeff Beisheim and his wife Stephanie grew up in Butler and now live in Eighty Four, near Canonsburg. They made the trip to Butler to visit their parents and decided to run the Butler Road Race while they were at it.

Stephanie finished 25th overall in the 5-mile event, while Jeff crossed the finish line holding hands with his 7-year-old son Jacob in the 2K. Sarah, the youngest member of the group at 5 years old, participated in the 2K with her grandmother Maxine.

The Butler Road Race marked the second event Jeff has run with his son.

“We’ve done a 5K, so we thought we would give this one a shot,” Beisheim said. “(Stephanie and I) did it two years ago and we did it when we were younger. Both of our parents live in town, so we got to see them, as well.”

While his father is the more experienced runner, Jacob was the one to set the pace Saturday.

“He was pushing me today. He was doing good,” said the elder Beisheim. “He started out a bit fast. We were going at about a seven-minute mile pace. Coming back was a little bit harder. ... I’m proud of him.”

Jacob had no problem pointing out the toughest part of the course.

“Whenever you have to go up all the hills,” said the 7-year-old.

Danica Snyder, a 20-year-old Butler High graduate who finished first in the 5-mile race for the second consecutive year, had plenty of loved ones to celebrate with.

“My whole family is here. My whole family does this every year — aunts, uncles, my parents, my brother, my grandma,” Snyder explained. “My grandma walked in this race. She’s so active at the age of 82.”

Snyder’s grandmother, Lydia Snyder Emrick, will turn 83 in August and was the second-oldest participant on Saturday.

She said she enjoyed the time spent with her family.

“It is very nice,” Emrick said. “We do it because we like it. We don’t expect to win.”

Emrick finished the 2K course in 20 minutes, 40 seconds. She still works full-time after 30 years at a credit union and makes it a point to stay on her feet. She especially enjoys it with her family around.

“We keep active. There’s seven of us today,” she said. “We have a good time.”