You can fight winter all you want, but you can’t beat it. This Saturday’s second Annual Winterfest 5k at Moraine State Park offers a great way to enjoy, not battle winter.

Advertised as “a great cure for cabin fever,” the race and other Winterfest activities may be just what you need to beat the winter blahs. This is the second year for Winterfest 5k but the seventh Winterfest at Moraine.

Because the event’s sponsor, Moraine Preservation Fund, is partnering with Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity Douse for a House, all Winterfest events, including the 5k, will take place at South Shore beach area.

Race director and Moraine Preservation Fund board member Tammy McGaughey says that the new 5k course is a big improvement. While last year’s race followed the paved bike trail along the North Shore, this year’s run is almost exclusively a trail course. After a short dash across the beach area parking area, runners will follow Sunken Gardens Trail, a scenic loop along the lakeshore and through a wooded area of the park.

McGaughey calls this course “wonderful for beginning trail runners.” The course is wide enough for two or three runners and not technical terrain, although runners will encounter a few roots on the path and one long hill.

McGaughey, an experienced trail-ultra runner, calls it a family event, not too tough and not too competitive. Her youngest registrant this year is three years old.

Winterfest 5k does offer competitive awards for those who wish to challenge the course. The event is chip timed. First three male and female finishers as well as first three in age groups from 12 and under through 60+ earn awards. All participants earn a long-sleeved technical race shirt.

McGaughey expects 100 to 130 runners and walkers for this year’s Winterfest 5k. “A lot depends on the weather,” she says. “No one wants a Winterfest with no snow.” Runners may register online or download a mail-in form from www.morainepreservationfund.org or register beginning at 9 a.m. at the starting area at South Shore.

McGaughey and co-director Kara Plant have been praying for snow to avoid a repeat of last year’s snowless festival when ice fishing, snowshoe and cross country ski workshops had to be eliminated from the activities schedule.

Winterfest activities begin at 11 a.m. with the start of the race. Runners and families will want to stay for a chili cook-off with samples and voting for 14 entries, music, food, crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, dog sledding and more taking place until 4 p.m. M. Pittsburgh Penguins mascot Iceburgh will also make an appearance.

At 1 p.m., more than 100 brave (and crazy) people of all ages will take the Douse for a House plunge into frigid Lake Arthur as a fundraiser and awareness builder for Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity. Runners are welcome to take the plunge, but all participants must be registered. Registration opens at 11 a.m. at the South Shore Beach.

All Winterfest activities take place outside, so dress appropriately. There will be four campfires throughout the festival to keep everyone warm.

For more information about Winterfest 5k, e-mail Tammy McGaughey at tamsuemg@embarqmail,com. This site also contains information about Moraine State Park and the Moraine Preservation Fund.

Upcoming events

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Run Group, Cranberry Township. All paces, distances and ages welcome. 724-772-2808 or info@mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Saturdays, 8 p.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. All paces, distances and ages welcome. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Saturdays: Butler Babes group trail runs, various locations. Run various distances on trails in area parks. tamsuemcg@embarqmail.com

Thursday, 6 p.m.: UPMC Sports Academy, Cranberry Township. Free presentation at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. This month’s topic: Runners: Stay on the Road and Out of the Doctor’s Office. 724-720-3068 or turleype@upmc.edu

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Allegheny 9 – North Park 10k, Allison Park. Part of Allegheny 9 series showcasing the nine Allegheny County parks. 724-327-7627 or www.acparksfoundation.org

Saturday, 10 a.m.: PREP4PITT-1: Trout Island Tromp, Sharpsville. Out and back on rail trail. First race of marathon race series. 724-301-6775 or info@mctrails.org

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Winterfest 5k, Moraine State Park. kplant@zoominternet.net or runsignup.com

Feb. 11, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5k, Pittsburgh. Starts near Heinz Field on Northshore Trail. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Feb. 12, 10 a.m.: Valentine’s Prediction Run, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park Rotary Pavilion. Erierunners.club

Feb. 12, 10 a.m.: Valentine’s Day Run, Mt. Lebanon. Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners event with choice of 2 miles or 5 miles starting at Mt. Lebanon High School. 412-341-0684

Feb. 19, 9:30 a.m.: Dirty Love 10k, Willoughby Hills, OH. Scenic trail run through North Chagrin Reservation in Cleveland Metroparks. www.westernreserveracing.com

Feb. 25, 10 a.m.: The Spring Thaw 10, 15 or 20 Mile, North Park. Consecutive laps around North Park Lake. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunnersracing.com

