Congratulations to all who participated in the Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay or any of the associated events last weekend. I also attended Sunday's main event, but in a far less strenuous manner.

Rather than tire my legs by running, I entertained the marathoners on the course. I blew bubbles and offered small cups of beer and words of encouragement at the Hash House Harriers unofficial aid station at Mile 23 in Bloomfield.

Over the many years of the Pittsburgh Marathon, I've volunteered in many official and unofficial capacities — stuffing runner bags and handing out t-shirts at packet pick-up, serving water or raking used cups from the street at several aid stations and directing a charity effort. Volunteering offers a unique perspective on distance racing and a chance to give back to the sport that's given me so much over the years.

This Saturday, an event close to home presents several volunteer opportunities along with a look at the esoteric pursuit of ultra-running. The 9th Annual Glacier Ridge Trail Ultra, staged at Mcdanels Boat Launch in Moraine State Park, gives runners a choice of 30k, 50k or 50 miles, individually or as a five-person team.

Race director Tammy McGaughey has more than 70 volunteers lined up for various tasks on and off the course but could use additional help. She says that this year runners will staff critical points on the course where runners may veer off course. Additional help is always welcome at the start/finish area and at the Rt. 528 trailhead, the turnaround point for the 30k runners.

Tammy commends aid station captains for efficient and effective operations. Medical staff, including a doctor at Rt. 528 and nurses at the staging area and all other aid stations, offer assistance if needed.

She also credits volunteer coordinator Jennifer Martello for recruiting, training and retaining experienced and dedicated helpers, many of whom return each year. There is room for additional volunteers (no experience necessary) at the Mt. Union aid station four miles into the race and at the staging area. Email Jennifer at lanune@yahoo.com to volunteer for these spots or any others.

Even if you don't wish to work, spectators are welcome. The Rt. 528 trailhead is a good vantage point since all the runners cross by there. Spectators should park on the opposite side of the road from the aid station.

The start/finish area is also an excellent place to watch the event since there's plenty of parking and a lot going on throughout the day. Tammy calls it a “party spot” with music, food and approximately 350 runners finishing throughout the day.

Glacier Ridge Ultra showcases the scenic, sometimes rugged trails through Moraine State Park and Jennings Environmental Area, part of the larger North Country Trail System.

Race proceeds benefit both parks plus McConnells Mill State Park. With this year's running the race will have contributed over $100,000 to trail maintenance, safety and facilities upgrades and a fall educational event held annually at Jennings Environmental Center.

Registration for the 2019 event opened last September and completely filled by February of this year. Race participation is limited to 350 runners so as not to overtax the trails on the out-and-back course.

Organizers hope to offer 50-milers a new loop course around Lake Arthur next year, depending on coordination with DCNR for construction through a swampy area and property owners' approval. This would enable more participation overall. For more information, visit glacierridgetailultra.com

