It’s an annual tradition for the last Saturday in June — except when it’s not. Butler Road Race returns to downtown on June 24 at 9 a.m. after on-course construction forced a date change in 2022.

Butler Road Race 5-mile and 2k has bounced through many changes over its 48-year history. Originally a 10k which proudly billed itself as “the toughest 10k in Western Pa.,” the event evolved from a race of the fastest and strongest to a race which supported local high school runners with scholarships.

In 2018, Butler YMCA spread the race’s impact throughout the greater community by funding services for youth, families and seniors. In the process, Butler Road Race has become a gentler, family and beginner-friendly run while continuing to attract speedy competition.

At 48, Butler Road Race is the oldest consecutively run road race in the region. During the COVID-19 quarantine, the event held a virtual event over a ten-day period in June. Participants chose their own course and reported results online, keeping the event alive.

Christina Dreher, race director and Development Director for Butler Family YMCA, is happy to return to the traditional June race date. Participation was lower last September due to competition from other events and Labor Day conflicts. “We’re hoping to get more high school runners back,” she says. “In September the cross country runners were busy with their racing season.”

Last year, more than a quarter of the runners were YMCA members. Dreher says that members are very supportive and generous in giving back to the community. “The YMCA is more than a gym. It’s part of the community,” she said, thanking Butler Health System, now Independence Health, for its continued support over the years.

There’s nothing new about this year’s Butler Road Race except that runners won’t have to pass through a construction site. The Sullivan Run Bridge Project has been completed for both 5-mile and 2k runners. There will be water stops at both turnaround points on the course, but Dreher encourages runners to carry water if it’s a particularly hot day.

There will not be a formal awards ceremony following the race. Top three male and female finishers, masters and top three in age groups from 9-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. Winners may pick up awards at the finish area or at the Butler YMCA or awards will be mailed later.

There’s plenty of time to register for this year’s Butler Road Race, although you may not receive a commemorative T-shirt. You can register by mail or online at bcfymca.org/events/butler-road-race. There will be registration and packet pick up at the Butler YMCA lobby on Friday, June 23, 3 to 6 p.m. Day-of-event registration opens in Diamond Park at 7:30 a.m., cash or check only. Kids ages 12 and under may register at a discounted cost of $15.

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.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Greater Clarksburg 10k, Clarksburg, WV. Also 2-mile. 304-672-3637 or runwithhat@yahoo.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Laurel Fest 5k, Brookville. Also 1 Mile Walk. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Brookville/LaurelFest5kHostedByPCK9SU

June 21, 7 p.m.: Summer Solstice 5k and 1 Mile Kids Run, Portersville. Run at Moraine State Park’s South Shore. Kids run for 12 and under starts at 6:30 P.M. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/SUMMERSOLSTICE5K1MILE

June 21, 7 p.m.: Strawberry Days 5k (QUAD I), Grove City. As in 2021, run entirely on bike path. Also kids race.724-866-1374 or secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=138529

June 23, 7 p.m.: New River Gorge Trail Festival 5k, Fayetteville, WV. Trail run in our newest national park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/WV/Fayetteville/NewRiverGorgeHalfMarathon

June 24, 6:30 a.m.: New River Gorge Trail Festival 30k and Half Marathon, Fayetteville, WV. Trail runs in our newest national park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/WV/Fayetteville/NewRiverGorgeHalfMarathon

June 24, 9 a.m.: Butch’s Bucket Brigade 5k, Worthington. Also kids 12 and under bike race at 11 A.M. 724-464-3420 or download an application at smileymiles.com/Event%20Calendar/June%20Events.html

June 24, 9 a.m.: Butler County Road Race 5 Mile and 2k, Butler. Register online or in Diamond Park on race day beginning at 7:30 A.M. bcfymca.org/events/butler-road-race

June 24, 9 a.m.: Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5k Run and 1 Mile Walk, Allison Park. Starts 724-816-4074 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/pcsrunwalk

July 1, 6 a.m.: Hell Hath No Hurry, Carnegie. Run 10k, 30k, 50k or 50k relay on Settlers’ Cabin Park trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Carnegie/HellHathNoHurry2021

July 1, 9 a.m.: Ford City 5k, Ford City. Flat loop course. secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=138313 or 724-763-3761

July 1, 9 a.m.: Ellwood City Ledger 10k, Ellwood City. Starts at Veterans Memorial Pool in Ewing Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/EllwoodCity/EllwoodCityLedgerArtsCraftsFoodFestival10k

July 4, 7:30 a.m.: 39th Annual Whiskey Rebellion 5k, Canonsburg. Starts in Canon-McMillan Stadium. Awards for runners and walkers. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Canonsburg/WhiskeyRebellion5KRunWalk

July 4, 8 a.m.: Get Fit Families Firecracker 5k and 1 Mile, Zelienople. Also 1-mile kids’ run. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Zelienople/Getfitfamiliesfirecracker

July 4, 8:30 a.m.: Hampton Rotary Firecracker 5k, Allison Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/2022HamptonRotaryClubFirecracker5K or email chris.lochner@hampton-pa.org

July 9, 7:30 a.m.: Trail Blazer 15k, 5k Run and Walk, Meadville. Run on scenic Ernst Trail. ernsttrail.org/

July 12, 7 p.m.: Dam Race 5k, Sharpsville. Race #2 in Twilight Quad Series. Also kids’ race. secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=138530724-866-1374

Race Results

Pittsburgh Half Marathon, May 6 (under 2:00:00): Wesly Kiptoo, 1st Overall M, 1:01:21; Buze Diriba, 1st Overall W, 1:10:43; Angela Jenny, 2nd Masters W, 1:27:24; Amy Brown, 3rd Masters W, 1:29:32; Ethan Wymer, 3rd 20-24 M, 1:12:14; Rick Hinman, 3rd 40-44 M, 1:18:52; Elizabeth Perry, 1st 40-44 W, 1:31:51; Corinne Reed, 3rd 19 & Under W, 1:33:40; Michael Brown, 1st 65-69 M, 1:38:53; S. Mark Courtney, 2nd 65-69 M, 1:40:09; Mike Formica, 1:12:41; Seth Jenny, 1:22:08; Andrew Drozynski, 1:27:16; Mary Jaskowak, 1:30:59; Ray Reinheimer, 1:31:16; Christopher Rowoth, 1:32:08; Anthony Garrastazu, 1:34:10; Jason Cecchetti, 1:35:07; Timothy Wyant, 1:35:44; Natalie Richard, 1:36:09; Brian Murslack, 1:36:46; Daniele Cecchetti, 1:37:20; Douglas Joseph, 1:37:28; Rachel Legacy, 1:37:44; Mark Munger, 1:38:17; Mikayla Psenick, 1:39:10; Tony Gaslevich, 1:39:39; Catherine Fox, 1:39:50; Karen Lyle, 1:40:28; Brad Alayon, 1:40:42; Hans Noel, 1:41:24; Laura Rybka, 1:41:25; Tricia Posey, 1:41:44; Donald Donatelli, 1:41:56; Jose Manuel Sanchez Pedregal, 1:42:17; Mile McKinney, 1:43:07; Seth Eismann, 1:43:07; Delaney McCarthy, 1:43:08; Steve Smith, 1:43:17; Bill Snider, 1:43:53; Justin Delecki, 1:44:15; Mario Greco, 1:44:33; Ali White, 1:44:47; Gerald Kosar, 1:45:05; Jesse McKinnis, 1:45:11; Matt Kynaston, 1:45:27; Grant Warmbein, 1:45:38; Josh Gretz, 1:46:03; Alexander Madonna, 1:46:31; Wesly Rice, 1:46:50; Nick Viduya, 1:47:05; Michael Cortese, 1:47:07; Brandon Miller, 1:47:12; Michael George, 1:47:18; Anne Bernacki, 1:47:35; Ray Huber, 1:47:37; Kate Meeuf, 1:47:37; Doug Smith, 1:48:07; Kasey Paul, 1:48:18; Daniel Ligman, 1:48:19; James Ayers, 1:48:28; Kim Platt, 1:48:36; Carrie-Birckbichler-Smith, 1:48:45; Jacob McBride, 1:49:00; Caleb Peters, 1:49:00; Megan Majeski, 1:49:09; Joshua Pelloni, 1:49:14; Kevin Smetak, 1:49:14; Meghan Morris, 1:49:22; John Evankovich, 1:49:22; Nikki Williams, 1:49:31; Philip O’Toole, 1:49:37; Dustin Kalkenbrenner, 1:49:45; Mary Ella McCarthy, 1:50:17; Meredith Heusey, 1:50:30; Rachel Traversari, 1:50:46; Vince Luszik, 1:51:08; Jerry Meyer, 1:51:18; Joanna Fisher, 1:51:20; Stephen Collins, 1:51:27; Katie Mack, 1:51:29; Stephen Salvatore, 1:51:41; Kyle Montrose, 1:51:43; Michael Limbacher, 1:51:46; Joel Sterniak, 1:51:54; Kelly Sterniak, 1:51:54; Nick Balestrino, 1:52:02; Holly Palmer, 1:52:04; Ariel Laur, 1:52:07; Melanie Christie, 1:52:09; Chuck Sarver, 1:52:13; Brad Samsa, 1:52:18; Thomas Majeski, 1:52:27; Alexandra Perry, 1:52:34; Amy Cegan, 1:52:36; Stacy Stotler, 1:52:37; Lai Nguyen, 1:52:39; Kyle Findlay, 1:52:40; Rustin Burger, 1:52:58; Lissa Batchelet, 1:53:05; Cassandra Davis, 1:53:15; Brett Smith, 1:53:15; Ryan Pettes, 1:53:21; Audrey Ferraro, 1:53:25; Matt Marshall, 1:53:34; Connie Hoffer, 1:53:38; Jonathan Emhardt, 1:53:39; Jennifer Mondi, 1:53:39; Helen Guo, 1:53:44; Michael Warchola, 1:54:03; Kevin O, 1:54:04; Emma McDonald, 1:54:25; Isabella Madonna, 1:54:25; Skyllar Spears, 1:54:28; Thomas Carter, 1:54:32; Meghan Eckert, 1:54:36Julia Callahan, 1:54:38; Eric Hauff, 1:54:46; Kassidy Ressler, 1:54:48; Brian Misiura, 1:54:56; Mario Dias, 1:55:01; Erin Norwig, 1:55:03; Patrick Mondi, 1:55:03; Hillary Theuret, 1:55:06; Robert Waltrip, 1:55:10; Darren Burns, 1:55:19; Bailey Hixon, 1:55:29; Lauren Breski, 1:55:30; Roger Lutz, 1:55:31; Kelli Flynn, 1:55:33; Tracey Smith, 1:55:34; Craig Conley, 1:55:36; Rick Jones, 1:55:40; Nicole Joschak, 1:55:41; Steven Scott, 1:55:42; Joseph Concannon, 1:55:45; Timothy James, 1:55:54; Ashley Vallely, 1:56:05; Arial Johnson, 1:56:05; Ian Mooney, 1:56:09; Anuj Kaul, 1:56:21; John Rea, 1:56:22; Elena Pirilla, 1:56:30; John Miller, 1:57:09; Clifford Evans, 1:57:23; Cindy Thomas, 1:57:30; Branden Shaver, 1:57:32; Kelly Noel, 1:57:35; Kaitlin Hoch, 1:57:35; Anna Williams, 1:57:38; Paul Strobel, 1:57:52; Nicole Baleno, 1:57:53; Matt Coldiron, 1:57:56; Mark Schroedel, 1:57:56; Mitch Andrews, 1:57:57; Molly Katherine, 1:57:58; Terence Ake, 1:58:11; Michael Braunstein, 1:58:18; Ashley Pelloni, 1:58:20; Kristopher Tilley, 1:58:26; Susan Yanief, 1:58:30; Nikolis Wasynczuk, 1:58:33; Megan Wessel, 1:58:39; Dana Novosel, 1:58:53; Michael Novosel, 1:58:54; Michael Gildersleeve, 1:59:01; Shirley Dong, 1:59:08; Mark Wabiszewski, 1:59:14; Tianna Wikert, 1:59:20; Kristen Shebek, 1:59:28; Shane Carney, 1:59:28; Mairead Ridenour, 1:59:44; Amanda Rivett, 1:59:49

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle