When I first began running, I thought running a 20-mile event on a frosty day in February was a crazy idea. Then I began training for spring marathons and changed my mind.

This Saturday, Spring Thaw celebrates its 47th year of presenting crazy and not-so-crazy runners an opportunity to build endurance, test early-season fitness or enjoy the camaraderie of the road. The gently rolling loop course around North Park Lake is great for honing in on pace or running for perceived exertion.

Originally held as a marathon for a few runners hoping to qualify for Boston, Spring Thaw evolved to include a competitive 10-mile and 15 and 20-mile training events. A 5-mile distance was added in 2022 to make it accessible to more runners and it has become the second most popular distance behind the 10-mile variety.

Race director Matt Imhof expects more than 100 runners in this year’s 5-mile and more than 500 total participants since weather should be mild. That’s not always the case in late February. He recalls wind gusts of 50- to 60-miles per hour that blew down the finish line balloon arch, a chilly run through steady drizzle at 35 degrees and several years with snow on the ground.

Spring Thaw offers competitive awards for the top three male and female finishers in all of its distances. The 10-mile also awards age group medals for masters and age groups from 19-and-under through 70+. This year, Three Rivers USATF has partnered with race organizers in a Winter Grand Prix which offers prizes to members running Spring Thaw’s 10-mile and several other winter and early spring races. For information about membership, visit www.usatf-threerivers.org.

In Spring Thaw’s earlier years, participants earned swag-like hats, gloves and t-shirts based on distances completed. Now, all finishers in Spring Thaw events earn custom designed medals and a large commemorative item. This year, all participants earn a hooded sweatshirt. In the past four years of GCXC Racing’s directorship of the event, commemoratives have included hats, half-zip pullovers and backpacks. “I want to keep it innovative and fun,” Matt says.

Spring Thaw can be fun, but also serious training. Pacers from Marathon Pacing offer pacing groups from 8 to 11 minutes per mile for the 10-mile and 7:30, 9 and 9:30 for the 15-mile distance. Runners can also practice fluid intake techniques and timing at three water stops per lap with Gu offered at the Boathouse stop.

Those who’ve run Spring Thaw prior to 2020 may long for the post-race soup buffet, but that was in the pre-COVID era. Now the race offers bananas, pre-packaged snacks and drinks in the warmth of the Rose Barn.

Online registration is still open at runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw or you may register in person at packet pickup today until 7 p.m. at Pro Bike+Run in North Park. You may sign up on race day at the Rose Barn beginning at 8:30 a.m., but may not receive a hoodie, depending on availability. Those training for a spring marathon can take advantage of a Training Bundle option online offering a 10 percent discount for Spring Thaw, Just a Short Run and March Mad Dash.

If you can’t run, you can still volunteer on race day. Check the website or choose your volunteer task on the race website.

If you’re going to this Saturday’s Spring Thaw, arrive early to park at the Rose Barn. Other parking is available at the Pierce Mill Road lot, Spillway or Skating Rink. There is no race parking at the Boathouse as that is reserved for OTB restaurant.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: Olde Girdled Grit Trail Run Marathon, Concord Township, Ohio. Scenic run through 2 parks. Half marathon starts at 9 A.M. www.gcxcrunningseries.com/oldegirdledgrit

Saturday, 10 a.m.: The Spring Thaw 5, 10, 15 or 20 Miles, Allison Park. Run loops around North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw

Saturday, 4 p.m.: Big One Run Mile Race, New Castle. Fast, point-to-point course in Cascade Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN

March 4, 9 a.m.: Shamrock Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Run at Graham Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTownship/ShamrockRunCranberry

March 4, 9 a.m.: South Park Half Marathon, South Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SouthParkTownship/SouthParkHalfMarathon

March 4, 11 a.m.: Ellport Boro Community 5k, Ellport. Scenic 5k with post-race pizza. runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5K

March 11, 9 a.m.: St. Patrick’s Distance Festival, Erie. Run 5k, 10k or both. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/StPatricksDayDistanceFestival

March 18, 4 a.m.: Rabid Raccoon 100, Hookstown. Choice of 100 miles, 100k starting at 7 a.m. or 20 miles starting at 8 a.m. in loops of Raccoon Creek State Park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/Hookstown/RabidRaccoon100

March 18, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp 4.6 Miles, Sharpsville. Run on Trout Island Rail Trail, Race 2 in MCTA 26.2 Series. 724-301-6775 or www.mctrails.org/events-1