Feb. 26, 7 a.m.: H2H LE Hillraiser Endurance Challenge, Triadelphia, VW. Very challenging 8 mile trail run. 304-564-4172 or cwhite77@yahoo.com

March 4, 11 a.m.: Sixth Annual Ellport Borough Community Winter Wonderland 5k, Ellwood City. Scenic 5k with lots of post race food and drink. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

March 11, 8:45 a.m.: Mill Creek Distance Classic, Youngstown, OH. Choice of half marathon or 5k in scenic Mill Creek Metro Park. 330-727-6070 or ytownrunners.org

March 11, 9 a.m.: March Mad Dash, North Park. Choice of 5k, 5 mile or 10 mile distances. Starts at Boathouse. 412-490-0881 or register.chronotrack.com/r/26147

March 11, 9:30 a.m.: 3rd Annual Pi Day Pi K, Oil City. Run 3.14 miles. Walkers start at 9 a.m. 814-758-0848 or kharriett@mail.ocasd.org

Race results

Get Fit Families Reindeer 1/2 Mile, Dec. 3: Zach Leachman, 1st Overall M, 2:20; Zac Baker, 3rd Overall M, 2:28; Maddie Gagnon, 1st Overall W, 3:02; Abby Kreber, 2nd Overall W, 3:08; Julia Zalenski, 3rd Overall W, 3:11; Noah Petersen, 1st 11-12 M, 3:01; Bodey Balfour, 2nd 11-12 M, 3:15; Sam West, 1st 9-10 M, 3:25; Ryan Steigerwald, 3rd 11-12 M, 3:31; Elizabeth Hunkele, 1st 11-12 W, 3:41; Mark Hunkele, 2nd 40-49 M, 3:41; Jimmy Erfort, 3rd 9-10 M, 4:05; Angelina Hunkele, 2nd 9-10 W, 3:46; Sydney Perry, 2nd 11-12 W, 3:47; Annelise Dykstra, 1st 7-8 W, 4:36; Lily McCracken, 1st 5-6 W, 4:45; Chris Hughes, 1st 30-39 M, 4:49; Megan Hughes, 2nd 7-8 W, 4:49; Sophia Schapiro, 1st 1-4 W, 7:09; Emily Schapiro, 2nd 1-4 W, 7:45; Owen Schessler, 4:17

Get Fit Families Reindeer 1/4 Mile, Dec. 3: Zach Leachman, 1st Overall M, 1:00; Mark Hunkele, 2nd Overall M, 1:03; Maddie Gagnon, 1st Overall W, 1:17; Julia Zalenski, 2nd Overall W, 1:25; Elizabeth Hunkele, 3rd Overall W, 1:30; Zac Baker, 1st 13-18 M, 1:11; Noah Petersen, 1st 11-12 M, 1:20; Sam West, 1st 9-10 M, 1:29; Jimmy Erfort, 2nd 9-10 M, 1:34; Angelina Hunkele, 1st 9-10 W, 1:33; Bodey Balfour, 2nd 11-12 M, 1:33; Sydney Perry, 1st 11-12 W, 1:36; Carter Warnes, 3rd 9-10 M, 1:38; Mike Warnes, 2nd 40-49 M, 1:40; Ryan Steigerwald, 3rd 11-12 M, 1:48; Riley Perry, 1st 7-8 W, 1:54; Colin Hunzeker, 1st 7-8 M, 1:57; Lily McCracken, 1st 5-6 W, 2:05; Harvard Drewry, 2nd 1-4 M, 3:12; Charlie Dykstra, 1:45; Owen Schessler, 2:31

Harmony Silvester 5k, Dec. 31: Zach Leachman, 1st Overall M, 17:25; Noah Bowser, 2nd Overall M, 17:44; Mckenna Bowes, 1st Overall W, 20:34; Madeline Gagnon,2nd Overall W, 20:43; Mariah Mack, 3rd Overall W, 20:48; Johnathan Asay, 1st 15-19 M, 18:42; Matt Sikora, 1st 40-44 M, 18:44; Travis J Braund, 2nd 15-19 M, 18:46; Ben English, 1st 30-34 M, 19:37; Cj Singleton, 1st 11-14 M, 20:05; Mike Fugate, 1st 25-29 M, 20:09; Zachary Baker, 2nd 11-14 M, 20:24; Timothy Wyant, 2nd 45-49 M, 20:24; Dan Nguyen, 2nd 35-39 M, 20:35; Scott Bowes, 3rd 45-49 M, 20:36; Layne Haught, 3rd 11-14 M, 20:42; Austin Malencia, 2nd 20-24 M, 21:09; Michal Kawecki, 3d 35-39 M, 21:7; Joe Appel, 3rd 50-54 M, 21:40; Lori Fromlak, 1st 35-39 W, 21:41; Daniel Pollock, 1st 60-64 M, 22:10; Brian Gengler, 2nd 25-29 M, 22:22; Abby Kreber, 1st 11-14 W, 22:36; Joe Farrell, 2nd 55-59 M, 23:19; Brooke Molde, 2nd 25-29 W, 23:20; David Fugate, 3rd 55-59 M, 23:51; Debbie Fugate, 1st 50-54 W, 23:56; Andrew Gengler, 3rd 20-24 M, 24:10; Brittni Geibel, 3rd 25-29 W, 24:19; Jinny Hertweck, 1st 40-44 W, 24:37; David Adams, 1st 65-69 M, 24:37; Tisha Frederick, 2nd 40-44 W, 24:42; Lorena Lopez, 2nd 11-14 W, 25:55; Luke Hassler, 2nd 10 & Under M, 26:34; Maryanne Savage, 2nd 55-59 W, 26:52; Kara Ristey, 1st 15-19 W, 27:04; Mary Morgan, 3rd 55-59 W, 27:14; Heather Slater, 3rd 45-49 W, 28:26; Jill Todd, 2nd 60-64 W, 28:57; Robert Sands, 3rd 70+ M, 29:51; Rebecca Gannon, 3rd 60-64 W, 31:17; Lois Adams, 2nd 65-69 W, 36:58; Valerie Sands, 1st 70+ W, 37:40; Judy Lyle, 3rd 65-69 W, 38:21; Jackson Seely, 20:34; Steve McKeever, 20:52; Owen Schessler, 20:56; Sean Ristey, 22:15; Zach Brown, 22:19; Mitch Radella, 22:21; Ryan Steigerwald, 22:27; Jeff Karns, 22:30; Jeff Smith, 23:12; Michael Wherry, 23:13; Bob Monahan, 23:23; Jonathan Gengler, 23:26; Jim Gallagher, 23:41; Caleb Rauscher, 24:01; David Mack, 24:09; Andrew Menchyk, 24:12; Jeff Cypher, 24:16; John Ristey, 24:25; Alex Lauer, 24:40; Bruce Hall, 24:56; Tony Chan, 25:13; Kyle Shank, 25:19; Holly Matsko, 25:23; Connor Shank, 25:35; Jennifer Mcnabb, 26:16; Bob Todd, 26:26; Michelle Pekich, 26:47; Mark Pekich, 26:47; Jeff Wherry, 26:48; Nick Brower, 26:59; Ella Harrell, 27:07; Ross Hassler, 27:08; Maureen Rodella, 27:40; Mike Faller, 27:55; Rachel Rutkoski, 28:23; Corinne Gressang, 28:28; Franklin Bame, 28:31; Victoria Kochick, 28:31; Jennifer Anderson, 28:50; Christine Patton, 28:58; Ted Kinney, 29:00; Derek Shank, 29:04; Leiah Maloney, 29:10; Denny Crawford, 29:23; Lori Mcclafferty, 29:40; Laurie Schessler, 29:41; Marcos Lopez, 29:42; Robb Kipp, 29:54; Katherine Colton, 30:14; Mandy Rusnock, 30:18; Jim Rodella, 30:23; Bodey Balfour, 30:24; Sanjay Dixit, 30:31; Rhonda Maloney, 30:32; Heidi Fleming, 30:33; Sara Peffer, 30:48; Jeff Byko, 31:06; Melissa Jungling, 31:24; Joaquin Lopez, 31:53; Debra Kuminkoski, 32:32; Carol English, 32:58; Renee Burr, 33:02; Vickie Turner, 33:03; Deborah Takacs, 33:13; Leah Patinski, 33:34; Sue Ann Jones, 34:47; Drew Menchyk, 34:54; Ashley Gengler, 34:56; Lori Griffith, 34:58; Rebecca Novak, 35:03; Denise Phipps, 35:20; Shannon Connolly, 35:40; Debbie Patinski, 36:48; Tom Vrabely, 37:02; Melanie Bartel, 38:25; Tracey Lark, 42:12; Tom Turner, 42:19; Andrew Mcafee, 43:31; Michael Mcafee, 43:32; Alexis Menchyk, 43:46; Sharon Menchyk, 43:47; Allison Smith, 44:42; Nathan Troyan, 46:47; Denise Shank, 49:20; Katy Sims, 49:20; Nicholas Romeo, 49:53; Casey King, 49:54; Melissa Lopez, 55:26

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. E-mail lotzak@consolidated.net.

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle.