Many of my running friends have experienced the phenomenon of dreaming about running.

For the most part, these dreams aren't filled with mellow endorphin-producing cruises and runner's highs. They're usually stressful trips through the looking glass into a bizarre world of getting lost, being chased by wild animals, running through knee deep water or passing the same people countless times.

Last Saturday, 29 of us shared the same wacky dream. The odd thing about it is that we were all wide awake in the evening's part adventure, part nightmare called Run for Hunger at Birdsfoot Golf Club.

I can't say that we weren't warned. The race application named the obstacles: roots, rocks, log piles, man-made bridges, extreme down hills, lung busting climbs, rock fields and creek crossings. The application didn't name washed out farm roads, hidden trail blazes, false trails, swarms of yellow jackets and the occasional bear — but we managed to find those for ourselves soon enough.

As we lined up to start on the golf course cart path near the first tee box, race director Tom Parenti warned us to use good judgment and be careful out there. More than a few of us gasped as he mentioned the 70 stitches earned during the last event on this course, the Buffalo Stampede held annually in June.

Parenti gave us some last- minute instructions detailing the many places to watch for on the course. Since I have long ago lost the ability to commit to memory more than three of anything, I knew I would be hopelessly lost at least once on the eight-mile course. I actually got lost three times, bringing my total race mileage to 10.2.

That cell phone I carried with Tom's number on speed dial was no help at all in the deep dark hollow along Little Buffalo Creek with no reception. But even in my most discouraging and bewildering moment, I was never alone.

At each wrong turn or false trail, I found myself in the company of at least one other hapless and equally confused runner.

It also seemed that I had company during most of the gut busting hill climbs, too. Amid the moans and groans and pants of overworked and exhausted runners and walkers, I always heard a word of encouragement or a joke aimed at me or another runner in the group.

Somehow we clawed or crawled our way to the top of each rocky section only to chase each other down the other side in a mad scramble of leaping, running, hopping and praying that we wouldn't misstep and land in a heap at the bottom of a boulder field or face down in the creek.

If you think this race was disorganized, dangerous and distressed, you're right — and wrong.

I overheard one runner comment as he slipped on yet another boulder, "This is the most fun I've ever had at a race." And when we were offered a shortcut back to civilization that bypassed the most rugged portion of the course, one of my fellow competitors yelled, "No way! I can run on the roads anytime."

Back at the clubhouse, we shared stories over spaghetti and beer. After a short search, all were accounted for and relatively safe.

A few had encountered an angry swarm of yellow jackets and had the stings to prove it. One runner decided to blame his twisted ankle on an encounter with a bear.

My friend, who also wore a GPS watch, tried to reconcile her readings with mine. Somehow she had managed to run 9.7 miles on the course though she insisted she took an unintended shortcut. And I compared falling techniques with a fellow runner who it seems tripped over the same blade of grass as I did on the only level part of the trail.

Awards were somehow meaningless and superfluous to the Run for Hunger Trail Run. Our reward was in knowing we had shared in this wild and wacky, sometimes foolhardy and certainly dangerous, nightmarishly fun run.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Ed's got the coffee on. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comFriday, 6 p.m: Titusville YMCA 5K Run/ Walk, Titusville. 814-827-3931 or www.titusvilleymca.orgSunday, 9 a.m.: Whitehall 5K, Whitehall Borough. Starts at Snyder Park. 412-884-6948 or hvozdovich@verizon.netSunday, 9 a.m.: Gatorade Steelers 5K Race, Fitness Walk and Kids Kick Off Run, Pittsburgh. Level course, great prizes, benefits scholarship fund.412-697-7713 or www.steelers.comWednesdays, 7 p.m.: Fun Run at Adams Community Park. 724-352-4395 or bigp16@connecttime.netSept. 2, 6:30 p.m.: Stoneboro Fair Mile, Stoneboro. Run 2 laps on packed dirt track, free admission to fair. 724-458-4435 or smc@runhigh.comSept. 5, 8:30 a.m.: Run to Break the Cycle 5K, Beaver. Scenic and challenging. 724-775-2032 or womenscenterbc.orgSept. 5, 8:30 a.m.: Cure Thirst Half Marathon and 5K Walk, Youngstown, Ohio 330-272-5144 or www.curethirst.comSept. 6, 9 a.m.: Stepping Stones Center 5K, North Park. Starts at boathouse. 724-625-2199Sept. 7, 9 a.m.: Labor Day 5K Classic, Washington. 724-222-0750 or labordayrace@yahoo.comSept. 12, 8 a.m.: Saxonburg Festival of the Arts 5K, Saxonburg. Final race in Saxonburg Distance Series. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSept. 12, 8 a.m.: IKEA Half Marathon and 5K, Robinson Township. Downhill start, mostly level on Montour Trail. 412-956-4364 or race@montourtrail.orgSept. 12, 8:15 a.m.: Charleroi Little Great Race 5K, Charleroi. Towel and socks to each finisher, hooded sweatshirt to every 10th finisher. 724-489-4435 or www.littlegreatrace.comSept. 12, 9 a.m.: Quality Life Series Sugar Creek Rest 5K, Worthington. Race #5 in series. 724-431-0770, ext. 2104 or www.QualityLifeServices.comSept. 12, 9 a.m.: Adams Area Fire Department 5K Run/ Walk, Mars. Starts at Adams Township Commuity Park. reneehayes@zoominternet.netSept. 20, 7:45 a.m.: Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon, Philadelphia. One of the nation's best half marathons since 1978. 1-800-311-1255 or www.ingphiladelphiadistancerun.comSept. 20, Noon: Junior Great Race, Pittsburgh. Choice of one mile fun run, 50-yard run or diaper dash. Each participant receives finishers medal, t-shirt and goodie bag. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.comSept. 27, 8:30 a.m.: The Great Race 5K, Pittsburgh. Run from Oakland to downtown. No day of event registration. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.comSept. 27, 9:30 a.m.: The Great Race 10K, Pittsburgh. The original run from Frick Park to downtown. No day of event registration. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Rube's Run 5K, July 18: Cameron Stauffer, 1st Overall M, 17:31; Bradley Cubbage, 2nd Overall M, 17:44; David Terrill, Sr., 3rd Overall M, 18:15; Cindy Grimm, 1st Overall W, 22:41; Stephanie Verdecchia, 3rd Overall W, 24:22; Rich Makin, 1st Masters M, 18:42; Linda Ealy, 1st Masters W, 26:11; Luke Snyder, 1st 20-24 M, 18:21; Bob Cunningham, 2nd 25-29 M, 20:59; Curt Grimm, 1st 60-64 M, 21:37; Scott Wood, 2nd 35-39 M, 21:54; Gabe Schwartz, 2nd 30-34 M, 22:05; Makenzie Kellett, 1st 14 & Under M, 22:06; Aaron Depew, 3rd 35-39 M, 22:18; Lou Alaksin, 1st 65+ M, 22:39; Ron Hartle, 2nd 50-54 M, 22:56; John Antinossi, 2nd 65+ M, 23:25; Jeff Hartzell, 1st 45-49 M, 23:30; Bruce Soule, 2nd 40-44 M, 23:45; Ethan Kellett, 2nd 14 & Under M, 24:31; Dez Csizmadia, 3rd 65+ M, 24:33; Scott Hanghiter, 3rd 14 & Under M, 24:37; Darrell Smith, 1st 30-34 W, 24:43; Michael Cubbage, 3rd 25-29 M, 25:10; Gloria Ca'Ceres, 3rd 30-34 W, 25:18; Len Yensull, 2nd 45-49 M, 26:04; Cindy Suber, 1st 45-49 W, 26:47; Jim Osborne, 3rd 45-49 M, 27:14; Jeannifer Randall, 1st 35-39 W, 27:27; Verlynda Moyers, 2nd 35-39 W, 27:53; Ann Cheman, 1st 55-59 W, 28:18; Martin Carlin, 3rd 30-34 M, 28:49; Ruth Cochran, 1st 40-44 W, 28:55; Debie Kuminkoski, 2nd 45-49 W, 29:03; Lisa Moss, 3rd 45-49 W, 29:15; Lisa Timko, 2nd 15-19 W, 29:36; Alexis Reeher, 3rd 15-19 W, 29:36; Adriene Lewis, 1st 25-29 W, 29:44; Ashley Bean, 1st 20-24 W, 30:23; Pam Eckert, 2nd 40-44 W, 30:57; Janet Creswell, 3rd 35-39 W, 33:10; Kenneth Tack, 3rd 60-64 M, 33:14; Riley Gallagher, 1st 14 & Under W, 35:02; Alexis Zmijowski, 2nd 14 & Under W, 35:10; Skyler Kerr, 3rd 14 & Under W, 40:13; Grace Bickert, 3rd 55-59 W, 42:15; Diana Toy, 3rd 40-44 W, 44:16; Bruce Hall, 24:14; Gale Mussey, 24:19; David Suber, 24:46; Alan Cubbage, 25:14; Ryan Clem, 25:32; Chris Cooper, 25:50; Luke Barnhart, 25:59; Evan Hangliter,27:14; Korri Scwartz, 27:24; Patrick Bryan, 28:00; Jonathan Phillips, 28:08; Thomas Doerr, 28:11; Bill Dalmagro, 28:30; Lou Lodovico, 28:53; Todd Kildoo, 29:04; Daniel Austin, 29:13; Dale Caldwell, 29:33; Rachel Caldwell, 29:51; Autumn Heinz, 29:58; Cindy Maro, 30:07; Carla Osborne, 30:22; Mike Cornell, 30:25; Carrie Smith, 30:44; Mac Taylor, 31:01; Holly Kildoo, 31:11; Rob Taylor, 31:24; Sara Lewis, 32:22; Eric Duchess, 33:23; Eric Miller, 33:38; Laura Augustine, 3:42; Debbie Loughry, 34:00; Libby Jack, 34:09; Donald Loughry, 34:34; Pete Bryan, 35:31; Josh McNamara, 35:32; Kristi Kerr, 40:14; Warren Cresswell, 41:10; Craig Moss, 41:55; Jennifer Fassinger, 1:55; Kaitlin Zmitowski, 46:37; Makenzie Holscher, 46:39; Eleana Stupak, 50:26; Barbara Shumaker, 50:41; Kim Daugherty, 50:42Raider Maze 5K, July 25: Josiah Leuenberger, 1st Overall M, 15:55; Chris Cipro, 2nd Overall M, 15:55; Matt Davis, 3rd Overall M, 16:57; Karen Szczepanski, 1st Overall W, 20:15; Ashley Crawford, 2nd Overall W, 20:43; Megan Powell, 3rd Overall W, 21:15; Grant Baron, 1st 16-19 M, 17:03; Brent Kendrick, 2nd 16-19 M, 18:03; Andrew Razanauskas, 3rd 16-19 M, 18:03; Tod Roberts, 2nd 40-49 M, 18:44; Wesley Roberts, 1st 13-15 M, 18:46; Stephen Mick, 2nd 20-29 M, 18:49; Brent Collins, 3rd 40-49 M, 19:17; Christopher Lazzara, 2nd 30-39 M, 20:09; Curt Grimm, 1st 60-69 M, 20:40; Steve Russell, 2nd 50-59 M, 20:44; Billy Lott, 1st 12 & Under M, 21:19; Erin Lopresti, 1st 16-19 W, 21:20; Kristen McKinney, 1st 13-15 W, 21:35; Sharyl Relic, 1st 50-59 W, 21:41; Lauren McKinney, 3rd 16-19 W, 21:49; James Nagel, 2nd 60-69 M, 22:04; Karen Lyle, 1st 30-39 W, 22:09; Cindy Grimm, 2nd 50-59 W, 22:23; Liz Buechele, 2nd 13-15 W, 23:06; Matthew Pristas, 2nd 12 & Under M, 23:28; Cindy Waltemire, 3rd 50-59 W, 23:41; Dez Csizmadia, 1st 70+ M, 23:50; Mary Ann Patrick, 1st 40-49 W, 24:49; Riley Morrone, 2nd 12 & Under W, 25:21; Candijo Carver, 3rd 30-39 W, 25:25; Barbara Nagel, 1st 60+ W, 25:43; Taryn Latsko, 3rd 12 & Under W, 26:00; Annette Scheiever, 3rd 40-49 W, 26:09; Lydia Mascio, 3rd 60+ W, 48:02; Brendon Lemmex, 18:30; Chris Matessa, 19:30; Mitch Radella, 19:36; Rick Colonello, 21:04; Colton Schiever, 21:12; Sean Ratkus, 21:13; Michael Frazzini, 21:17; Kyle Kukieza, 21:44; Roger Murray, 21:46; Joelle Scarnati, 22:17; Lou Peterson, 22:29; Patrick Pagano, 22:31; Luigi Mascio, 22:32; Cody Beahm, 22:49; Joe Geyer, 22:56; Gale Mussey, 23:05; John Pristas, 23:10; Richard Buechele, 23:34; John Fiore, 23:43; Erik Wiegel, 23:55; Franklin Bame, 24:33, Adam Johanknecht, 24:40; Stevie Mick, 25:23; Seth Schiever, 25:36; Avery Lawson, 25:39; Len Yensull, 26:12; Kurt Johanknecht, 26:42; Joshua Keir, 26:45; Ryan Patrick, 27:04; Trey Razanauskas, 27:10; Ann Cheman, 27:20; Jacob Peterson, 27:28; Maura Razanauskas, 27:36; Heather Oros, 27:38; Summer Fowler, 27:39; Krista Novak, 27:41; Daniel Austin, 27:54; Kelley Morrone, 27:56; Sarah Johanknecht, 28:14; Rick Waltemire, 28:28; Carla Rentz, 28:35; Emily Keir, 29:01; Carrie Smith, 29:19; Ray Peaco, 29:29; Kim Swendsen, 29:52; Heidi Vendrak, 30:19; Jason Geyer, 30:22; Tracy Geyer, 31:08; Ben Houston, 31:30; Wendy Mascio, 32:28; Judy Lyle, 32:41; Thomas Cipro, 32:49; Randy Simmons, 33:30; Lauren Ottaviani, 34:48; Diane Blackburn, 41:58; Karla Ottaviani, 42:04Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 Cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.