March 18, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk, Leechburg. Costumes encouraged, dog friendly. Also Small Town, Loud Voice Dance Party at 6 p.m. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Leechburg/ShamShuffle

March 19, noon: Burn Empty Calories 5k, Meadville. Staged from Voodoo Brewery. All participants over 21 received a voucher for one beer. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Meadville/BurningEmptyCalories5k

March 19, noon: Burning Empty Calories 5k/10k, Pittsburgh. Staged at Voodoo Brewing on North Shore River Trail. 412-523-8742 or http://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/VoodooBrewingCoBurningEmptyCalories5k10k

March 25, 7:30 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle Half Marathon, 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Harmony. Challenging, hilly course. 5k starts at 10 a.m., 1 Mile at 11 a.m. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/ShamrockShuffleZeienopleRotary

March 25, 9:30 a.m.: Barneville Park/Rotary Lake Trail 5k Walk, Run and Fun Run, Barnesville, OH. Hand-crafted trophies, food, commemorative hooded sweatshirt or long-sleeved t-shirt, free fun run. 740-310-2117 or runsignup.com/Race/OH/Barnesville/BarnesvilleParkRotaryLake5kTrailWalkRunKidsFunRun

March 25, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k, Apollo. Out and back from Kunkle Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Apollo/KiskiAreaShamrockRun5K

April 1, 10 a.m.: Easter Egg Dash 5k, Bunny Hop 1 Mile and Kids Easter Egg Hunt, Butler. Start and finish at Butler High School’s Art Bernardi Stadium. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/BestBuddiesEasterEggDash

April 1, 10 a.m.: Helicon Brewing Food Truck 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk, Oakdale. Flat, fast, out-and-back on Panhandle Trail. Post race party with free pint of beer and food truck voucher. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Oakdale/HeliconBrewingFoodTruck5K

April 1, 10 a.m.: Fool’s Run 5k and 10k, Black Lick. Run out-and-back on Ghost Town Trail from Saylor Pavilion. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Indiana/FoolsRun10K5K?remMeAttempt=

April 1, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5k, Cooksburg. Gently rolling out-and-back along Clarion River. 724-554-9511 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=137976

April 8, 10 a.m.: MKG Half Marathon, Sandy Lake. Run on paved bike path around Lake Wilhelm, Race #3 of MCTA 26.2 Series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