Friday, 4-7 p.m.: Glacier Ridge Ultra Pre-race dinner, Slippery Rock. Dinner and pre-race debriefing at 6 P.M. for participants only at Jennings Environmental Center. info@glacierridgetrailultra.comSaturday, 6 a.m.: Glacier Ridge Ultra (30k, 50k, 50 miles), Portersville. Run Moraine State Park trails starting at Mcdanels Boat Launch on the North Shore. info@glacierridgetrailultra.com or dmurray@civildesign.orgSaturday, 8 a.m.: Mud on the Mountain, Champion. Run 8 miles at Seven Springs Ski Resort. 814-352-7777 or krivers@7springs.comSaturday, 9 A.M.: Flying Pigs 5k, Grove City. Flat race through Memorial Park. 814-657-6722 or esax2002@yahoo.comSaturday, 9 a.m.: Masonic Miles for Heroes 5k, Punxsutawney. Run on rail trail. 814-939-9770 or Justin_mauk@yahoo.comSunday, 8:35 a.m.: Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure 5k, Pittsburgh. 412-342-0500 or online registration at www.komengreaterpa.orgMay 17, 7 p.m.: Elderton 5k, Elderton. 724-354-3779 or rfrailey@windstream.net. Online registration at runsignup.com.May 18, 9 a.m.: Friends of Eccles Lesher Memorial Library Read and Run 5k and 2 Mile Fun Run, Rimersburg. sbtraister@comcast.netMay 19, 9 a.m.: UPMC St. Margaret 5k, Pittsburgh. Wilsonb2@upmc.eduMay 26, 9 a.m.: Dahoga Dash, Wilcox. 814-512-1374 or randylindberg@hotmail.comMay 26, 10 a.m.: Mark Jeffrey Sampson Memorial 5k, Titusville. Start and finish at Drake's Well Museum. 814-671-8455 or sampsoncrnp@gmail.comMay 27, 8:30 a.m.: Pizza Joe's Freedom Fun Run 5k, Mercer. 724-662-2433 or pizzajoes@hotmail.comJune 1, 9 a.m.: Hillside Hustle Trail Race, Polk. Run on grass and single track trails of Seneca Hills Camp and Conference Center. 216-496-7179 or www.senecahills.org/hillside-hustleJune 1, 9 a.mM.: Freeport Flash 10k and 5k Run/ Walk, Sarver. Starts at Monroe Road Trailhead on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. 724-448-4437 or judyfoxfair@gmail.comJune 1, 9 a.m.: St. Patrick School Trinity Race Series, Franklin. Choice of 10k or 5k run on Samuel Justus Trail. 814-673-1965 or stpatrickschool5k@gmail.comJune 2, 8:30 a.m.: Third Annual Kenny's Koaster 5k, West Mifflin. Run through Kennywood Park. lisa@sillmd.comJune 2, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5k, Pittsburgh. http://www.greenfieldglide.com/June 5, 6:30 p.m.: Global Running Day — The Big Run with Fleet Feet Pittsburgh. Run or walk starting at North Park Lodge. 412-851-9100 or tess@fleetfeetpittsburgh.comJune 8, 5:30 or 7:30 a.m.: Laurel Highlands Ultra Challenge, Ohiopyle. Choice of 50k, 50k relay, 70.5 miles or 70.5 mile relay on rugged Laurel Highlands Trail. 412-337-6820 or rick.freeman1@verizon.netJune 8, 8:30 a.m.: Run on the River 5k and 10k, Lower Burrell. Staged at Derek Kotecki Memorial Park. 10k starts at 9:15 A.M. 724-331-3569 or jhorvatic@hotmail.comJune 8, 9 a.m.: 519Strong 5k, Butler. Challenging off-road cross country course held at Switchback Raceway. 814-758-3217 or dgold520@gmail.comJune 8, 9 a.m.: Art and Sole 5k Run/ Walk and 1k Fun Run, Erie. Run starts at Neighborhood Art House with children's artwork awards. 814-455-5508 or kstolar@neighborhoodarthouse.org

Pittsburgh Marathon, May 5: Boniface Kongin, 1st Overall M, 2:10:34; Bizuwork Getahun Kasaye, 1st Overall W, 2:36:29; Hayley Davis, 2nd 20-24 W, 3:06:24; Stacy Kopchak, 1st 55-59 W, 3:41:44; Irene Katres, 3rd 55-59 W, 3:50:53; Rick Hinman, 2:52:59; Zach Manuel, 3:01:54; Thomas Gramc, 3:07:55; Brian Thomas, 3:15:02; David France, 3:23:52; Nicholas Stasko, 3:24:03; Christine Potsubay, 3:25:27; Rachel Wittmer, 3:26:48; Scott Bowes, 3:27:03; Robert Pudlo, 3:27:06; Anthony Spalvieri, 3:27:21; Todd Whittemore, 3:28:07; Gregory Silvaggio, 3:29:32; Jim Csonka, 3:31:51; T.R. Parry, 3:35:55; Ben Koerber, 3:36:27; Troy Reinsel, 3:38:06; Jared Famiglietti, 3:41:01; Jan Matsumoto, 3:41:37; Jesse McKinnis, 3:42:26; Kevin Quinn, 3:43:50; Erin Humphrey, 3:45:14; John Boulanger, 3:45:54; Steve Vargo, 3:45:57; Edward Saxman, 3:46:01; Amanda Zacchia, 3:46:06; Alecia Kidder, 3:49:04; Chad Coblitz, 3:49:04; Stephen Mihalacki, 3:49:49; Orryn Sledge, 3:51:38; Amanda Temple, 3:51:41; Luke Tomasovic, 3:52:05; Eric Rudish, 3:52:36; Wendell Frank, 3:52:40; Michael Garczynski, Jr., 3:52:51; Albert Pezzella, 3:53:19; Greg Teamann, 3:53:24; Andrew Hodgson, 3:53:35; Joseph Poerio, 3:53:51; Abby Boyle, 3:54:16; Kate Meeuf, 3:55:25; Jacob Mashuda, 3:57:07; Regiane Morgueta, 3:57:29; Jake Repanshek, 3:57:40; Justin Angert, 3:57:48; Rene Whiteman, 3:58:22; Nicole Werwie, 3:59:24; Jesse Noca, 3:59:58; Dorothy Lalicker, 4:00:35; Nitin Gupta, 4:01:24; David Vickers, 4:02:51; Nicholas Fritch, 4:05:44; Denise Shearer, 4:06:04; Craig Hunt, 4:07:03; Hannah Kemper, 4:07:49; Ellie Dixon, 4:07:54; Elizabeth Smiaalek, 4:08:06; James Franks, 4:08:46; Vinny Nerone, 4:13:29; Erin Donahue, 4:13:29; Patty Beck, 4:13:37; Brett Simmons, 4:14:03; Mark Varlotta, 4:15:05; Arlind Karpuzi, 4:15:23; Christina McNamara, 4:15:41; Erin LeMay, 4:15:57; Brandon Miller, 4:17:13; Bri Buzard, 4:17:14; Scott Kelly, 4:17:20; Brian Welsh, 4:18:02; Matt Grossman, 4:18:33; Kimberly DeBaene, 4:20:24; Evonne Patterson, 4:20:53; Glenn Battle, 4:21:09; Katelyn Jones, 4:22:31; Eric Fencil, 4:22:40; Harry Peterson, 4:24:31; Nancy Immel, 4:24:53; Crystal Wonderling, 4:26:30; Jamie Stevens, 4:26:58; Marvin Baker, 4:27:05; Enrique Garcia-Lamelas, 4:27:14; Stephanie McCreary, 4:27:34; Jim Caruso, 4:27:58; Rob Porco, 4:28:07; Emma LeMay, 4:28:32; Kevin Kandra, 4:32:19; Ashley Ward, 4:34:41; Stacy Matz, 4:35:55; Jonathan Krystek, 4:36:34; Colin Hays, 4:36:47; Matt Scoletti, 4:37:37; Lori Fromlak, 4:42:07; Eamonn Clements, 4:42:29; Cara Reinard, 4:43:10; Robert Singer, 4:44:05; Amanda Hardt, 4:44:27; Thomas Lynch, 4:44:44; Ryanne Palermo, 4:45:21; James Cannon, 4:47:59; Andy Kijowski, 4:48:02; Taylor Maxim, 4:48:51; Andrew Tino, 4:49:13; Brandon Honsaker, 4:49:21; James Sherman, 4:50:00; Katlyn Glaser, 4:50:15; Nancy Thenthongkham, 4:50:40; Ron Trout, 4:50:59; Gregg Fiorina, 4:51:46; Wendy Wick, 4:52:27; Brad Kopp, 4:52:33; Oliver Griswold, 4:52:34; Madison Merhaut, 4:52:40; Alyssa Lawson, 4:53:44; Sean Hutchins, 4:54:30; Kelly OConnell, 4:54:54; John Shulik, 4:55:01; Allen Long, 4:55:06; Todd Changoway, 4:55:55; Steve Mroch, 4:58:12; Nicholas Reitz, 4:58:16; Piper Treece-Angert, 4:59:25; Brian OToole, 5:00:29; Rita Ciccariello, 5:00:43; Emily Skamla, 5:03:05; Michael Griffith, 5:03:38; David Rorick, 5:08:52; Laura Palisin, 5:10:13; Nate MAcioce, 5:10:13; Matthew Logan, 5:10:59; Kiana Laurin Tralongo, 5:13:15; Natasha Sanchez, 5:14:35; Mark Capriotti, 5:15:09; Brett Gwynn, 5:15:14; Dena Petrella, 5:17:55; John Anglum, 5:19:36; Michael Powell, 5:19:37; Stephanie D'Abarno, 5:19:45; Joseph Bugar, 5:20:09; Lisa Morris, 5:20:27; Michael Braunstein, 5:24:58; Owen Nearhoof, 5:27:57; Michael Zucatti, 5:30:39; David Murray, 5:30:39; Joe Murray, 5:36:39; Amy Cegan, 5:39:20; Julia Rectenwald, 5:39:22; S. Wright, 5:39:22; Sydney Koerber, 5:45:41; Thomas Colella, Sr., 5:46:31; Thomas Colella, 5:46:31; John Ropelewski, 5:46:51; Michael McNamara, 5:47:25; Jim Hodgson, 5:49:57; Robert Zukas, 5:52:55; Sarah Wilson, 5:54:07; Alex Sonson, 5:57:09; Terrence Moore, 5:59:45; Brittany Dean, 6:00:18; Robert Crawford, 6:09:04; Kelly Kopchinsky, 6:12:11; Stephanie Haasa, 6:12:21; Lucinda Good, 6:13:48; Cynthia Rosequist, 6:31:52; Philip Sonson, 6:37:02; Mo Swailem, 6:41:26Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle