We may or may not have six more weeks of winter running, depending on Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction this Friday.

But we’re sure to have at least two more weekends of winter races.

Groundhog Jog, at 1 p.m. this Saturday, honors all things groundhog on that special weekend in Punxsutawney. The four-plus mile run takes place one day after Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his den to prognosticate, but there will still be events in town on Saturday.

The run begins at Barkley Square in downtown Punxsy and climbs the long steep hill to Gobbler’s Knob. This year, the course will run through Gobbler’s Knob on a new walking path before completing the descent to town.

Rob McCoy, Director of Punxsutawney Community Center, credits local residents Chris and Michelle Mondi for reviving February’s Ground Hog Jog in 2016 after an on-again, off-again history. He agreed to help with organization this year for the event, which benefits the Community Center.

Groundhog Jog awards overall male and female finishers as well as top male and female runners in five age groups. Even though the event is timed and offers competitive awards, Rob says it’s mostly a fun run, something to get people out of the house.

Rob expects between 100 and 150 participants for the event, depending on conditions. There will be no cancellations. Runners may register online or at the Community Center until Jan. 26 to guarantee a t-shirt. Day-of-event registrations are also welcomed between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Barkley Park starting area.

Although Groundhog Day falls on Friday, the town’s celebration continues throughout the weekend. Runners are welcome to come early on Saturday for a special appearance by the famous Phil between 10:30 and 11 a.m. at Barkley Square and to stay for a community art show, scavenger hunt, wine tasting, bingo and more.

For more information about Groundhog Jog, call 814-938-1008 or register online at www.active.com/punxsutawney-pa/running/distance-running-races/groundhog-jog-2018

The Feb. 10 Frosty Feet 5k (formerly Winterfest 5k) can be a beginner-friendly stroll on the wide and scenic Sunken Gardens Trail of Moraine State Park — or it can be a snowy slog. “It all depends on the weather,” says race director Tammy McGaughey. “We never cancel.”

McGaughey expects between 100 and 120 participants for this third annual event, which benefits Moraine Preservation Fund. She hopes for a good turnout since 100 percent of race proceeds benefit Moraine State Park, funding trail maintenance and park improvements such as construction of picnic tables and painting lines on the park’s bike path.

Frosty Feet 5k is a lollipop course with the stick of the lollipop run through South Shore parking lots to the trail. Look for great views of Lake Arthur and don’t be afraid of the one uphill on the way out. You’ll coast down the second half of the course.

Although walkers and runners of all abilities are welcome, the 5k is chip timed and offers competitive awards to the first three male and female finishers as well as finishers in ten-year age groups from 12 & Under through 60+.

Participants receive long-sleeved commemorative shirts, though sizes may be limited for race day sign-ups. Participants also may show their bibs to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or coffee from EMS services on duty. If you’re hungry, Moraine Preservation Fund is also holding a chili cook-off with cups for purchase.

If the race isn’t cold enough for you, join Habitat for Humanity’s Douse for a House plunge into frigid Lake Arthur at 11 a.m. Last year, Tammy McGaughey was the only race participant to take the plunge. This year, one running friend has agreed to join her. Prizes will be awarded for top individual and team fundraisers as well as best costume for the plunge.

For more information about Frosty Feet 5k, email Tammy at tamsuemcg@gmail.com. For Douse for a House, email plunge.habitat@gmail.com

Upcoming events

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up’N’Running Group Run, Valencia. Any level of runner or walker welcome, also spring marathon training groups. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.com

Wednesdays, 6 p.m.: Mojo Running & Multisport Group Run, Cranberry Township. All levels welcome. 724-772-2808 or www.mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp, Sharpsville. First event in PREP 4 Pitt training series. www.facebook.com/groups/MCTAevents/

Saturday, 1 p.m.: Groundhog Jog, Punxsutawney. Run 4 miles from downtown to Gobblers Knob and back. 814-938-1008 or www.active.com/punxsutawney-pa/running/distance-running-races/groundhog-jog-2018

Feb. 10, 8 a.m.: Cupid’s Chase 5k, Latrobe. Run at Legion Keener Park benefits adults with developmental disabilities. 412-302-7915 or lacie.parker@comop.org

Feb. 10, 9 a.m.: Cupid’s Chase 5k, Butler. Runners, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers welcome. 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@compop.org

Feb. 10, 9 a.m.: RSG1 Valentine’s Day 8th Annual Race, North Park. Choice of 5k, 10k or 15k starting at North Park Boathouse. 724-272-8797 or samra.foundation@gmail.com

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5k, Pittsburgh. Starts on North Shore Trail near Heinz Field. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Feb. 10, Noon: Community and Rec Center New Year Winter Wellness Dash 1 Mile Run/ Walk, Upper St. Clair. $5 entry fee includes beanie hats to first 100 entrants. 412-221-1099, ext. 606 or reutzel@twpusc.org

Feb. 10, 2 p.m.: Cupid’s Undie Run, Pittsburgh. Starts at McFadden’s Restaurant on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Fun run of 1-ish mile in the middle of a party for charity. Cupids.org/city/Pittsburgh/

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: Frosty Feet Trail 5k, Portersville. Run from South Shore of Moraine State Park. Stay for “Douse for a House” plunge in Lake Arthur at 12 noon. tamsuemcg@embarqmail.com or www.morainepreservationfund.org

Feb. 11, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Predict your finishing time on this 4-6 mile run starting at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. 814-881-0600 or davecomi@erierunners.club

Feb. 24, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles around North Park Lake with perks for each distance. 412-490-0881 or www.lightspeed-racing.com

March 3, 9 a.m.: PREP4PITT-2 Spring Break Eight(0.5), Fredonia. Run 8.5 rolling miles in Fredonia and surrounding area. Post-race music. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

March 4, 8:45 a.m.: Mill Creek Classic Half Marathon, Youngstown, OH. Scenic course through Mill Creek Metro Park. Also 5k starting at 9 A.M. 330-727-6070 or ytownrunners.org

March 10, 11 a.m.: Sixth Annual Ellport Borough Community Winter Wonderland 5k, Ellport. Scenic 5k starts at Community Center. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com.

Race results

Chilly Cheeks Challenge 10 Mile, Jan. 27: Matthew Puleio, 1st Overall M, 59:49; Casey Columbus, 1st Overall W, 1:09:48; Kris Cornell, 1st 40-49 M, 1:00:21; Nick Temel, 1st 19 & Under M, 1:01:05; Bill Lamb, 1st 50-59 M, 1:03:19; Dean Banko, 1st 30-39 M, 1:04:23; Ben English, 2nd 30-39 M, 1:05:07; Matthew Sudak, 3rd 30-39 M, 1:05:08; Brian Buchan, 2nd 40-49 M, 1:05:50; Craig Caylor, 3rd 40-49 M, 1:06:28; Jake Winter, 1st 20-29 M, 1:07:05; Teddy Ernst, 2nd 19 & Under M, 1:10:29; Gary Mcfarland, 2nd 50-59 M, 1:10:31; Todd Hanks, 3rd 50-59 M, 1:10:54; Meaera Shannon, 1st 19 & Under W, 1:10:57; Gwendolyn Musser, 1st 30-39 W, 1:11:44; Sara Lander, 1st 20-29 W, 1:12:31; Zachary Goist, 2nd 20-29 M, 1:13:12; Kate Hrach, 1st 40-49 W, !:15:55; Bob George, 1st 60-69 M, 1:18:14; Seth Perry, 3rd 20-29 M, 1:18:54; Amy Farmer, 3rd 30-39 W, 1:18:56; Rick Hart, 2nd 60-69 M, 1:24:36; Lori Masters, 1st 50-59 W, 1:25:12; Candace Kesserring, 2nd 20-29 W, 1:27:09; Robert Walker, 1st 70+ M, 1:30:24; Randall Riley, 3rd 60-69 M, 1:30:58; Erika Campbell, 3rd 20-29 W, 1:31:30; Jeanne Bacon, 2nd 50-59 W, 1:32:26; Diane Downey, 1:33:50; Mykie Morneweck, 1:35:14; Diane Hrisenko, 3rd 50-59 W, 1:37:21; David Snyder, 1:09:28; Jesse Deloe, 1:29:54; Doug Basinski, 1:07:47; Michael Perrotti, 1:11:29; John Armstrong, 1:11:42; Jeff Lynn, 1:12:42; Brian O’Roark, 1:12:50; Angela Taylor, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:13:06; William Marsh, 1:16:11; Steven Nichols, 1:17:07; Christine Edmiston, 1:21:48; Rebekah Deal, 1:21:57; Daniel Kandra, 1:24:30; Amy Chambers, 1:25:18; Jeff Syphrit, 1:25:25; Fred Ayers, 1:25:53; Holly Matsko, 1:26:33; Wendy Wick, 1:30:38; Frank Horvath, 1:31:13; Malv Campbell, 1:31:31; Mark Hess, 1:35:44; Kayla Albert, 1:35:51; Michael Walentosky, 1:36:57; Doug Heverly, 1:36:59; William Woods, 1:36:59; Michelle Herr, 1:37:15; Anthony Sunderi, 1:37:20; Ann Ayers, 1:37:42; Linda Hart, 1:38:43; Angelea Kilgore, 1:40:01; Susan Miller, 1:40:53; Kathleen Dunham, 1:41:08; Robert Tripi, 1:42:43; Lesley Martincek, 1:45:02; Erin Hubbard, 1:46:07; Lauren Munn, 1:47:34; Sara Sloan, 1:47:38; Candie Burbick, 1:53:55; Jessica Souchik, 1:54:43; Janelle Fumerola, 1:56:11; Lorie Speir-chrastina, 1:49:57; Shari Allen, 1:59:53; Hollie Stevenson, 1:59:53; Bud Ringbloom, 2:00:12; Nikki Muccio, 2:36:37; Melinda Rostron, 2:52:38; Vicki Schooley, 2:52:39

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle