What a difference a year makes. Last year’s WOW (Where’s Our Water) 10K race in Middlesex Township was little more than a prayer to save a beloved landmark. This year’s race, scheduled for 8 a.m. July 19, represents faith that its mission will be accomplished.

When Glade Run Lake, a popular Fish and Boat Commission lake in southern Butler County, was closed and drained in 2011, the task of repairing the failing dam and restoring the lake seemed almost impossible. Glade Run Lake Conservancy was formed to generate awareness of the value of the lake to the community and to raise funds toward rebuilding the dam. Last year’s WOW 10K was part of the conservancy’s effort.

This year’s WOW 10K, 2 Mile and 1K Minnow run for kids is a celebration of success and a dedication to hard work ahead. Glade Run Lake Conservancy has grown to an organization of more than 2,000 members and has provided more than $300,000 to the cause. And in April of this year, Governor Corbett announced that restoration of Glade Run Lake would begin in 2016 and that the lake would be ready for fishing and boating by 2017.

This year’s WOW 10K starts and finishes at the Glade Run Lake parking area. It’s not an easy course, but it is a USATF sanctioned loop and offers a tour of rolling rural scenery in Middlesex Township.

The new 2-mile event, which starts five minutes after the 10K, is a shorter loop with a killer hill at the start and a downhill dash to the finish. Also new for this year is a 1-kilometer Minnow Run tour of the parking lot for kids.

Race director Ed Doyle expects at least 300 participants in this year’s race. More than 200 finished last year’s inaugural 10K. Doyle says that the addition of the shorter distances makes WOW accessible to more people who want to support the cause.

“We have a lot of people who want to walk. The 10k is just too long,” he said.

Not just a scenic tour, WOW offers opportunities for competition as well. The top three male and female finishers in both WOW 10K and 2-Mile earn trophies. This year, medals will be awarded to top three male and female age group winners in five-year increments from ages 9 and under through 70+ and all Minnow finishers receive a ribbon.

Numbered among this year’s participants will be 10 members of the “Harvest Valley Running Team.” This informal group includes 66-year old veteran runner and Glade Run Lake advocate John Patrus and his 10-year old granddaughter running her first race. You’ll recognize team members by their white Harvest Valley shirts.

Although last year’s event was a success, WOW organizers plan to make improvements yearly to build on that success. They have changed the starting time to 8 a.m. and added more water stops this year based on excessive heat at the 2013 run.

If you haven’t signed up to help Glade Run Lake by running the WOW 10K or 2-Mile, it’s not too late. You may register online or download a printable application from gladerunlakeconservancy.org or sign up at packet pick-up day July 18, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Up-N-Running running store in Valencia. There will also be day-of-event registration at Glade Run Lake July 19 beginning at 7 a.m.

If you’re not able to run or walk, WOW welcomes volunteers. Contact Ed Doyle, 724-898-2525 or Becky Miller, 724-898-8100 to find out how you can help.

Of course, Glade Run Lake Conservancy invites participants, volunteers and others to join the conservancy and to contribute to the cause. Although state and local government funds will rebuild the dam, the conservancy plans to add enhancements to the 150-acre park, including hiking trails and handicapped fishing access. Visit gladerunlakeconservancy.org for more information.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: Community Chase 5K Run & Walk, Cranberry Township. 724-316-7044 or communitycase@gmail.com

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Cross Country Crusade 5K, Saxonburg. First race in Saxonburg Distance Series. 724-898-2525 or tjp@yahoo.com

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Emlenton Summer Festival 5K Run, Emlenton. Starts at Hughes Park. 724-867-0929 or tscarr@zoominternet.net

Saturday, 11 a.m.: ORTC Gear and Cheer Music Festival 5K Run/ Walk, Beaver Falls. Part of outdoor fitness festival in Brady’s Run Park. 724-728-2625 or drvtroia@ohiorivertrail.org

Saturday, 1 p.m.: Hills and Thrills 30K, 10K and 5K, Freeport. Trail run starting at Birdsfoot Golf Club. 10K and 5K start at 3 p.m. 724-295-3656 or tomparenti@yahoo.com

Sunday, 6 p.m.: Hoodlebug 5K Run & Fun Walk, Homer City. 724-541-0013 or fulmer_cd@yahoo.com

July 19, 8 a.m.: Where’s Our Water 10K & 2 Mile Run/ Walk and Minnow Run, Saxonburg. Run to benefit Glade Run Lake restoration begins at Glade Run Lake. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

July 19, 8 p.m.: Race to the Moon 5K and 5 Miler, Apollo. All participants must carry or wear a light for this twilight run on Roaring Run Trail. Swamper11@verizon.net

July 20, 6:30 a.m.: Presque Isle Half Marathon, Erie. 814-881-0600 or suzannec@erie-runnersclub.org

July 23, 7 p.m.: DAM RACE 5K, Sharpsville. Race #3 in Twilight Quad series. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhi.com

July 26, 8:30 a.m.: 7th Annual Rube’s Run 5K, Prospect. 724-865-9582 or jtgallagher@zoominternet.net

