Western Pennsylvanians love their water — rivers, lakes and streams. Next Saturday, runners have two choices of water-themed races on the calendar.

It’s been three years since Glade Run Lake was drained due to safety concerns with its earthen dam. Since then, Glade Run Lake Conservancy has worked to raise awareness of the importance of Glade Run Lake to the region and to raise funds for the lake’s restoration and improvement.

WOW (Where’s Our Water) 10K Race began as part of the conservancy’s efforts. The 10K, along with a two mile run/ walk and one kilometer kids run, celebrates its third running at 8 a.m. July 18.

The mood at the first WOW 10K in 2013 was hopeful while last year’s race celebrated an announcement that the state would fund restoration of Glade Run Lake’s dam. This year, the mood reflects confidence that Glade Run Lake will not only be restored, but will see improvements in facilities and wildlife habitat due to efforts by the Conservancy and the community.

WOW 10K will be run on a new loop course this year since construction on the new dam threatened use of the old course. Race organizer Ed Doyle calls this new course “a real winner.” Because the events are staged at Spreng’s Baseball Field in Middlesex Township, there’s plenty of parking

And runners won’t have to be shuttled from the finish line back to the start area. Doyle predicts that this year’s course will be used for future WOW races.

WOW features a 10K rolling loop on Middlesex Township backroads and an out-and-back two mile run/walk. Kids are welcome to participate in the one kilometer Minnow Run. All kids earn a finisher’s ribbon.

WOW 10K and two mile awards include top three overall men and women and first three male and female finishers in age groups from nine and under through 70+ in five-year increments.

Registering for WOW 10k and 2 Mile is easy. You may register online at gladelakeconservancy.org or in person at Up-N-Running running store in Valencia from now until race day. There will be packet pick-up and registration at the store on July 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and day-of-event registration at Spreng’s Field beginning at 6:45 a.m.

For more information about WOW 10K, 2 Mile and Minnow Run, visit gladerunlakeconservancy.org or call 724-898-2525.

Some of us ancient runners remember the East Brady River Run of decades ago. Brothers Scott and Silvio Andreassi hope to bring back the once popular event with their East Brady Riverfest 5K at 9 a.m. July 18.

This will be the second year for Riverfest 5K which hosted 40 finishers in its inaugural running. Scott says they’d love to have more participants on what he calls a “PR course.”

“It’s a perfect venue for a race,” he says. The chip-timed 5K event, as well as a one mile fun walk, begins and ends at Graham Field and runs to the old village of Phillipston and back on the packed surface of Armstrong Rail Trail. Friendly dogs and kids in strollers are also welcome to take part in the one mile walk.

Riverfest 5K awards include prizes for top three men and women as well as top three in age groups from 18 and under through 50+. Commemorative t-shirts are optional, but available for an additional $5 of registration fee.

Runners and their families are encouraged to stay after the run for East Brady’s 30th Annual Riverfest celebration. There will be games, music, food and fun for the whole family and fireworks over the river on Saturday night. For a complete schedule, visit www.eastbradyareariverfest.com.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: 8th Annual Cross Country Crusade 5K, Saxonburg. Run on Knoch Cross Country trails. 412-603-1999 or ap2426@zoominternet.net

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Community Chase 5K Run and Walk, Cranberry Township. 724-316-7044 or communitychase@gmail.com

Sunday, 7:30 a.m.: Trailblazer 15K and 5K, Meadville. Starts at Ernst Conservation Seed. 814-853-8572 or info@ernsttrail.org

Sunday, 8:30 a.m.: Hermitage Arts Festival 5K, Hermitage. 724-456-4737 or mmckendry@hermitage.net

Sunday, 6 p.m.: Hoodlebug 5K Run and Fun Walk, Homer City. Part of Indiana County Triple Crown. 724-465-8262 or jswauger@comcast.net

July 15, 7 p.m.: Elite Runners Summer Outdoor Series, Oakdale. Choice of 5K or 5 miles on Panhandle Trail with post race pizza and beverages. 412-490-0881 or nickw@eliterunners.com

July 16, 7:30 p.m.: Waterford 5K, Waterford. Starts at baseball field. 814-450-3442 or Kimberly.lenart@yahoo.com

July 18, 8 a.m.: WOW 10K Race and 2 Mile Run/walk, Middlesex Township. Benefits Glade Run Lake restoration. 724-898-2525 or www.RunGladeRun.org

July 18, 9 a.m.: Adventure Race, Laurel Hill State Park. 2 mile canoe, 11 mile bike, 5K run. 814-352-8649 or laurelhillvc@pa.gov

July 18, 9 a.m.: East Brady Riverfest 5K, East Brady. Run on Armstrong Trail. Eastbradyareariverfest.com or mistera@zoominternet.net

