If you signed up for this Saturday’s Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, it wasn’t because of their advertising campaign. This Butler County gem relies on participants to spread the word.

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, now celebrating its eighth running, closed registrations on Monday as it topped 1,200, its largest field yet. Even with this increase of more than 20 percent from 2012, the starting line will be less congested and finishing times more accurate due to the addition of timing mats at the starting line.

This event, the major fund-raiser to benefit Butler-Freeport Trail, gains in popularity because it offers runners a quality event year after year. The point-to-point course is scenic, downhill and fast. Each mile is marked and there are five aid stations along the course.

All finishers at Buffalo Creek receive a commemorative medal and shirt. Finish line food includes pizza, hot cider and fruit bars along with the usual bananas, cookies, water and sports drinks.

There aren’t many changes to this year’s Buffalo Creek and race director Chris Ziegler says, “We like it like that.” She credits volunteers for making the race an event that draws runners back year after year.

“Our volunteers make the race,” Ziegler says.

The biggest change for this year is in the half marathon course due to bridge construction in Freeport. For this year only, runners will be routed across the newly constructed Freeport Bridge as the familiar Laneville Bridge faces demolition by race day.

The 2013 course offers fewer road crossings. Chris Ziegler promises that even though the course will be slightly different, the race will honor its promise of a $100 bonus for any man or woman who sets a new course record.

If you’re attending Saturday’s event, Ziegler emphasizes that runners should arrive at the shuttle area at Lernerville early.

“We can’t transport 1,200 runners if they all show up for the last shuttle at 8:30,” she says. “We’re open at 7 a.m.”

Also, Ziegler invites anyone who wants to volunteer to arrive at Lernerville Speedway at 6:30 a.m.

If you’re not running Buffalo Creek (or even if you are), you can still take one more romp through the fall foliage at Farmer’s Inn Half Marathon, 5K and Bike Race on Oct. 27 in Sigel.

Farmer’s Inn Half is more than a race. Co-race director Jim Pitts calls it “runner appreciation day.”

Farmer’s Inn Half Marathon is one of Miles of Smiles Timing Service’s last races for the season and one of Pitts’ favorite events. He grew up in the area and is happy to showcase that region’s scenic beauty.

This year’s run features a flatter out-and-back course thanks to highway construction. The 5K shares the starting line with the half marathon, but takes a slightly different course. Cyclists share the half marathon course, but do not interfere with runners.

Farmer’s Inn Half Marathon is chip timed and certified with markers at each mile. The event awards trophies to all finishers and awards overall top finishers as well as top finishers in age groups of five year increments.

All runners are welcome at the post race full buffet meal at Farmer’s Inn Restaurant. Volunteers also eat for free while family members may purchase a meal for $14.

There’s lots to do besides run at Farmer’s Inn. The complex features a furniture and gift shop, mini-golf course, driving range, petting zoo and wild animal zoo complete with cougars, mountain lions, monkeys and bears.

You may sign up for the half marathon, 5K or bike race on the day of the event. Volunteers are also welcome. Call Jim Pitts at 724-456-2373 or email Herb Cratty, bonnherb@yahoo.com

Upcoming eventsThursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Packet pickup for Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Up-N-Running, Valencia. 724-898-2525Saturday, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Freeport. Sold out for runners. Volunteers still accepted. quaranta@consolidated.netSaturday, 9 a.m.: Mustache Dash 5K, Indiana. Also kids race, run on Hoodlebug Rail Trail. sbauer@homercenter.orgSaturday, 9 a.m.: Baptist Bash 5K, Ford City. 724-859-6316 or Baptist-bash@hotmail.comSaturday, 9:30 a.m.: Steve Jerman 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk, Kane. 814-837-7360 or chuckandpeg@comcast.netSunday, 8:30 a.m.: Harvest Moon 10 Mile/ 5K, Moon Township. Also kids fun run. www.race360.com/14346Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m.: Trick R Trot 5K, DuBois. Starts at Dubois City Park. rachelsyktich@dbcollege.comOct. 26, 9 a.m.: Musical Miles 10K and 5K, Sandy Lake. Run at Lake Wilhelm, Goddard State Park. 724-988-8410 or beckiwilliams@hotmail.comOct. 26, 9 a.m.: Fall Fun Run/ Walk for Special Olympics, Clarion. Halloween costumes encouraged. 814-221-4104 or hollythiem@msn.comOct. 26, 10 a.m.: Ghostly Gray 10K Trail Run, 5K Trail Run or Walk, Prospect. Run through Camp Lutherlyn trails, also 30K mountain bike race. 724-284-1134, ext 250 or troopcampcadet.orgOct. 27, 8:30 a.m.: Sasquatch 5K Trail Race, Clarendon. Challenging and scenic trail run through Chapman State Park. 814-688-0393 or jesarnold1967@gmail.comOct. 27, 9 a.m.: Farmer’s Inn Half Marathon and 5K, Sigel. Post race buffet. 724-456-2373 or bonnherb@yahoo.comOct. 27, 9:30 a.m.: Zombie Run, Cranberry Township. Run through North Boundary Park. joella@zoominternet.netNov. 2: Mud on the Mountain, Champion. More than 7 miles and 26 obstacles on this mud run at Seven Springs Resort. Mudonthemountain.comNov. 2, 8 a.m.: ZooZilla 5K Run/ Walk, Pittsburgh. Challenging course through Pittsburgh Zoo. 412-365-2536 or gboldizar@pittsburghzoo.orgNov. 2, 9 a.m.: Zombie Mud Run, Allison Park. Zombies, mud, obstacles. www.thezombiemudrun.comNov. 2, 9:30 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5 Mile Trail Race and 1 Mile Trail Walk, North Park. Starts at Grant Pavilion on Wildwood Rd. info@ocfwpa.orgNov. 2, 10 a.m.: Butler YMCA Turkey Trot, Butler. Run from YMCA through Butler Memorial Park. 724-287-4733 or jknauff@bcfymca.orgNov. 3, 9 a.m.: EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, Pittsburgh. Run from southside to downtown. www.pittsburgh10miler.orgNov. 3, 3 p.m.: Great Pumpkin 5K and 1 Mile, Zelienople. Bucknut2304@gmail.comNov. 9, 9 a.m.: Fall Classic 5K and 10K, Kittanning. 724-545-9622 or briggle@rgsymca.orgNov. 9, 10 a.m.: Veteran’s Day 5K Run/ Walk, Butler. Run at Butler VA Medical Center campus. 724-234-8782 or dennis.derringer@yahoo.comNov. 10, 10 a.m.: Freeport Kindergarten Center Fall Crawl 5K, Sarver. Out and back on Butler-Freeport Rail Trail. 724-822-1473 or carriemiller92@gmail.comNov. 10, 9 a.m.: First Bank Veteran’s Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, lack Lick. Run on Ghost Town Rail Trail. 724-349-3200 or dhscanlon@hotmail.comNov. 16, 9 a.m.: Fight for Life 5K, Apollo. Benefits American Cancer Society. 724-568-2517 or dzukas@cancer.org

Race resultsGreat Race 5K, Sept. 29 (first 3000 finishers): Caleb Miller, 1st Overall M, 14:47; Larissa Park, 1st Overall W, 16:39; Heather Melzer, 1st 40-44 W, 19:04; Lynn Brehm, 2nd 35-39 W, 21:35; Becky DeSantis, 1st 60-64 W, 27:35; Ann Cheman, 2nd 60-64 W, 27:57; Robert Sands, 1st 70-74 M, 28:54; Rich Rine, 3rd 75-79 M, 30:24; Ryan McCormick, 17:23; Gregory Schiller, 18:41; Zach Waters, 19:49; Mitch Radella, 20:18; Justin Snider, 20:58; Tyler Keenan, 21:37; Jennifer Markey, 21:53; Shelly Shebetich, 22:00; Owen Parks, 22:35; Pam Cooper, 22:47; Nathan Schirra, 22:58; Jonathan Steckbeck, 23:18; Abby Merhaut, 23:28; Alfred Wahl, 23:44; Julia Kocsis, 23:55; Matt Jones, 23:56; Jim Lorenzo, 23:58; Marshall Hill, 23:59; Myah Merhaut, 24:01; William Woods, 24:06; Shana Glover, 24:17; Bill Swanik, 24:40; Daniel Christo, 24:44; Matt Hill, 24:45; Bill Snider, 24:56; Heather Daugherty, 25:03; Veronica Keenan, 25:06; Justin Waltrip, 25:07; Damien Wissolik, 25:08; Mark Blasinsky, 25:09; Luke Waltrip, 25:18; Magie Skultety, 25:38; James Hardt, 25:44; Amanda Hardt, 25:44; Bill Hohman, 26:05; John Rovnan, 26:11; Sabrina Mitchell, 26:23; Kevin Kelly, 26:29; Nicholas Rine, 26:31; Shane Rine, 26:33; Sawyer Parks, 26:44; Dan Bezila, 26:44; Teah Donegan, 26:48; Rhonda Merhaut, 26:55; Sean Tomazin, 27:03; Nicole Waltrip, 27:04; Drew Graham, 27:05; Jennifer Koshute, 27:07; Jeffrey Smith, 27:18; Devin Schupp, 27:21; Steve Schupp, 27:22; Sean Weber, 27:24; John Dyer, 27:44; Andrew Hutelmyer, 27:45; Adria Dominijanni, 27:52; Jennifer Lichtenfels, 27:55; Richard Honsaker, 27:56; Brad Ciccolella, 27:56; John Gruendel, 28:07; Shelly Rushe, 28:12; Heather Cook, 28:24; Matt Buchwald, 28:30; Chris Raydo, 28:39; Samantha Scacchitti, 28:41; Phil Elms, 28:41; Karissa Febert, 28:41; Anna Dominijanni, 28:42; Scott Campbell, 28:50; Sharon Barlow, 28:56; Amy Yard, 29:06; Larry Laughlin, 29:11; Gregory Silliman, 29:11; Robin James, 29:13; Timothy James, 29:13; Casey Campbell, 29:14; Angela Rothbauer, 29:16; Kristin Raydo, 29:19; Karen Shearon, 29:26; Mark Rodgers, 29:31; Kevin Cloutier, 29:36; Joshua Donovan, 29:42; John Geyer, 29:48; Hetal Dhagat, 30:02; David Shebetich, 30:02; Eleanor Tourney, 30:03; Tracy Geyer, 30:04; Madison Merhaut, 30:10; Anthony Barbati, 30:13; Greg Casten, 30:14; Ashlee Midkiff, 30:16; Stephanie Legin, 30:16; Emily Stokoski, 30:20; Bruce Cover, 30:33; Christy Malcho, 30:34; Nora Malcho, 30:36; Jodi Steckbeck, 30:43; Elinore Kneidinger, 30:59; Marcella Parks, 31:04; Jennifer Boice, 31:05; Elaine Wissolik, 31:11; Cathy Reese, 3:13; April Winwood, 31:14; Isabella Parks, 31:16; Dina Snider, 31:18; Adelle Snider, 31:18; Brany Van Dyke, 31:21; Angela Cloutier, 31:24; Mitzi Pynos, 31:27; Kim Veon, 31:29; T.J. Pynos, 31:30; Jack Harding, 31:30; Greg Troian, 31:33; Emily Scioscia, 31:35; Christopher Goossen, 31:42; Joseph Matis, 31:43; Christine Donovan, 31:49; Christina Scalo, 31:50; Megan Walsh, 31:50; Deborah Laughlin, 3:52; Melissa Bemis, 31:56; Ryan Pasko, 31:58; Chad Lego, 31:58; Pamela Pasko, 31:58; Harry Grant, 32:06; Josh Banas, 32:14; Darla Rine, 32:17; Casey Shea, 32:20; Anthony Scacchitti, 32:22; Padget Washko, 32:22; Timothy Washko, 32:23; Douglas Klocko, 32:24; Tiffany Hughes, 32:29; Addie Klocko, 32:33; Louise Capizzi, 32:34; Jessica Washko, 32:36; Michael Young, 32:41; Erin Johns, 32:47; Chris Bell, 32:49; Cathy Anderson, 32:51; Kyle Casten, 33:09; Joe Simoes, 33:11; Steven Simoes, 33:12; James Kaczynski, 33:12; Joseph Merhaut, 33:17; Laura Coughenour, 33:18; Sue Seiff, 33:21; Tia Nischalke, 33:31; Lisa Scacchitti, 33:31; Mary Morgan, 33:38; Janis Hackett, 33:40; Heidi Allison, 33:41; Charleen Michaels, 33:44; Margie Moldovan, 33:46; Chad Krumpe, 33:47; Rusty Pfeiffer, 34:01; Dana Hilty, 34:16; Ashley Blevins, 34:22; Frank Amoruso, 34:29; Stefanie Baker, 34:37; Valerie Plummer, 34:45; Penny Birch, 34:56; Linda Bolena, 34:58; Wendy Zona, 35:18; Stacy Harris, 35:26; Janet Grant, 35:27; Ed Barlow, 35:30; Kate Sever, 35:47; Donna Sever, 35:47; Eric Fritz, 35:49; Kristen Cernicky, 35:49; Carole Klocko, 35:56; Courtney Dunn, 36:12; Nicole Totterdale, 36:21; Donnie Graham, 36:25; Jennifer Arnold, 36:25; Christopher Donato, 36:26; Frank Aimone, 36:26; Jamie Ehrhart, 36:26; Valerie Sands, 36:30; Scott Decker, 36:32; Laurie Gazdik, 36:35; Lauren Kubiak, 36:47; Shawn Woods, 36:54; Matthew Stehle, 37:07; Jennifer Stehle, 37:07; George Voelp, 37:17; Alexa Voelp, 37:18; Luke Polito, 37:57; Amy Buchwald, 37:57; Don Polito, 37:57; Erin Shea, 37:59Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, PA. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net