July 26, 9 a.m.: Run with the Big Dawgs 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Elwood City. Fast course through Ewing Park. 724-336-5646 or bigbeaverbigdawgs.com

July 26, 9 a.m.: Freeport International Baseball 5K, Freeport. www.fortheloveofthegame.org or 724-295-5511

July 27, 8 a.m.: Run With the Deer Flies 15K & 25K Trail Runs, Penn Run. www.indianaroadrunners.com or 724-349-8797

July 27, 8:30 a.m.: Pass the Pancakes 5K, Waterford. Free pancake breakfast. 814-440-7275 or jeff_jones@lord.com

Aug. 2, 9 a.m.: St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/ Walk, Gibsonia. Out and back course, post race picnic. 724-443-0700 or www.stbarnabas5k.com

Aug. 9, 8 a.m.: North Park Kids Triathlon. Kids ages 7 through 15.412-523-6670 or www.kidstriathlon.org

Aug. 9, 9 a.m.: Brookline Breeze 5K Fitness Run/Walk, Pittsburgh. Run through Brookline neighborhood. 412-561-6786 or www.brooklinebreeze.com

Aug. 9, 6 p.m.: Run for the Trail 7K, Dilltown. Run on Ghost Town Trail. 724-479-0769 or www.indianaroadrunners.com

Aug. 13, 7 p.m.: Courtney’s Ice Cream Race 5K, Grove City. Post race ice cream buffet. 724-866-1374 or smc@runhigh.com

Results

Hope for Your Future 5K, June 21: Cameron Weaver, 1st Overall M, 20:35; Kara Yasika, 1st Overall W, 22:14; Gary Cooper, Jr., 1st 20-29 M, 21:19; Edward Fink, 1st 50-59 M, 22:03; Taylor Fink, 2nd 20-29 M, 22:55; Matt Bish, 2nd 30-39 M, 25:38; Greg Midendorf, 1st 12-19 M, 26:49; Sarah Kersey, 1st 30-39 W, 26:22; Jody Shawley, 1st 50-59 W, 26:33; Quinton Weaver, 2nd 12-19 M, 26:49; Rebecca Pennington, 1st 12-19 W, 27:19; Dave King, 1st 60-69 M, 27:22; Tisha Frederick, 1st 40-49 W, 28:14; Laura Leonard, 2nd 30-39 W, 28:30; Dan Leonard, 3rd 30-39 M, 28:31; Troy Fleming, 1st 11 & Under M, 28:57; Kassie McGarrity, 2nd 12-19 W, 29:36; Samantha McGarrity, 1st 20-29 W, 29:06; Rob Pennington, 1st 40-49 M, 29:20; Susan Rinyah, 2nd 40-49 W, 29:29; Gracey Shawley, 3rd 12-19 W, 29:36; Kim Behm, 3rd 40-49 W, 30:08; Cole Davis, 2nd 11 & Under M, 30:27; Chrissy Shirey, 3rd 30-39 W, 30:52; Maggie Minick, 2nd 11 & Under W, 33:14; Kimberly Murray, 2nd 50-59 W, 35:12; Nate Snyder, 3rd 20-29 M, 36:49; Chase Rumbarger, 3rd 11 & Under M, 37:36; Jenna Bish, 30:59; Rayna Hoke, 31:12; Braxton Marsh, 39:38; Mike Marsh, 39:41; Christine Steele, 41:59

Hope for Your Future 10K, June 21: Matthew Bauer, 1st Overall M, 39:32; Lana Stockdill, 1st Overall W, 51:13; Fred Weaver, 1st 30-39 M, 46:54; Marie Rhoades, 1st 20-29 W, 52:56; Chrystal Leadbeter, 1st 30-39 W, 52:57; Amy Wilson, 2nd 30-39 W, 53:27; Karen Carmichael, 2nd 40-49 W, 58:52; Shannon Rumbarger, 1:02:50; Trista Minick, 1:09:38; Kristen Smith, 1:10:18; Laurel Sutterfield, 1:16:04; Becky Johnston, 1:18:38

Zelienople Firecracker 5k, July 4: Dan Carlino, 1st Overall M, 18:15; Laine Seely, 2nd Overall M, 18:43; Josh Edmiston, 3rd Overall M, 19:53; Ashley Felix, 1st Overall W, 20:12; Christian Resch, 1st 13-14 M, 20:14; Michael Baxa, Jr., 1st 18-24 M, 20:52; Rachel Hensler, 1st 15-17 W, 21:18; Mitch Radella, 1st 45-49 M, 21:40; Daniel Pollock, 2nd 55-59 M, 22:11; Bobby Vandrak, 1st 15-17 M, 22:34; Aden Llewellyn, 1st 10-12 M, 22:50; Megan Rippia, 1st 35-39 W, 22:56; Pierre Khoury, 2nd 40-44 M, 23:08; Alaina Hicks, 1st 8-9 W, 23:39; Mitch Weaver, 2nd 15-17 M, 23:46; Max Weaver, 3rd 15-17 M, 23:47; Maddie Gagnam, 1st 10-12 W, 24:18; Kathy Hensler, 1st 45-49 W, 24:32; Katie Kamarec, 2nd 10-12 W, 24:33; Norah Seibel, 3rd 10-12 W, 24:33; Daniel Sawyer, 2nd 45-49 M, 24:53; Magen Engel, 1st 13-14 W, 25:05; David Johnston, 3rd 15-17 M, 25:18; Ben Ranayhossaini, 3rd 25-29 M, 25:29; Dave Adams, 1st 65-59 M, 25:29; Robert Todd, 1st 60-64 M, 25:30; Joy Gates, 3rd 35-39 W, 25:44; Dennis Neuman, 3rd 45-49 M, 25:51; Olivia Kamarec, 2nd 10-12 W, 25:57; Kevin Donaldson, 2nd 10-12 M, 25:58; Beth Sauers, 2nd 30-34 W, 26:03; Erika Moeller, 2nd 13-14 W, 26:06; Mike Bradle, 2nd 50-54 M, 26:10; Cindy Waltemire,2nd 55-59 W, 26:15; Shannon Mick, 1st 25-29 W, 26:27; Jennifer Phillips, 3rd 40-44 W, 26:43; Lori Fromlak, 3rd 30-34 W, 26:47; Joseph Harmanos, 3rd 8-9 M, 27:35; Philicia Barbieri, 2nd 25-29 W, 27:37; John Siegfried, 2nd 35-39 M, 27:52; Jarod Stewart, 3rd 35-39 M, 27:53; Chris Capozzi, 3rd 50-54 M, 28:12; Jill Todd, 3rd 55-59 W, 28:21; Donna Statzer, 1st 50-54 W, 28:29; Elle Butterfield, 3rd 8-9 W, 28:47; Lori Griffith, 2nd 50-54 W, 29:11; Leslie Bredl, 3rd 50-54 W, 31:03; Alyssa Voland, 3rd 15-17 W, 35:08; Kyra Fazio, 1st 8-9 W, 36:07; Valerie Mueller, 1st 60-64 W, 36:31; Tom Murray, 1st 70-74 M, 37:36; Sophie Geil, 2nd 7-8 W, 39:41; Stephanie Crail, 2nd 60-64 M, 48:58; Stephen Mick, 20:36; Simon Pfister, 22:54; Michael Weaver, 24:14; Rachel Konieorny, 24:19; Millie Weaver, 24:32; Ian Llewellyn, 24:38; Matthew Stehle, 24:52; Kelly Hensler, 25:21; Edwin Amdrein III, 25:31; Will Adams, 25:44; Michael Waltemire, 25:59; Jacob Geil, 26:01; Mark Kamarec, 26:03; Remington Iddings, 26:03; Aubrey Rader, 26:23; Derek Hicks, 26:43; Zachary Baker, 26:44; Daniel Christo, 27:19; Nicole Khoury, 27:21; Jaunalee Schuabenitz, 27:21; Erin Stewart, 27:24; Jaxon Llewellyn, 27:38; Shane Glover,27:55; Gabriel Alejandro, 28:03; Ben Capozzi, 28:10; Wendy Polochak, 28:21; Mark Perrine, 28:29; Mark Harmanos, 28:33; Carrie Pfister, 28:42; Brian Beighey, 28:52; Mark Stevens, 28:53; Rachel Wagner, 29:04; Laura Augustine, 29:15; Desiree Atkinson, 29:25; Ed Murray, 29:25; Melissa Jungling, 29:25; Amy Hoffman, 30:24; Kim Veon, 30:34; Albert Leasure, 31:41; Carol English, 31:51; Edie Sawyer, 32:08; Paige Nicklas,32:11; Scott Baker, 32:28; Sally Sawyer, 32:58; Caden Leighty, 33:17; Erin Donaldson, 33:56; Matt Donaldson, 33:57; Lisa Molyneaux, 34:03; Kimberly Matz, 34:10; Jeremy Peffer, 34:15; Debbie Little, 34:21; Jeanne Yohn, 34:27; David Voland, 35:09; Laurel Sutterfield, 35:32; Ethan Peffer, 35:57; Kathleen Brenneman, 36:08; Jennifer Richart, 36:32; Michelle Szebalskie, 38:28; Kristina Franksain, 38:28; Pierce Khoury, 39:03; Xavier Khoury, 39:04; Missy Ramirez, 39:04; George Roman,39:42; Carinne Geil, 39:42; Amanda King,39:43; Tim Richart, 40:02; Sandra Stanick, 40:10; Elena Geil, 40:25; Amanda Roman, 40:55; Teagan Leighty, 40:57; Jessica Leighty, 40:58; Elizabeth Lang, 41:04; Jenna Rape, 41:44; Stephanie Crail, 47:27; Mary Jo Crail, 48:56; Matt Konieczny, 49:20; Patricia Konieczny, 49:20; Barb Wagner,58:58

Send comments and suggestions to 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