July 18, 8 p.m.: Race to the Moon and Stars 5K and 10K, Apollo. Bring headlamps for this evening run on Roaring Run Trail. Swamper11@verizon.net

July 18, 9 a.m.: Curwensville Susquehanna Classic 5K or 10K Race, 5K Walk, Susquehanna. 814-236-3455 or sharonike@verizon.net

July 19, 6:30 a.m.: Presque Isle Half Marathon, Erie. Post race picnic. 814-881-0660 or suzannec@erierunnersclub.org

July 22, 7 p.m.: Elite Runners Summer Outdoor Series, Settler’s Cabin Park, Robinson Township. Choice of 5K or 5 mile trail run with post race pizza and beverages. 412-490-0881 or nickw@eliterunners.com

July 25, 8 a.m.: Run With the Deer Flies 25K and 15K Trail Run, Penn Run. Challenging run through Yellow Creek State Park. 724-349-8797 or wentom87@verizon.net

July 25, 9 a.m.: Freeport International Baseball 5K, Freeport. Starts at Freeport Junior High School. 724-295-5511 or freeport5k@hotmail.com

July 26, 8:30 a.m.: Pass the Pancakes 5K, Waterford. Starts at Picnicana Park, post-race pancake breakfast. 814-440-7275 or jeff_jones@lord.com

July 29, 7 p.m.: Dam Race 5K, Sharpsville. Race #3 of Twilight QUAD series. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhigh.com

July 31, 7 p.m.: GNC Live Well Liberty Mile, Pittsburgh. Flat one mile race in heats. Libertymile.org

Aug. 1, 8 a.m.: Raise the Roof 5K Race, Kittanning. Flat course benefits Habitat for Humanity. Mikemacsr17@gmail.com

Aug. 1, 9 a.m.: St. Barnabas 5K Run/Walk, Gibsonia. Out and back course, post race picnic. 724-625-3770 or stbarnabas5k.com

Aug. 8, 8 a.m.: Roebling’s Run 5K, Saxonburg. Rolling out and back race starts at Knoch High School. 412-603-1999 or ap2426@zoominternet.net

Aug. 8, 9 a.m.: Run Country Style 10K, 5K, Fun Run, Mercer. Entertainment on and after the run. All kids receive an award in a ½ mile kids run. 724-988-9165 or dennisdiraimondo@gmail.com

Aug. 8, 9 a.m.: Brookline Breeze 5K Fitness Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Also one-mile fun run and one-mile dog walk. 412-561-6786 or home1322@verizon.net

Aug. 8, 9 a.m.: Rimersburg Cookie Daze 5K, Rimersburg. 814-473-6427

Aug. 8, 8 p.m.: Howl at the Moon 5K Night Run and Walk, Beaver. 724-622-7637 or stevegoldcamp@yahoo.com

Race results

Strawberry Days 5K, June 24: Jed Christiansen, 1st Overall M, 15:09; Leslie Kramer, 1st Overall W, 19:59; Alexis Swiergol, 2nd Overall W, 20:03; Alexander Edmonds, 3rd 20-24 M, 18:37; Bryce Lowe, 2nd 12-15 M, 19:53; Christopher Bloch, 3rd 55-59 M, 20:03; Nathan Depew, 3rd 45-49 M, 20:32; Catherine Jaskowak, 1st 16-19 W, 21:02; Olivia Lowe, 3rd 16-19 W, 21:16; Landon Ketler, 3rd 12-15 M, 21:30; Gage Probst, 1st 8-9 M, 22:19; Myka Mathieson, 2nd 13-15 W, 22:56; Marie Depew, 3rd 13-15 W, 22:56; Donna McClymonds, 1st 45-49 W, 23:59; Jerry Smith, 3rd 50-54 M, 24:19; Renee Miller, 2nd 30-34 W, 24:24; Elizabeth Morris, 3rd 40-49 W, 24:25; Robin Springirth, 3rd 30-34 W, 24:30; Brody Woods, 1st 6-7 M, 27:30; Cindy Suber, 3rd 55-59 W, 27:41; Debbie Courtney, 2nd 50-54 W, 28:10; Lucy Hartle, 1st 8-9 W, 28:39; Janet Pudlo, 3rd 50-54 W, 29:25; Francis Depew, 2nd 6-7 M, 31:42; Karen Steffanina, 2nd 60-64 W, 32:14; Colton Casteel, 2nd 8-9 M, 33:53; Gracie Hartle, 1st 6-7 W, 34:00; Brandon Woods, 3rd 8-9 M, 40:01; Elijah Depew, 19:14; Anthony Miller, 19:31; Jacob Tacinch, 19:39; S Mark Courtney, 20:10; Evan Miller, 20:26; John Paul Depew, 21:02; Tim Kramer, 21:10; Adam Stillwaggon, 21:13; Adam Lowe, 21:18; Brady Beech, 21:34; John Armstrong, 21:37; Cael McEwen, 12, 21:54; Aaron Depew, 22:37; Elijah McClymonds, 22:38; David Suber, 22:48; Nathaniel Nuss, 22:54; Evan Maxwell, 23:05; Greg Kingston, 23:37; Benjamin Rhoads, 23:48; Seth Black, 24:14; Rebecca Woods, 24:35; Steven Fisher, 24:38; Robert Audia, 24:43; Douglas S Maxwell, 24:52; Karl Hart, 25:20; Alayna Joy Lowe, 25:22; Jen Beachem, 25:24; Dawn Toguchi, 25:31; Amanda Mock, 25:32; Skyler Curry, 25:39; Taylor R Maxwell, 25:44; Jim Smith, 25:45; Julie Depew, 25:56; Bill Swanik, 26:16; Mark Aloisio, 26:29; Deana M Maxwell, 26:35; Eliza Lowe, 27:15; Bev Lowe, 27:16; Jeff Shuty, 27:25; Jacob Dosch, 27:25; Mary Morgan, 27:44; Rick Black, 27:49; Stephanie Saylor, 28:37; Olivia Caporali, 28:37; David Voland, 28:51; Katie McCylmonds, 28:54; Leslie Babcock, 29:02; Katie Jo Black, 29:05; Dave Voland, 29:07; James Lakin, 29:20; Megan Fowler, 29:23; Katie Fuhrman, 29:49; Deanna Watters, 30:03; Martha Depew, 30:05; Stephanie McCreary, 30:32; Sarah Maffet, 30:41; John Sestak, 31:35; Michelle Brochetti, 32:06; Jackie Winston, 32:28; Danielle Haney, 32:34; Chad Helmininack, 33:52; Kyle Bell, 33:55; Shelly Bell, 33:55; Tony Sunseri, 34:07; Richard Beech, 34:27; Vicki Brendlinger, 34:48; Kara Shuty, 36:03; Alissa Jordan, 36:03; Tara Aloisio, 36:51; Becky Farren, 37:13; Ronald Brendlinger, 37:41; Carly Bett, 38:55; Bridget Casteel, 39:19; David Byers, 39:35; Mary Belle Nesbit, 39:56; Margy Somora, 40:21; Molly Somora, 40:21; Jen Bulfone, 41:12; Megan Devine, 41:14; Randi Zenobi, 45:45; Tim Zenobi, 45:46; Susan Bowser, 47:30; Peggy Aikins, 48:32; Jacob Smith, 49:15; Barbara Stahlman, 49:15; Brenda Shaffer, 53:47; Lori Wise, 56:30; Jeanne Patterson, 56:31

Hope for Your Future 5K, June 27: Derek Priester, 1st Overall M, 20:22; Barb Corle, 1st Overall W, 24:42; Eric Hoffman, 1st 30-39 M, 23:09; Rich Corle, 1st 20-29 M, 25:42; Hailey Theuret, 1st 19 & Under W, 27:59; Bailey Crissman, 36:45; Aubrey Minich, 37:09; Shae Lee Minich, 48:33; Marci Bowser. 49:31; Mitzi Evankovick, 49:31

Hope for Your Future 10K, June 27: Eric Laughlin, 1st Overall M, 41:00; Tristen Best, 1st Overall W, 43:42; Eric Shick, 1st 40-49 M, 48:02; Dan Clark, 1st 30-39 M, 49:21; Lana Stockdall, 1st 40-49 W, 50:04; Laurie Hosey, 1st 30-39 W, 51:18; Marie Rhoades, 1st 20-29 W, 52:18; Fred Weaver, 2nd 30-39 M, 53:44; Karen Charmichael, 2nd 40-49 W, 53:58; Amy Wiseman, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:01:39; Cameron Weaver, 1st 19 & Under M, 1:06:10; Chrissy Shirey, 3rd 30-39 W, 1:08:45; Trey Fleming, 2nd 19 & Under M, 1:20:56; Brenda Murray, 1st 50-59 W, 1:32:09; Nancy Carmichael, 2nd 50-59 W, 1:32:09; Beth Hepfner, 3rd 50-59 W, 1:32:51; Kelly Minich, 1:00:24; Kate Hepfner, 1:19:53

Hope for Your Future @ Mile Walk, June 27: Tracie Bowser, 1st Overall W, 30:41; Brian Rimign, 1st Overall M, 36:34; Brody Minich, 37:57; Ethan Minich, 38:03; Sandy Traister, 38:29

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