It started as a wacky idea between brothers. The Laurel Highlands Ultra Challenge is still a wacky idea, but a more popular one.

Shortly after the Laurel Highlands Trail opened, brothers Joe and Paul Butchko decided it would be "fun" to run the entire rugged 70½ - mile length in one day.

They didn't make it the whole way in 1979, but completing the trail run became a challenge fulfilled the next year when four of the seven starters, including Joe, completed the first official Laurel Highlands Ultra Challenge in 14 hours and 5 minutes.

Paul Butchko served as official timer for the first event, a position he will assist at this Saturday's 28th running from Ohiopyle to Seward. The race begins at 5:30 a.m. with the official cutoff time at 22 hours to earn a coveted trophy.

Running the equivalent of nearly three marathons would be daunting enough. Climbing the spine of the Laurel Highlands over rocks, roots and meadows makes the winning times more impressive. Leigh Schmitt won the 2006 race with a finishing time of 11:27:13 while Connie Gardner won last year's women's division in 14:21:21.

Last year boasted an overall finishing rate of 80 percent, due to addition of aid stations along the course and excellent weather. With more than 80 participants, the 2006 race was the largest in the event's history. This year's participation could top 100 because of increased interest in trail running.

Good weather is not the norm for the Laurel Highlands Ultra Challenge. Organizers warn runners of the possibility of sudden thunderstorms, torrential downpours or cold, steady drizzle. At this time of year, heat and humidity might also be a factor.

Runners are advised to prepare for running in the dark, as all but the first finishers will complete the run at night. Runners should pack at least one good flashlight and extra batteries for pickup at one of the checkpoints during the race.

There are four official checkpoints along the course and eight fully stocked aid stations with food, drinks and basic medical supplies. Runners are encouraged to bring their own support crews or to carry provisions through some of the more remote sections of the course.

It helps to have company on a long journey. The ultra lists specific rules concerning pacers on the course. Pacers are required to check in before joining the run and must run behind the official competitor they are accompanying. Pacers are not permitted to carry water or provisions for the official competitors.

Tim and Loreen Hewitt and Rick Freeman, all experienced ultra runners, took over as race directors in 2000. The three have completed the Laurel Highlands Ultra several times and Tim plans to run this year's race.

Current race organizers have instituted changes to make the event more user friendly and accessible. In addition to adding aid stations, cutoff time was increased from 18 to 22 hours to boost finishing rates. A relay event for teams of up to five runners was added to give runners a taste of the trail without the daunting commitment to ultra training. More than 11 teams will take part in this year's relay.

In 2006, Laurel Highlands Ultra Challenge added a 50- kilometer distance race as a bridge from marathon running to trail ultras. This event starts at Ohiopyle and finishes at the 31-mile point near Seven Springs Resort.

This has proven to be a popular addition as all 46 runners completed the inaugural event, a tough climb out of the Youghiogheny River Gorge and traverse of the wooded mountains. Ian Shouten led all finishers with a 4:32:16 while Katherine Bogard won the women's division in 6:19:27.

Spectators are welcome at all checkpoints along the course, though parking is limited in some areas. For information about Laurel Highlands Ultra Challenge at 5:30 a.m. Saturday., call 724-832-1018 or visit www.laurelultra.com

• <B>Sunday:</B> Walk 5 minutes; run 1 minute, walk 30 seconds; run 12 minutes, walk 30 seconds; run 2 minutes, walk 5 minutes.• <B>Monday:</B> Walk 30 minutes.• <B>Tuesday:</B> Walk 5 minutes; run 2 minutes, walk 30 seconds; run 4 minutes, walk 30 seconds; run 6 minutes, walk 30 seconds; run 4 minutes, walk 30 seconds; run 2 minutes, walk 5 minutes.• <B>Wednesday:</B> Walk 30 minutes or rest.• <B>Thursday:</B> Walk 30 minutes.• <B>Friday:</B> Walk 5 minutes; run 2 minutes, walk 30 seconds; run 15 minutes, walk 5 minutes.• <B>Saturday: </B>Walk 30 minutes.

Saturday, 7 a.m.: Millcreek Adventure Race, Brookville. Run 8 miles, swim 2 miles, ride bike 23 miles, canoe or kayak 12 mile, orienteering 11 mile, run 9½ miles. Solo or relay. 814-849-7355Saturday, 9 a.m.: WestArm Physical Therapy 5K Run-Walk and Youth Biathlon, New Kensington. Starts at Wolfpack Park. 724-335-9191 or akoler@vpfymca.orgSaturday, 9 a.m.: Kalajainen Klassic 5K Run-Walk, New Castle. Starts at Lawrence County Professional Building, benefits American Cancer Society. 724-652-4334Saturday, 9 a.m.: Parkinson Awareness Memorial 5K Race and Walk in memory of Jerry Maher Sr., Uniontown. Also kids half-mile fun run for ages 12 and under, benefits Parkinson Chapter of Greater Pittsburgh. 412-629-9292 or jermaher@zoominternet.netSaturday, 9 a.m.: Wolfpack Park YMCA 5K, Lower Burrell. Scenic out-and-back run along Allegheny River. 724-396-1853Saturday, 9 a.m.: Barton VFD 5K Classic Run and Walk, Barton, Ohio. 740-695-4492Saturday, 10 a.m.: Warren County YMCA 10K and 5K, Warren. 814-726-0110 or www.warrenymca.orgSunday: Columbus 10K, Columbus, Ohio 740-587-0376June 14, 7 p.m.: Francis Bud Murphy Memorial 5K, Connellsville. Begins at Highlands Hospital, post-race pizza and hot dogs. 724-626-2440 or pporter@highlandhospital.orgJune 16, 9 a.m.: Riverside Park 5K and 2-mile Walk, Greenville. Cross country run through park and grounds of Thiel College. 724-588-4810 or www.galsa.orgJune 23, 9 a.m.: Butler Road Race 5-Mile Run and 2 K Run and Health Walk, Butler. 724-284-4676 or butlerroadrace@butlerhealthsystem.orgJune 30, 9 a.m.: Ford City Heritage Days 5K Run-Walk, Ford City. 724-763-3986June 30, 9 a.m.: Middlesex Mad Dash 5K Run-Walk, Valencia. 724-473-1198July 4, 7:30 a.m.: Race for Virginia and Friends 5K, Cranberry Township. 724-772-7429July 7, 7:30 a.m.: Butler County Family YMCA Triathlon, Moraine State Park. quarter-mile swim, 7-mile bike ride, 5K run. 724-287-4733 or jknauff@bcfymca.org

<B>Habitat for Humanity 5K, May 5: </B>Joe Becker, 1st Overall M, 20:40; Ben Frederick, 2nd Overall M, 21:32; Mark Pugh, 3rd Overall M, 22:03; Patricia Neubert, 1st Overall W, 22:27; Jenny Rose, 2nd Overall W, 30:14; Margretta Lutz, 3rd Overall W, 31:03; Fabian Wilson, 1st 19 and under M, 22:59; Rob Hicks, 1st 30-39 M, 27:11; Bill Becker, 2nd 30-39 M, 27:12; Dennis Daro, 1st 50-59 M, 27:32; Jeff Jacob, 1st 40-49 M, 27:35; Grant Anderson, 1st 60-69 M, 28:34; Jay Rose, 1st 20-29 M, 31:47; Tom McMullen, 2nd 60-69 M, 33:23<B>Run for Sight 5K May 12: </B>Malcolm East, 1st 21 and over M, 18:03; Jake Montag, 1st 20 and under M, 18:49; Jon McCullough, 2nd 21 and over M, 18:53; Bryan Albert, 3rd 21 and over M, 20:18; Robert Klingensmith, 2nd 20 and under M, 22:01; Connie Hoffer, 1st 21 and over W, 23:52; Holly Depew, 2nd 21 and over W, 25:25; Amanda Cagno, 3rd 21 and over W, 25:28; Patrick Grunder, 3rd 20 and under M, 39:25; Gabrielle Casey, 1st 20 and under W, 51:30; Kelsey Lehnerd, 2nd 20 and under W, 52:08; Alisha Casey, 3rd 20 and under W; 52:15Tony Grenek, 21:40; Matthew Getsay, 22:01; Roger Murray, 22:14; Tom Parenti, 22:46; David Giffith, 23:13; Ron Hartle, 23:33; Carl Hill, 23:50; Buddy Turner, 23:53; Dave Szebalskie, 24:16; Bryan Scott, 24:41; Bryan Lewelyn, 25:31; Dezso Czizmadia, 26:16; Michael Glew, 26:26; Dr. Michael Dittman, 27:17; Eric Fritch, 27:19; Robert Sands, 29:01; Dana Hogue, 30:57; Valerie Sands, 31:30; Debra Kuminkoski, 35:46; Al Lane, 40:03; Heather Milliron, 40:03Carol Reed, 40:03; Justin Stiener, 48:18; Ian Ashbaugh, 48:20; Melisa McGraw, 49:12; Neil Ashbaugh, 49:14; Kim Anthony, 51:29; Sherry Lehnerd, 52:26; Tina Casey, 53:19; Sue Vogel, 1:00:51; Joyce Zinkhann, 1:00:55; Tyler Timber, 1:09:19; Megan Ruggles, 1:09:28; Darlene Trimbur, 1:09:31<B>Birdsfoot 5K, May 19:</B> John Dunn, 1st Overall M, 23:16; Jake Montag, 2nd Overall M, 24:04; Tom Parenti, 3rd Overall M, 24:23; Heather Metar, 1st Overall W, 27:49; Barb Volek, 2nd Overall W, 29:58; Lee Wagner, 29:49Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone or fax: 724-352-4395. Email: bigp16@connecttime.netPat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.