At this time of year we can only dream of running in late June, but members of Butler Road Race Inc. already are hard at work to make that dream a reality.

Mike Franko, president of the Butler Road Race board, said what happens this time of year is critical to the success of the Butler Road Race 5-Mile and 2K, now in its 33rd year.

"It's the sponsors that make this race possible," Franko said. "Without them we wouldn't be able to continue our scholarship program."

This is the 15th year for Butler Road Race Scholarships, which benefit Butler County high school cross country student athletes.

The road race has awarded more than $234,850 to 438 students. Last year's class of 44 scholarship recipients was the largest in the program's history and each received a $300 scholarship.

Butler Memorial Health System has been the main sponsor for the past nine years. Supporting the race demonstrates the hospital's commitment to promoting community wellness.

Ken DeFurio, hospital president and CEO, is a Butler Road Race board member as well as a cyclist and a runner. He provides an excellent example of physical fitness.

Butler Memorial Health System also is a great example to other Butler County businesses. Although Franko credits the hospital's support for making the scholarship program possible, he said that it only begins with the hospital.

"It takes more than one person or one sponsor," Franko said. "There are a lot of businesses and individuals who support us year after year."

Individuals or businesses can become official race sponsors for contributions of as little as $100. All contributions are welcome, since it takes about $17,000 to $20,000 each year to run the race and to award the scholarships.

Those interested in becoming sponsors should contact Franko at 724-282-7977 or frankomk@zoominternet.net to receive a sponsorship flyer.

Franko also accepts inquiries from those who wish to volunteer to help with the race. He has a core of individuals who help with the race each year. Many of the 17 board members have been involved with the race in some way since the beginning.

Some board members have running and road racing backgrounds, but all are committed to promoting fitness and scholarship among the youth of our community.

High school cross country athletes who wish to apply for a Butler Road Race Scholarship should contact their coaches. Application deadline for this year is March 15.

To be eligible for a scholarship, students must have participated in a Butler County high school cross country program for at least two years, one of which is the senior year. They must have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average and be recommended by their coach.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Run from 7 to 20 miles. Leaves from Lt. Stone Field.Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Mill Creek Distance Classic, Youngstown, Ohio. Hilly half marathon runs through Mill Creek Metro Park. 330-727-6070 or rhart829@sbglobal.netSunday, 8 a.m.: Hot Harry's Group Run, North Park. Same as Saturday's run.March 8, 11 a.m.: Katrina's 5K Run, Freedom. Benefits New Orleans hurricane relief. 724-728-2648March 8, noon: Air Force ROTC Arnold Air Society Run to Remember, Morgantown, W.Va. 304-483-1579 or hsealove@mix.wvu.eduMarch 9, 9 a.m.: Athletic Trainer River Run, Pittsburgh. Run from UPMC Southside. 412-432-3770 or sanchioligi@upmc.eduMarch 15, 9:30 a.m.: St. Patrick's Day 5K Walk-Run, Big Rock Park, New Brighton. 724-495-9417 or jhilfinger@co.beaver.pa.usMarch 15, 10 a.m.: Diane Kelly 5K Run and Walk, Warren. Starts at YMCA. 814-726-0110 or chris@warrenymcaMarch 22, 7 a.m.: Lt. J.C. Stone 50K UltraMarathon, North Park. Honors Vietnam War hero. www.active.comMarch 22, 10 a.m.: Shamrock Shuffle 5K, Hopewell. Rolling out-and-back course. 724-378-9306 or shamrock5k@yahoo.comMarch 29, 8:30 a.m.: Just a Short Run Half Marathon, North Park. Choice of 5K, 13.1 miles or 30K. 412-490-0881 or info@justashortrun.netMarch 29, 11 a.m.: Cook Forest Half Marathon and 5K, Cook Forest State Park. Scenic out-and-back along Clarion River. 814-393-2081 or jroesch@clarion.eduSend comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail: bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.