“It’s a group ride and run with a party.”

That’s how race director Mike Brown describes this Saturday’s 18th annual Buffalo Stampede and Dash 4 Cash in South Buffalo Township.

Although this is Brown’s first year as race director, he has been involved in the event for its entire 18-year history. He has cleared, set and marked the rugged trails in what he calls “my backyard.”

This year’s Buffalo Stampede trail run starting at noon and Dash 4 Cash mountain bike challenge which starts at 2 p.m. have a new start and finishing area at South Buffalo Fire Hall, north of Freeport.

Registration fees for the events are considered donations to the South Buffalo Volunteer Fire Company. Other events to benefit these community firefighters include a tractor pull and fish fry. Brown hopes to add a road run and road cycling event to next year’s calendar.

Because of the new start, participants cover about a mile of dirt road at both the start and finish with the event’s familiar trails in the middle. This year’s Buffalo Stampede and Dash 4 Cash includes a 10-mile and a 17-mile course on separate loops. As in years past, it will be a goal of runners to finish the course before being overtaken by the bikers.

There’s also a 23-mile expert loop for bikes and a gentle 5K for runners. All of the mountain bike distances are suitable for experienced riders only. (This is not a rail trail ride.)

Likewise, if you’ve never run on trails, the 10 and 17-mile runs will be daunting. If you’re new to trail running or are more interested in the post run party than the athletic challenge, sign up for the 5K instead. Brown designed the 5K run as a fairly level cross country loop through grassy fields near the South Buffalo Fire Hall.

Brown emphasizes that Buffalo Stampede and Dash 4 Cash are more about having fun with friends than racing. He wants the events to be more about companionship of people doing something they love than competition against other runners or riders. That’s one of the reasons that competitive awards are limited to the top two finishers in each event.

Rather than spend money on awards, race organizers have invested in a lavish post-race party that includes live music, a cookout with pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, salads and cookies, and beer for those of legal age. Non-participants are welcome to join in for a $10 fee. And everyone is encouraged to add to the feast by bringing a side dish or dessert to share.

Based on prior attendance, Brown expects between 80 and 100 participants in the run and the same for the ride. Day of event sign-ups are welcome. Registration for the run starts at 10 a.m. with registration for the ride starting at 12:30 p.m. Commemorative shirts will be available while supplies last.

Buffalo Stampede and Dash 4 Cash are Bike the Wilds series events. Although the Bike the Wilds is foremost a mountain biking series, several of the events include running events. Shannock Valley Community Festival holds a 5K road race through the streets of Rural Valley on July 26 to accompany its mountain bike race. And the second annual Jog & Cog includes a 5K trail run before the mountain bike race near Rimersburg on Aug. 2.

For more information about this Saturday’s 18th Annual South Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department’s Buffalo Stampede and Dash 4 Cash, visit their website, www.southbuffalodash4cash.com or contact Mike Brown, mb119@comcast.net or 724-272-7155.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Freeport Flash 5K Run/ Walk, Sarver. Run on Butler-Freeport Trail starts at Monroe Road. 724-353-1945 or www.freeportcrosscountry.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 5K RiverRace, Grove City. 724-372-9598 or jhighland@northwood.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: RACE Youth Triathlon, Ellwood City. Open to youth ages 6-15 with pool swim, flat run and bike. 412-215-7612 or www.riversideaquaclub.org

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.: Jage and Friends Dog Park 5K Run and Walk, Somerset. Run with your dog begins at Georgian Place. 814-445-6213 or www.davemapesfinishline.com

Saturday, noon: Buffalo Stampede, Freeport. Run 3.2, 10 or 17 miles on rugged trails. Also Dash 4 Cash mountain bike race at 2 p.m. and post race party at 5 p.m. 724-272-7155 or www.southbuffalodash4cash.com

Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5K, Pittsburgh. 412-422-6546 or jon.coyne@pittsburgh.gov

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Animal Friends Run for Compassion 5K, South Park. 412-847-7055 or sgage@thinkingoutsidethecage.org

June 4, 6 p.m.: Elite Runners Summer Outdoor Series 5K, 5mile, Settler’s Cabin Park. Trail run, post run pizza and beer. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunners.com

June 7, 7 a.m.: God’s Country Marathon and Team Relay, Coudersport. 888-POTTER-2 or www.godscountrymarathon.com

June 7, 8 a.m.: God’s Country Half Marathon. 888-POTTER-2 or www.godscountrymarathon.com

June 7, 9 a.m.: Run or Dye Color Run, Prospect. Color run held at Camp Lutherlyn. www.runordye.com

June 7, 10 a.m.: Friends of Buhl Park 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk, Hermitage. 724-456-2373 or frstacrs@yahoo.com

June 14, 8:30 a.m.: Run on the River 10K and 5K Run, 2K Family/ Pet Fun Walk, Lower Burrell. 724-331-3569 or www.vpfymca.org

June 14, 9 a.m.: Warren County YMCA Jogging with Jordan 10K and 5K Fun Walk, Warren. 814-726-0110 or chris@warrenymca.org

June 15, 8 a.m.: Man Up Father’s Day 5K/10K Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Run at Riverfront Park for prostate cancer starts at Heinz Field. 412-572-6830 or www.obcolefoundation.org

June 15, 8 a.m.: Bantam Jeep Muddy 5K, Coopers Lake. Registration includes breakfast and admission to Bantam Jeep Festival. www.bantamjeepfestival.com/5k-mud-race

June 21, 8 a.m.: The Pyle Run, Ohiopyle. Choice of 4, 7, 13.1 or 26.2 mile on rugged trails. 724-205-8450 or www.americanadventuresports.com

June 21, 9:30 a.m.: Hope for Your Future 2 Mile Walk, 5K and 10K Run and Children’s Superhero Run (11 a.m.), Rimersburg. All superheroes between the ages of 3 and 11 receive a cape. Hopeforyourfuture13@gmail.com

June 27, 7 p.m.: Latrobe 4th of July Celebration 5 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Latrobe. 724-537-8417 or www.latrobe4thofjuly.com

June 28, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race 5 Mile Run and 2 Kilometer Run and Health Walk, Butler. Run for scholarships with more than 130 competitive awards. 724-284-4676 or www.butlerroadrace.org

June 28, 9 a.m.: Chardonnay 5K, Mercer. Run through rural scenery starts at Cool Springs Fitness. 724-662-1910 or ianschauer@gmail.com

June 28, 10 a.m.: Wilderness Trail Run, Wattsburg. Choice of 2K/ 10K/ 20K on cross country ski trails at Wilderness Lodge. Mike.vieyra1@gmail.com

Race results

Pittsburgh Half Marathon (under 1:55:00), May 4: Habtamu Assefa, 1st Overall M, 1:02:45; Sophy Jepchirchir, 1st Overall W, 1:12:52; Michael Smocer, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:26:33; Oreste Scioscia, Sr., 1st 55-59 M, 1:26:53; Noah Beveridge, 3rd 19 and Under M, 1:27:09; Val Wolfarth, 1st 55-59 W, 1:41:28; Peggy Sibenac, 3rd 55-59 W, 1:43:20; Marcia Semple, 3rd 70+ W, 3:00:18; Owen Venesky, 1:13:51; Doug Petrick, 1:16:30; Rick Hinman, 1:23:31; Michael Dreves, 1:26:50; Patrick Strollo III, 1:27:14; Matthew Sudak, 1:27:29; Laine Seely, 1:28:20; Jason Sittler, 1:28:31; Mark Shipley, 1:29:55; Ryan McCormick, 1:30:03; Megan Miller, 1:32:28; Sean Byrne, 1:32:44; Mark Casteel, 1:32:46; Michael Eubanks, 1:32:56; Eric Fleming, 1:33:45; Grant Fleming, 1:33:51; Kimberly Hohman, 1:34:06; Christine Lazzara, 1:34:07; Josh Venderlic, 1:34:14; Christopher Boyd, 1:34:17; Adam Shoup, 1:34:27; Michael Finikiotis, 1:34:37; Andrew Williams, 1:35:29; Joseph Bauer, 1:35:43; Matthew Grossman, 1:36:39; Emily Arnold, 1:37:06; Ann Gagliardi, 1: 37:46; Mark Knapp, 1:38:56; Emily Seibert, 1:39:00; Mark Saeler, 1:39:07; Sean Armstrong, 1:39:20; Alison Defurio, 1:39:23; Christopher Rowoth, 1:39:29; Jarrod Synowsky, 1:38:06; Russell Oschenhirt, 1:38:35; Steve Mote, 1:39:42; Jim Haughey, 1:39:49; Christopher Baker, 1:39:52; Jonathan Bost, 1:39:57; Randon Santa, 1:40:18; Adam Bouse, 1:40:21; Beau Eschenbaugh, 1:40:22; Ashley King, 1:40:26; Greg Marburger, 1:40:36; Mitch Radella, 1:40:58; Joe McCann, 1:41:06; Jennifer Marcotte, 1:41:17; Nicholas Endres, 1:41:22; Joseph Richtenhammer, 1:41:23; Jay Calvert, 1:41:26; Brian Kile, 1:41:53; Karen Lyle, 1:41:54; Camden Seybert, 1:42:05; Ashley Barbish, 1:42:14; Thomas Parsons, 1:42:34; Jeff Petro, 1:42:42; Keith Mularski, 1:43:07; Matt Flynn, 1:43:18; Jennifer Bole, 1:43:25; Danielle Ulam, 1:43:35; Zoe Olm, 1:44:07; James Cromer, 1:44:40; Ashton Early, 1:44:54; Kim Spears, 1:45:10; Matt Bagaley, 1:45:11; Megan Rippin, 1:45:17; Christine Edmiston, 1:45:18; Robert Stevens, 1:45:20; Anthony Haley, 1:45:31; Michelle Reich, 1:46:21; Thomas Patterson, 1:46:22; Christopher Miller, 1:46:30; Roger Hyde, 1:46:38; Michael Miles, 1:46:59; Stacy Turner, 1:47:05; Edward Rawlings, 1:47:27; Richard Hamilton, 1:47:34; Bob Lowzowski, 1:47:35; Genifer Scaletta, 1:47:58; Shannon Smith, 1:48:00; Lori McClafferty, 1:48:02; Cindy Donnelly, 1:48:10; Henry Bernacki, 1:48:22; Kati Wahl, 1:48:23; Casey McCaffrey, 1:48:24; Angela Yarris, 1:48:25; Hannah Brewer, 1:48:31; Steven Snow, 1:48:37; Robert Thompson, 1:48:46; Kathleen Lovett, 1:48:53; Melissa Arslan, 1:49:00; Kristene Smith, 1:49:05; Stephen Salvatore, 1:49:31; Joseph Birch, 1:49:34; Steve Smith, 1:49:35; Mark Breedlove, 1:49:40; Tom Minnock, 1:49:43; Ronald Vioral, 1:49:45; Ed Maschmeier, 1:49:51; Carolyn Lees-Hotton, 1:50:36; Alana Jensen, 1:50:44; Elizabeth Reppermund, 1:50:53; Sarah Talkington, 1:50:57; Eric Egli, 1:50:57; Duane Flowers, 1:50:59; Denise Shearer, 1:50:59; Colby Shirey, 1:51:01; Brett Johnston, 1:51:05; Rachel Filiaggi, 1:51:21; Ryan Richards, 1:51:26; Samuel Poloyac, 1:51:35; Kristine Poloyac, 1:51:35; Evan Andreyo, 1:51:40; Kurt Barshick, 1:51:41; Ann Reges, 1:51:41; Julie Rotelli, 1:51:55; Jamie Reddinger, 1:52:02; Christi Novak, 1:52:03; Keith Coogler, 1:52:07; Laura Orehowsky, 1:52:12; Heidi Weigand, 1:52:16; Greg Eid, 1:52:16; Kimberly Barker, 1:52:39; John Lesjack, 1:52:47; Jason Evey, 1:52:47; Joe Cagni, 1:52:49; William Lonett, 1:53:01; Stephen Arendosh, 1:53:02; Kristie Evans, 1:53:03; Dan Blatt, 1:53:03; Janel Reedy, 1:53:04; Danielle Rosswog, 1:53:07; Marilyn Larocca, 1:53:09; Ryan Menzel, 1:53:11; Paige Bankovic, 1:53:11; Marc Lonett, 1:53:16; Brittany Keefer, 1:53:18; Don Accamando, 1:53:22; Megan Spear, 1:53:23; Alexander Miller, 1:53:29; Lonnie Birchbigler, 1:53:29; Bill Daly, 1:53:36; Ryan Russell, 1:53:37; Cheryl Fox, 1:53:39; Ashley Boyers, 1:53:40; Mikaela Hassenzahl, 1:53:54; Myah Merhaut, 1:53:59; Chrystal Zinkham, 1:54:06; Becca Burkhart, 1:54:07; Justin Angert, 1:54:13; Judy Caringola, 1:54:28; Scott Sukits, 1:54:30; John Dileo, 1:54:35; Anita Sadler, 1:54:37; Scott Dorn, 1:54:40; Laury Stiscak, 1:54:42; Kristin Ravasio, 1:54:42; Joe Miller, 1:54:43; Michoin Kerlin, 1:54:44; James Trivoli, 1:54:56; Matt Hickey, 1:54:57; David Domachowski, 1:54:59; Margretta Lutz, 3:08:12

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.