Runners traverse Main Street during the 2022 Butler Road Race. Butler Eagle File Photo

The Butler Road Race’s route is the same as it has been for the past few years, but the Butler YMCA is still expecting a good turnout of people looking to take on the course and help the agency in the process.

Christina Dreher, development director for the Butler YMCA, said the Butler Road Race, which takes place June 22 in Butler, remains one of the agency’s biggest fundraisers.

“Participation in community events like Butler Road Race is what keeps us running,” Dreher said. “The road race is always a solid fundraiser for our Annual Support Campaign … through which we can connect our community to YMCA resources through discounted memberships and program rates.”

Early-bird registration is open until June 1 for the annual race, which costs $30 for the 2K and $40 for the 5-mile, and includes a T-shirt and medals for 5-mile finishers.

According to Dreher, the route for each course is the same as last year’s, with the start and finish being at Diamond Park. The 2K runners and walkers turn around near the YMCA, and the 5-milers head down to the flagpole at the bottom of Alameda Park and back.

The Butler Road Race is the longest running race in the region, and this year’s event will be its 49th. The Butler YMCA took over running the event a few years ago.

Dreher said race day is “always bustling.” More than 200 runners competed in the races last year, and Dreher said the YMCA is still trying to increase race registration this year.

“We hope to see more folks registered this year and are doing what we can to increase runner perks like softer, higher-quality T-shirts and 5-mile finisher medals for all who are preregistered during the early-bird phase,” Dreher said. “We’re also offering special pricing for kids 17 and younger, as well as employee discounts for YMCA and Independence Health System employees.

“We’re working hard to increase registration numbers.”

Dreher emphasized the importance of fundraising events like the Butler Road Race, which help provide thousands of people in the community with discounted or free memberships and programs.

“Our runners support kids and families who might not otherwise be able to take advantage of the resources the YMCA offers,” Dreher said.

Early-bird registration can be done online at bcfymca.org.