Evan Miller decided to make a little history on Saturday — whether he knew it or not.

Miller, of New Castle, captured the Butler Road Race 2K, marking the first time a non-Butler High School student or graduate did not win the event.

The 2K replaced the 2-mile run in 2000.

Miller, 16, who will be a junior at Laurel High School, finished with a time of 6:26, 15 seconds ahead of runner-up Rob Miller, 19, of Butler.

Last year, it was Rob Miller who won with Evan finishing second.

Every year I inch my way up," said Evan, who finished 12th in 2006. "I just want to improve every year."

Cory Steinhagen, 20, of Sarver was third with a time of 6:48 while Eric Hillard, 18, of Emlenton was fourth (6:58) and Ryan Thompson, 14, of Slippery Rock was fifth (7:07).

"I knew that last hill would be a killer," said Miller on coming up Main Street. "I just wanted to stay with the lead runners and make a push at the end.

"At the turnaround (near Emily Brittain School on West Penn Street), we were still close together," said Evan. "Then I kicked it and picked up the pace.

"I was with (Steinhagen) and made a pass at the turnaround. Coming up the hill, I definitely felt (the breeze). It wasn't a hindrance, but I could definitely feel it."

On the women's side, Ashley Crawford, 15, of Evans City had a winning time of 7:53, holding off a pair of competitors — Danika Snyder, 15, of Butler (7:58) and Kayla Zboran, 12, of Freeport (7:59).

Jessica Bennett, 14, of Harrisville was fourth with a time of 8:09 and Cristina Frazzini, also 14, of Butler was fifth (8:23).

Crawford, who will be a sophomore at Butler this fall, kept her expectations modest entering the race.

"I knew a lot of my teammates were going because we run together," said Crawford. "I did try and stay ahead of the pack."

Crawford trailed at the turnaround, but made a slight surge to take a quick lead and held on for the win.

"I made sure I gave it my all and kept going," said Crawford, "even if they were right behind me."