In my last column, I made several suggestions for running in icy conditions.

While timing and technique can make a big difference in running safely, as one reader pointed out, proper equipment is also key in staying upright and injury free on “slippy” streets and icy trails. Here are a few options to keep your feet under you in the worst of winter road and trail conditions.

DIY, or not. In the old days, runners would drill sheet metal screws into the bottoms of their shoes for running on snow and ice. Although it works, I never had the heart to violate my shoes in that way.

You can still do it the old fashioned way, but for $29.99, Ice Spikes offer a modern alternative. The kit includes spikes in a choice of two sizes and 10 times more durable than sheet metal screws. And they won't permanently harm your precious shoes. Check out their easy-to-follow installation video at www.icespikes.com.

Slip-ons. If you don't want to alter your shoes, there are several options to adapt to the changeable road conditions in our region. Yak Trax is one popular brand of traction device that slips over your shoes for ice and snow and are easily removable if conditions change.

For $40, Yak Trax Run attacks ice and snow with a combination of spikes and steel coils and can be worn in temperatures as low as -41 degrees F. They will add 9.7-11.7 ounces of weight to your shoes, depending on the size.

Yak Trax Pro is a lightweight and less expensive option for ice and snow. For $30, the Pro eliminates the spikes but still offers coil springs in 4.7-7.6 ounces. Check out these and other models at www.yaktrax.implus.com.

Off road. There are many choices in traction equipment. If you go off road or in deep snow, products like Ice Trekkers Diamond Grips ($44.95) or Kahtoola's MICROspikes ($69.95), winner of Backpacker Magazine's Hall of Fame Award and Editors' Choice Gold Award, are like tire chains for your shoes. They're overkill for road running, but provide traction on the worst ice and won't come off in the deepest snow. Check them out at their respective websites, www.icetrekkers.com and www.kahtoola.com.

The whole shoe. If you spend a lot of time walking, hiking or running in ice and snow, you may want to invest in a dedicated shoe. Saucony's Razor Ice has a super-tacky Arctic Grip rubber in contact areas for extra traction. Razor works especially well on ice and packed snow. The built-in water resistant gaiter also keeps feet dry in the slushiest conditions. At $180, the Razor isn't cheap, but it makes winter running both safer and more comfortable.

Icebug is a Swedish company dedicated to keeping runners, walkers and hikers upright in all conditions. Their Pytho4 BUGrip features super-sticky rubber sole for grip on snowy roads and rocky trails and 17 carbide tipped studs in each sole for safety on ice.

The studs move slightly independently of each other, adapting to conditions underfoot. The $190 shoe is also water resistant. Check out their shoes and their story at icebug.com.

Visit your local running or outdoor sports store to see some of these or other similar products. Others are available for purchase online.

Race registrations

Is there a race in your future? Registration is now open for three popular area events. Sign up for the Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay and 5k held on the first weekend in May while you still have time to train at www.thepittsburghmarathon.com. Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh's Great Race 5k and 10k registration is open at www.rungreatrace.com.

This 43-year old event will be held on Sept. 27 this year. Sign up for the local favorite, 15th annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon run on Butler-Freeport Trail on Oct. 17, at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Cabot/BuffaloCreekHalfMarathon,

Upcoming events

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Mojo Running Group Run, Seven Fields. All levels welcome. 724-772-2808

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Meet at All Fit parking lot. All levels including spring marathon training. 724-898-2525.

Saturday, 10 a.m.: PREP4PITT-1: Trout Island Tromp 4.6 miles, Sharpsville. Run on rail trail. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Day 4 Mile, Punxsutawney. 814-939-9770

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Groundhog Day Prediction Run, Zelienople. Choice of 6.66, 4.44, or 2.22 miles. Winners based on finishing times closest to prediction. No timing devices allowed during the event. www.getfitfamilies.com

Feb. 8, 8:30 a.m.: Half Marathon Kickoff Training Run, Pittsburgh. Starts at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Southside with distances of 4.6.9 and 12 miles at various paces. RSVP at www.thepittsburghmarathon.com

Feb. 8, 9 a.m.: Cupid's Chase 5k, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Golf Club. 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@comop.org

Feb. 8, 9 a.m.: RSG Valentine's Day 5k and 10k, Allison Park. Untimed 5k run/walk and timed 5k start at 9 a.m. at North Park Boathouse with 10k start at 9:45 a.m. www.rsg1foundation.com

Feb. 8, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid's Chase, Pittsburgh. Starts on river trail near Heinz Field. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Feb. 9, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Run between or walk 4 and 6 miles. Finishers closest to predicted times earn chocolate awards. 814-774-3209 or dan.a@erierunners.club

Feb. 22, 10 a.m.: 44th Annual Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles. All registered runners receive a custom blanket, perks for each distance completed including gloves, buff, finisher's medal. 440-413-0907 or www.athlinks.com/event/44th-annual-spring-thaw-35943

Feb. 29, 9 a.m.: PREP4PITT-2: Spring Break Eight(0.5), Fredonia. Rolling course with post race music and tropical theme. Second of three races in the series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

March 7, 10 a.m.: Shamrock 'N' Run 5k and 10k, Sharpsville. Includes t-shirt and breakfast. 724-981-2875 or kmild@primary-health.net

March 14, 10 a.m.: Kiski Area Shamrock Run 5k, Apollo. 724-244-7999 or susan.feudale@kiskiarea.com

March 14, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k 70 & Over Championship Race, Ellport. Scenic course, $150 for overall course records, cash prizes for age groups 70-74, 75-79, 80+, post race pizza. 724-841-6528 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

Race results

Gobbler's Gallop 10k, Nov. 28: Jarrett Boyd, 1st Overall M, 36:20; Carter MacMurdo, 3rd Overall M, 39:07; Kylee Kaszer, 1st Overall W, 43:53; Julia Sabona, 3rd Overall W, 44:54; Matt Montellanico, 1st 30-39 M, 40:37; Ron Liscio, Jr., 2nd 30-39 M, 41:19; Gregory Banyay, 3rd 30-39 M, 41:35; Mark Casteel, 1st 40-49 M, 43:26; Jeff Gonzales, 2nd 40-49 M, 43:59; Dan Spiker, 1st 20-29 M, 44:33; James Couch, 1st 13 & Under M, 45:53; Nataqlie Lape, 1st 14-19 W, 45:55; Anna Maharg, 2nd 14-19 W, 46:49; Julia Burns, 3rd 30-39 W, 47:32; Ray Russell, 1st 60-64 M, 47:33; Jack Patterson, 2nd 60-64 M, 48:04; Leslie Golding, 2nd 40-49 W, 49:08; John McGivigan, 1st 65-69 M, 51:47; John Armstrong, 2nd 50-59 M, 53:41; Michelle Pekich, 1st 50-59 W, 56:45; David Adams, 1st 70+ M, 57:51; Hope Stiteler, 1st 13 & Under W, 1:03:26; Christine Guthrie, 2nd 60-64 W, 1:09:56; Josh Edmiston, 43:57; Jim Carr, 47:03; Anthony Colangelo, 49:00; Jeff Savard, 49:09; Aaron Zimmerman, 51:33; Hunter Best, 54:01; Joseph Rubcic, 54:02; Valerie Hardy, 54:03; Greg Hardin, 54:16; Tyler Monic, 54:57; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 54:57; Elizabeth McCullough, 55:42; Scott Kavanagh, 55:55; Mark Pekich, 56:07; Tammi Kohner, 58:28; Raymond Kohner, 58:30; Dave Melfi, 58:39; Joella Baker, 59:27; Debra Kuminkoski, 1:03:07; Tim Weil, 1:03:27; Michelle Stiteler, 1:03:28; Alice Wiesner, 1:09:57; Steve Roir, 1:10:38; Karen Kavenagh, 1:13:01; Chad Schwendemann, 1:13:02

Gobbler's Gallop 5k, Nov. 28: Colby Belczyk, 1st Overall M, 18:46; Zachary Baker, 2nd Overall M, 18:50; Lexi Fluharty, 1st Overall W, 22:20; Kendra Claypool, 2nd Overall W, 22:43; Ben English, 1st 30-39 M, 19:55; Caleb Schaekhliinb, 1st 20-29 M, 20:13; Aaron Falk, 3rd 14-19 M, 21:33; Jonathan Nelson, 2nd 13 & Under M, 22:49; Brian Emler, 1st 40-49 M, 23:07; Aiden Hicks, 3rd 13 & Under M, 23:28; Carter MacMurdo, 3rd 20-29 M, 23:40; John McGivigan, 2nd 65-69 M, 25:17; Jenna Kohner, 2nd 14-19 W, 25:44; Dawn Smith, 1st 50-59 W, 26:43; Christine Edmiston, 3rd 30-39 W, 27:27; David Adams, 1st 70+ M, 27:51; Andrea Zubick, 3rd 20-29 W, 28:17; Steven Day, 1st 60-64 M, 29:27; Patti Day, 1st 60-64 W, 31:27; Jonathan Miller, 23:48; Ron Saul, 24:18; Kevin Day, 24:51; Derek Hicks, 24:55; Dan Hogue, 25:14; Ray Nelson, 25:24; Raymond Kohner, 25:45; Benjamin Sepe, 26:42; Michael Pope, 27:21; Sott Baker, 27:27; Tyler Edmiston, 27:27; John Armstrong, 27:32; Ron Kralic, 27:45; Nicole Hogue, 28:17; Kristi Colangelo, 29:30; Joella Baker, 29:38; Anthony Colangelo, 29:50; Jennifer Savard, 29:59; Jacob Savard, 30:00; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 30:25; Luke Nelson, 30:36; Tammi Kohner, 31:47; Angela Daniels, 32:58; Owen Edmiston, 33:21; Josh Edmiston, 33:29; Emma Loudon, 34:31; Amanda Gray, 39:30; Bryce Daniels, 41:39; Ian Golding, 43:47; Tyler Savard, 43:54; Noah Nelson, 46:41; Beth Nelson, 46:47

Team Brunazzi Soup Run 5k, Jan. 1: Aaron Elm, 1st Overall M, 18:01; Casey Columbus, 1st Overall W, 19:46; Jimmy Couch, 1st 11-14 M, 20:14; Herb Cratty, 1st 50-59 M, 21:21; Angela Marchiori, 2nd 40-49 W, 27:19; Jennie Couch, 3rd 30-39 W, 29:49; Mitch Radella, 23:50; Brandt Salnick, 26:15; Rachel Wagner, 3:05; David Lewis, 49:59; Deborah Lewis, 50:01; Dawson Lewis, 52:49; Dylan Lewis, 1:05:32

New Year's Resolution Run 5k, Jan. 1: Andrew Van Hoogenstyn, 1st Overall M, 16:40; Hayley Germack, 1st Overall W, 19:06; Heath Piper, 1st 30-39 M, 18:55; Eric Shafer, 1st 50-59 M, 19:03; Gary Chabala, 3rd 60+ M, 26:37; Mary Pat Presto, 1st 50-59 W, 26:47; Cynthia Price, 3rd 40-49 W, 29:14; Amy Butler, 1st 60+ W, 32:12; Seth Baker, 22:02; Josh Venderlic, 25:00; Steve Chabala, 27:29; Jamie Knauff, 29:13; Kaylee Bowden, 31:01; Heather Venderlic, 33:59; Kim Kenetz, 46:17

Upper St. Clair Winter Wellness Dash 1 Mile, Jan. 11: Heath Piper, 1st Overall M, 5:37; Mitch Radella, 3rd Overall M, 6:43; Nora Provenzano, 1st Overall W, 1st Overall W, 9:21

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle