The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art honors and continues the life’s work of the self-trained artist and naturalist Ned Smith, a Middleburg, Pennsylvania native.

Since 1997, the center has been a national leader in research into migration of the elusive northern saw-whet owl. In addition to operating three owl banding sites in central PA and netting up to 900 owls each season, the Ned Smith Center educates nearly 1,000 school children, community groups and college classes each year.

Last Saturday I journeyed to Middleburg for the Troegs Rugged Trail 5K Run to benefit the Ned Smith Center. Proceeds from this race fund trail maintenance of the more than 12 miles of trails through the 530-acre preserve.

As Alexa Campbell, Director of Creative Programming for the center explained, this is the third year for the 5K race, but the first year of offering the choice of completing a more technical climb and descent.

The “stroller-friendly” flat 5K is named for Hopback Amber and the tougher course appropriately for Rugged Trail Brown.

I arrived on Friday to hike the rugged course to find out what I’d face on race day.

Although the printable course map graphed the nearly 1,200 feet of elevation change, it couldn’t describe the rocky and rutted one mile ascent at an average of 10.5 percent grade. And the line that snaked across the green Google Earth map hid the mossy and leaf-covered descent that tipped to a maximum of 40 percent slope.

Having hiked the course, I was confident of at least having the strength to finish on race day.

My friend Dave planned to use hiking sticks for leverage on the uphill portion of the trail, conserving some leg strength for the quad-busting downhill.

I strategized that if I baby-stepped uphill and controlled my breathing to 5K effort, I’d count on my downhill recklessness to maintain my position in the pack.

About 55 runners braved the cool drizzle on Saturday morning to challenge the Rugged Trail course.

An additional 120 followed the Hopback Trail route.

Chip timing made for an orderly and relaxed start on the smooth graveled trail and across a wooden bridge into the forest.

Once the line of runners reached the base of the mountain, it became apparent that many of the participants hadn’t taken seriously the race website’s description of the Rugged Trail 5K as “perfect for those who are looking for a more ‘rugged’ trail experience.”

By the first quarter-mile of rock-strewn mountain, most were trying to merely survive the climb.

My baby-steps seemed to be working as I chugged relentlessly upward. A few of the walkers seemed amazed to see me overtake them, or maybe shocked at my hunched-over crab crawl and wheezing breath.

I crested the summit and allowed myself a “Woo-Hoo!” as my legs adjusted to the flatter terrain.

After a quarter-mile, the trail made an abrupt turn and disappeared down into the green.

I tried to keep an eye toward a tall runner about 30 feet ahead, scanned the five feet directly in front of me for roots and rocks, and let gravity lead.

While the ascent had been a test of determination, the descent challenged powers of concentration.

I managed to reach the base of the mountain without face planting, then cruised the flats back to the finish line in a humbling 5K time of 38:06.

I felt better after hearing the winners’ finishing times: Tony Arnold, first man with a time of 27:29 and first woman Erin Farmer, completing the 5K course in a blazing 33:47.

Even with my slow time, I managed to score a custom designed ceramic medal as an age group winner.

And all participants earned a commemorative knit cap, art print, Troegs beer glass, and post race party with live music and, of course, plenty of beer.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Greensburg Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Greensburg. 724-205-6450 or www.greensburghalf.com

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Mighty Moraine Man Triathlon Festival, Moraine State Park. Two day event with sprint, Olympic and Half Ironmen, Aqua Velo, Relay and Mighty Crazy races. 724-321-4265 or www.mightymoraineman.com

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Peanut Butter Festival 5K, New Bethlehem. 814-275-3929 or rlhrinda@yahoo.com

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Malaria Miles 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Zelienople. Sarah.lee-faulkner@swpasynod.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: The Pineapple Classic 5K Obstacle Race, Hartwood Acres. Hawaiian themed obstacle course run. 412-395-2883 or www.pineappleclassic5k.org/wpa

Saturday, 9 a.m.: United Way of Clarion 5K and 10K, Clarion. Cash prizes for top three overall. 814-226-8760 or uwclarion.org

Saturday, 9 a.m.: Patrick J. Madden Memorial 5K, Slippery Rock. 724-504-6338 or www.patmadden5k.org

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Stepping Forward for Down Syndrome 5K/1K Run/Walk, Butler. Starts at Alameda Park’s Carousel Shelter. 724-290-5244 or nsequitesffds@gmail.com

Sunday, 9 a.m.: 8th Annual Elorapalooza Memorial 5K/ 1 Mile, North Park. Benefits Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Elora’s HOPE. 412-608-2134 or geierhaus2000@yahoo.com

Sunday, Noon: Dollar Bank Junior Great Race, Pittsburgh. Kids run at Point State Park. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 27, 9 a.m.: Pumpkin Fest 5K Run/ Walk, Rural Valley. 724-664-0734 or mccaslin123@comcast.net

Sept.27, 9 a.m.: Butler Lions Club Scoot and Toot 5K, Butler. Starts at Alameda Park’s Carousel Shelter. 724-287-4059 or jbindernagel@theblindassociation.org

Sept. 27, 9 a.m.: American Legion Post 488 5K Run/ 2 Mile Walk for Veterans, East Brady. fandkebeham@hotmail.com

Sept. 28, 8 a.m.: The Great Race 5K, Pittsburgh. Only a few spots left. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 28, 9 a.m.: Positive Steps 5K Run/ Walk, Cranberry Township. Run through North Boundary Park. 724-444-5333 or maureen@positivestepstherapy.com

Oct. 3, 6 p.m.: Elderton 5K, Elderton. 724-354-3779 or rfrailey@windstream.net

Oct. 4, 8 a.m.: October Half Marathon, 10K Run and 5K Walk, Hollidaysburg. www.hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Oct. 4, 8 a.m.: Her Times 5K, Erie. Women’s run/walk, kids’ races, free babysitting. Zipdang22@gmail.com

Oct. 4, 10 a.m.: Applefest Race for Any Pace 5K, Franklin. 814-432-2138 or dkrizon@franklinymca.org

Oct. 11, 9 a.m.: HAEE 5K Race, Allison Park. Loop course at Hartwood Acres. 412-487-9566 or amradinovic@earthlink.net

Oct. 11, 9 a.m.: Mahoning Shadow Shuffle Half Marathon & 5K, Punxsutawney. amytaladay@gmail.com

Oct. 12, 9 a.m.: Quick Chick 5K and 10K, North Park. Women’s race. www.signmeup.com/96247

Oct. 18, 9 A.M.: Race for Pace, Pittsburgh. Choice of 5K run/walk, 1 mile fun walk or 1 mile dog walk. 412-342-4302 or www.raceforpace.org

Oct. 18, 9 a.m.: Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Sarver. Point to point and mostly downhill. buffalocreekhm@yahoo.com

Race results

Mini Moraine Man Youth Triathlon, Aug. 17: Robert Heilman, 1st Under 6 M, 10:23; Evan Mikan, 2nd Under 6 M, 10:44; Nick Lozowski, 3rd Under 6 M, 11:06; Brynn Beitko, 1st Under 6 W, 12:37; Emily Hermanos, 3rd Under 6 W, 18:52; Benjamin Mikan, 3rd 6-7 M, 16:26; Zoe Sciullo, 2nd 6-7 W, 18:16; Cole Kananac, 1st Age 8 M, 19:01; Benjamin Keefer, 2nd Age 8 M, 19:59; Christopher Heilman, 27:10; Alexandra Gongas, 2nd Age 8 W, 24:03; Sam Hersick, 1st Age 9 M, 19:05; Joe Mermanos, Age 9 M, 22:06; Conner Metzler, Age 9 M, 24:47; Gianna Rotelli, 1st Age 9 W, 22:08; Ella Butterfield, 2nd Age 9 W, 24:57; Maddie Leachman, 3rd Age 9 W, 26:39; Zack Lozowski, 1st Age 10 M, 22:04; Alaina Hicks, 2nd Age 10 W, 22:21; Zachary Baker, 1st Age 11 M, 21:15; Olivia Kananac, 1st Age 11 W, 21:14; Emma Sciullo, Age 11 W, 32:44; Zach Leachman, 1st 12-13 M, 18:37; Max Bredl, 2nd 12-13 M, 19:19; Sam Shannon, 3rd 12-13 M, 24:43; Norah Seibel, 1st 12-13 W, 20:27; Katie Kamanac, 2nd 12-13 W, 20:27; Sophie Shannon, 3rd 12-13 W, 22:15; Cole Balour, 1st 14 & Up M, 35:42;

Drake Well Marathon, Aug. 17: A.J. Kelly, 1st Overall M, 2:38:53; Elizabeth Jelloe, 1st Overall W, 3:58:52; William Huber, 1st 20-24 M, 3:10:19; John Armstrong, 3rd 45-49 M, 3:42:57; Mary Siegel, 1st 40-44 W, 4:27:16

Drake Well Half Marathon, Aug. 17: Steve Curley, 1st Overall M, 1:19:05; Brittany Baumcratz, 1st Overall W, 1:35:04; Zach Shekell, 2nd 25-29 M, 1:37:35; Mac Taylor, 2nd 19 & Under M, 1:43:07; Holly Bauer, 1st 35-39 W, 1:44:54; Herb Cratty, 1st 50-54 M, 1:44:56; Rob Taylor, 2nd 45-49 M, 1:49:51; Traci Hanna, 1st 40-44 W, 1:58:09; Holly Matsko, 3rd 35-39 W, 2:00:25; Shannon Rumbarger, 2:14:35

Distant Area Fire Department 5K, Sept. 1: Philip Sarachine, 1st Overall M, 21:56; Rona Shumaker, 1st Overall W, 25:04; Scott Anderson, 3rd 30-39 M, 25:41; Brenda Murray, 2nd 50-59 W, 45:39; Karen Carmichael, 1st 40-49 W, 27:52; Brody Minich, 2nd 12 & Under M, 1:01:47; Sandy Traister, 1st 60+ W, 1:02:54; Kelly Minich, 29:14; Anita Shick, 29:21; Angela Anderson, 30:30; Chrissy Shirey, 31:50; Brandy Muth, 32:13; Shae Lee Minich, 44:42; Aubrey Minich, 57:51;

Montour Trail Half Marathon, Sept. 6: Daniel Spaulding, 1st Overall M, 1:13:42; Leigh Ciofani, 1st Overall W, 1:29:35; Jason Sittler, 1st 35-39 M, 1:31:32; Todd Allman, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:37:44; Mark Casteel, 3rd 40-44 M, 1:39:18; Amanda Sulesky, 1st 35-39 W, 1:43:36; Avery Lawson, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:44:19; Gillian Scott, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:46:36; Renee Gliptis, 1st 55-59 W, 2:13:54; Wayne McCracken, 1:35:38; Andrew Williams, 1:39:06; William Marsh, 1:45:08; Bob Pudlo, 1:47:19; Danielle Rosswog, 1:49:47; Karen Lyle, 1:51:57; Andrew Tino, 1:58:39; Brandon Gold, 1:59:13; Sarah Sondej, 1:59:46; David Ebersole, 2:14:42; Rachel Rutkoski, 2:15:11; Carrie Jackson, 2:28:08; Shawn Bobbert, 2:36:13; Alfred Schnabel, 2:40:19; Stephanie D’Abarno, 3:05:21

Montour Trail 5K, Sept. 6: Heath Piper, 1st Overall M, 18:06; Lisa Lucas, 1st Overall W, 18:28; Dave France, 1st 40-44 M, 19:40; Tj Pynos,1st 50-54 M, 19:57; Nathan Lang, 2nd 30-34 M, 21:35; Kate Hrach, 1st 40-44 W, 22:01; Loren Churchin-Lang, 24:03

Send comments and suggestions: 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