Many of our favorite races faced cancellation or went virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions over spring and summer.

It may seem overly optimistic to launch a new event in these uncertain times, but Matt Imhoff GCXC Racing is not only holding a new race this Saturday. He's already planning for a bigger and better event for next year.

The inaugural South Ridge Trail Challenge this Saturday offers a scenic tour of gravel roads and single track trails in nearby North Park. The wooded area near North Park Pool is beautiful anytime, but can be spectacular in the autumn leaves and cool fall temperatures.

Runners in the South Ridge Challenge can choose a 5k loop or complete two loops for 10k. The trail will be well marked by flags and Matt expects that 10k runners unfamiliar with North Park's trails can warm up on the first lap, then run more aggressively on the second. He promises that next year's race will run on a more diverse terrain as this year's course was constrained by construction within the park.

South Ridge Trail Challenge will offer water at 1.5 miles and 4.5 miles. Volunteers at water stops will be wearing gloves and masks for safety. Runners are free to bring their own on-trail refreshments as well. Post-race refreshments include bottled water and pre-packaged snacks.

Matt says that most GCXC Racing events feature unique shirts and finisher medals. This year's South Ridge Trail Challenge will offer a commemorative shirt (guaranteed to those registered by Oct. 6) but no medal and Matt promises the full array of swag for 2021.

GCXC Racing is serious about safety. The 5k starting at 8 a.m. and 10k at 9:30 will feature socially distant wave starts. All participants are expected to wear masks unless they are actually running on the course. Spectators must wear masks at all times and should congregate in groups of family members only.

South Ridge Trail Challenge offers a virtual option for those who are not ready for in-person running events. Runners and walkers may sign up online, complete the 5k or 10k, then submit results by Oct. 31.

For more information about South Ridge Trail Challenge, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallenge or email Matt Imhoff at matt@gcxcracing.com.

On Oct. 16, GCXC Racing sponsors Firefly 2 Miler, a family friendly evening race at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Township. Packet pickup and day-of-event registration begins at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. start at dusk.

Runners and walkers are free to light up the evening with glow-in-the-dark attire, glow sticks or lights. The 2-loop course along North Boundary's paved trail will be lined with cones and glow sticks for a firefly effect.

Matt Imhoff says that this event is patterned after a summer event held annually in the Cleveland area, but it fit conveniently into the Pittsburgh area October schedule.

There are no competitive awards for this event, but all participants receive a custom race bib, shirt and unique glow-in-the-dark finisher medal. There's a virtual option for this event, too. Run the course or any 2-mile course of your choosing and earn the same fun swag. For more information about Firefly 2 Miler, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/CranberryTownship/PAFirefly2Miler.

GCXC Race Timing and Management has taken over management of several local favorite races previously managed by Elite Runners, then by Pro Bike + Run, including 2 Face 10k coming up on Oct. 25, Just a Short Run and Spring Thaw. They've added plenty of new ones including First Responders 5k in November and Run Santa Run in December, both in Cranberry Township's Graham Park. A new North Park Winter Series combining Frigid 5 Miler, Spring Thaw and Just a Short Run will offer a special yearly commemorative medal to those completing all three races in the series.

For more information about upcoming events, visit https://www.gcxcracing.com/ or GCXC Race Timing & Management on Facebook.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: South Ridge Trail Challenge 5k and 10k, Allison Park. Run on North Park Trails. runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/AllisonPark/SouthRidgeTrailChallengeSaturday, 9 a.m.: OLSH Rally for McNally 5k Run/walk, Coraopolis. Benefits Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School's Michael McNally Endowed Scholarship Fund. www.olsh.org/apps/pages/rally/Saturday, 9 a.m.: Life Run 5k/10k, North East. Run through PA wine country. Also Fun Walk. 814-897-6632 or peopleforlife.org/runinfo.htmlSunday, noon: King of the Mountain, Clearfield. Five mile hill climb time trial. 814-591-6811 or fg6@psu.eduOct. 16, 7 p.m.: Firefly 2 Miler, Cranberry Township. Evening run through North Boundary Park. Also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/CranberryTownship/PAFirefly2MilerOct. 17, 7:30 a.m.: Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run, Emporium. Choice of 12k, 25k or 50k. 814-486-4324 or www.sinnemahone.orgOct. 24, 9:30 a.m.: Chase Away Hunger 5k, Beaver Falls. Also one mile fun walk. Scenic run/walk through Brush Creek Park benefits Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. runsignup.com/Race/PA/BeaverFalls/ChaseAwayHunger5kWalkRunOct. 24, 11 a.m.: Kelly's Family Color Fun Run, Butler. Starts at Butler ElksLodge. Color run/walk on Butler-Freeport Trail.Oct. 25, 8 a.m.: Two Face 10k, Wexford. Choice of road, trail or both. Also virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/Wexford/TwoFace10KOct. 25, 8 a.m.: Kinzua Valley Half Marathon, Westline. Run on crushed limestone trail along Allegheny River. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Westline/KinzuaValleyHalfMarathonOct. 25, 3 p.m.: Great Pumpkin 5k and 1 Mile, Zelienople. Also 1one mile fun run, benefits St. Gregory School PTO and athletic programs. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Zelienople/8thAnnualGreatPumpkinRaceOct. 27, 5:30 p.m.: Jack-O-Lantern Jog, Butler. Halloween themed fun run starts at Kaufman Drive Trailhead on Butler-Freeport Trail. run@butlercountymilers.orgOct. 31, 9 a.m.: Trick or Trot 5k, Murraysville. Run on scenic Westmoreland Heritage Trail. https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/Murrysville/TrickorTrot5kPAOct. 31, 9 a.m.: Haunted Hustle 5k, Lower Burrell. Also free 2k starting at 11 A.M. and virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/LowerBurrell/VPFYMCAHauntedHustle5KNov. 1, 9 a.m.: InFirst Veterans' Marathon and Half Marathon, Blairsville. Out and back on Ghost Town Rail Trail. Fast, certified, Boston qualifier. 724-599-5929 or https://veterans-marathon.com/Nov. 1, 1 p.m.: Sweat for Vets Power Climb, Altoona. Choice of 10 or 5k trail runs, 5k trail walk and family activities at Brush Mountain Sportsmen's Association to benefit local veterans. https://s4v.org/challenge/Nov. 7, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Township Veterans' Day Race, Sarver. Choice of 10k or 5k on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. 724-201-1210 or https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/BuffaloTownshipVeteransDayRaceNov. 7, 9:30 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5 Mile Trail Race and 1 Mile Trail Walk, Allison Park. Challenging trail run or walk in North Park to benefit OCD Foundation of Western PA. ocdirections@verizon.net or https://trailrunner.com/event/dirt-monster-trail-race/Nov. 8, 9 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5k, Allison Park. Scenic 5k through Hampton Community Park. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/OPERATIONTROOPAPPRECIATION5KSend comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<i>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</i>