Race Results

Harmony Silvester 5k, Dec. 31: Zach Leachman, 1st Overall M, 14:48; Michael Braun, 3rd Overall M, 16:21; Kim Platt, 1st Overall W, 22:28; Meghan Morris, 2nd Overall W, 23:00; Owen Schessler, 1st 15-19 M, 16:28; Ben Capozzi, 2nd 15-19 M, 18:06; Andrew Maxwell, 1st 25-29 M, 18:09; Terry Beacom, 1st 45-49 M, 18:16; Andrew Drozynski, 1st 20-24 M, 19:14; Dan Nguyen, 1st 40-44 M, 19:26; Riley McGee, 1st 11-14 M, 19:36; Jack Kelley, 1st 35-39 M, 19:40; Daniel Kysela, 2nd 35-39 M, 20:21; Matthew Sydlik, 3rd 35-39 M, 21:17; Josh McGinley, 3rd 25-29 M, 22:06; Jeff Smith, 3rd 50-54 M, 22:10; Jeannie Orend, 1st 45-49 W, 23:51; Katie Kovacic, 1st 40-44 W, 23:54; Mike Zizan, 1st 60-64 M, 23:54; Michelle Dlugas, 1st 35-39 W, 24:33; Rod Brest, 1st 70-74 M, 24:45; Karina Latsko, 1st 20-24 W, 24:46; Val McGee, 3rd 40-44 W, 24:57; Bella Morales, 2nd 15-19 W, 25:02; Sarah Walsh, 3rd 15-19 W, 25:04; Eli Cooley, 3rd 45-49 M, 25:11; Andy Gengler, 2nd 30-34 M, 25:23; Mollie Gallagher, 1st 25-29 W, 25:55; John Armstrong, 3rd 55-59 M, 26:02; Jake Anderson, 3rd 11-14 M, 27:02; Leanna Anderson, 3rd 45-49 W, 27:02; Elizabeth Wilmoth, 2nd 30-34 W, 27:08; Dylan Bowman, 3rd 30-34 M, 27:09; Elle Kelley, 3rd 30-34 W, 27:18; Jinny Hertwek, 1st 50-54 W, 27:23; Franklin Bame, 1st 65-69 M, 28:14; Cheryl Fox, 3rd 55-59 W, 28:19; James Gascoine, 2nd 65-69 M, 28:25; A. Wishart, 2nd 11-14 W, 29:49; Natalie Morris, 3rd 11-14 W, 29:51; Tony Pityk, 3rd 60-64 M, 29:55; Margaret Carlson, 1st 65-69 W, 30:01; Maria Anderson, 2nd 50-54 W, 31:12; L. Dye, 1st 10 & Under M, 31:32; Kelsey Martz, 3rd 25-29 W, 32:23; Paul Johnson, 1st 75+ M, 32:51; Cindy Waltemire, 2nd 65-69 W, 32:59; Sherrie Mazurek, 3rd 65-69 W, 33:09; Linda Robash, 1st 60-64 W, 33:11; N. Zucatti, 2nd 10 & Under M, 33:42; Kathy Mattern, 2nd 60-64 W, 34:35; Marc Liebman, 2nd 75+ M, 36:46; Abigail Haughey, 3rd 20-24 W, 36:52; Charles Morse, 2nd 70-74 M, 36:53; Robert Sands, 3rd 75+ M, 38:33; Valerie Sands, 1st 75+ W, 41:05; M. Bone, 1st 10 & Under W, 44:24; Phil Lope, 3rd 70-74 M, 44:47; Judy Lyle, 1st 70-74 W, 50:12; Drew Steffler, 19:51; Phillip Silvis, 19:59; Michael McBrearty, 21:39; Stephen Mick, 24:10; Caleb Rauscher, 24:41; Bill Schessler, 24:59; Curt Pfleegor, 26:05; Michael Labos, 26:11; Brian Mathiesen, 26:18; Jessica Greco, 26:28; Lindsay Monohan, 26:34; Mitch Radella, 26:40; Shannon Wishart, 26:53; Luke Anderson, 27:02; Brittany Pfleegor, 27:07; Lori Fromlak, 27:09; Ty Laughlin, 27:10; L. Kovacic, 27:11; Doug Vensel, 27:20; Bob Monahan, 28:18; David King, 28:19; Andrew Menchyk, 28:22; Donald Yost, 29:11; Ella Paule, 29:15; David Paule, 29:20; Amanda Smoker, 29:45; Rick Bowers, 29:49; Tyler Monjk, 29:56; Rebecca Rawlings, 30:17; Megan Sovich, 30:19; Erin Kohlmeyer, 31:04; Anthony Brewer, 31:42; Brian Gengler, 31:56; Rhonda Maloney, 31:57; Maura Dye, 32:03; Andrew Chiapusio, 32:15; Frank Walowen, 32:18; Melissa Jungling, 32:48; Laura Augustine, 32:55; Bruce Barnes, 33:12; Donna Latsko, 33:12; Mike Zucatti, 33:42; Rich Anderson, 34:39; Tiah Popa, 34:45; Robin Trinko, 34:56; Patricia Liebman, 34:58; Kara Mostowy, 35:17; Megan Crawford, 35:21; Kyle Campbell, 35:23; S. Roy, 35:35; Virginia Morlino, 35:38; Mark Pekich, 35:43; Michelle Pekich, 35:45; Jeff Byko, 35:58; W. Bowman, 36:05; Abby Wolford, 36:45; Jim Haughey, 36:49; Heidi Fleming, 37:05; Jamie Harcar, 37:07; Carol Englis, 37:51; Sue Ann Jones, 38:18; Ashley Tuzikow, 38:20; Gerik Rekich, 38:20; Beth Worek, 39:06; Ann Newcamp, 39:44; Christie Guthrie, 39:45; Deborah Takacs, 39:50; Karen Mercer, 40:07; Lori Haughey, 41:18; Elizabeth Haughey, 41:20; Michelle Tucker, 41:37; Nicole Ciaramella, 42:01; Tom Vrabely, 42:05; David Steffler, 42:42; Dawn Cox, 43:02; Margaret O’Reilley, 43:25; Heather Moser, 43:46; Christine Murray, 44:18; Sean Harcar, 46:26; Debra Kuminkoski, 47:30; Hal Repasky, 48:42; John W. Banks, 50:08; Peggy Sibenac, 50:15; Denise Phipps, 51:43; Julie Breitenbach, 56:42; Cori Dunn, 57:34

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle