The first Buhl Day was celebrated in Hermitage on Labor Day, 1916.

Millionaire industrialist Frank Buhl had given his employees the day off work and they thanked him by holding a parade in his honor and a picnic in Buhl Farm Park, a park Buhl created to enrich the lives of those in the community.

The annual community festival was suspended during war times, but reinstated in 1979 and commemorates its 40th consecutive event this year. Buhl Day includes a parade through downtown Hermitage and entertainment, kids’ activities and food vendors at Buhl Park.

The celebration kicks off on Sept. 3 with the Buhl Run Half Marathon and 5k. The dual events are a product of collaboration between Buhl Community Recreation Center and Buhl Farm Park. Proceeds from the runs benefit both organizations.

Buhl 5k, which starts at 9:15 a.m. on State Street in Hermitage, celebrates its 21st running this year. Runners enjoy the flat and fast course lined with spectators as the race follows the parade route.

It starts on State Street at PNC Bank and finishes in front of Buhl Park Casino in the park. There’s plenty of parking available at Heritage Plaza and shuttles will be available to take participants back from the finish area.

Past events have typically included 200 to 250 participants with competitive fields. Last year, Peter Boyd finished first overall male with a time of 16:58 while Gianna Guerino finished third overall and first female in a time of 18:39.

The race awards top three overall male and female finishers and top three in age groups from 9 and Under through 70+. Last year’s 220 finishers also included a number of walkers and fun runners. Jogging strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome.

The Buhl Half Marathon, which starts at 7 a.m. celebrates its second running this year. Buhl Community Recreation Center Program Director Michelle Bower calls it very scenic. The first four miles wind through Buhl Park. The course then runs through Sharpsville and Hermitage residential neighborhoods to an out-and-back on Trout Island Trail. Runners cross the Shenango Dam to finish in Buhl Park.

The half marathon includes roads, trails, a grated bridge and a combination of terrains including fast downhills to a mix of short and longer climbs. Bower says that the course had to be changed a little from last year due to road construction.

For runners’ safety, there will be six fluid stations along the course and five first aid stations. Both the half marathon and 5k course maps are available at buhlrun.org.

Buhl Half Marathon also awards top three overall male and female finishers. Last year, Brandon Wise finished first with a time of 1:17:55 while Danielle Pepe finished first in the female race in 1:26:56. Age group awards last year included male and female groups from 15-19 through 65-69.

Following both the 5k and half marathon, finishers can enjoy water, fruit and Smiley cookies. Food vendors will also be open for business in Buhl Park.

It’s not too late to register for the Buhl Half Marathon or 5k. Online registration is open through Saturday at midnight at runsignup.com/buhlhalfand5k or you may register for either distance race the day of the event at the respective starting areas.

Although it’s too late to guarantee a commemorative t-shirt, there will be limited quantities on race day. All runners will receive a goody bag.

For more information, visit buhlrun.org. For information and a schedule of the entire Buhl Day celebration, visit www.facebook.com/Buhl-Day-271045999719408/

Upcoming events

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Run Club Group Run, Cranberry Township. Run from Mojo Running store. 724-772-2808 or www.mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Thursdays, 6:30 a.m.: Shoes ‘n’ Brews, Valencia. Short run followed by BYOB beer sharing at Up-N-Running store. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.com

Saturday, 7 a.m.: French Creek Half Marathon and 5k, Meadville. Run mostly on paved Ernst Trail. 814-336-2196 or www.facebook.com/frenchcreekhalfmarathon

Sept. 3, 7 a.m.: Buhl Day Half and 5k, Hermitage. Starts and finishes at Buhl Farm Park. Also 5k start at 9 A.M. 724-981-5880 or www.buhlcommunityreccenter.com

Sept. 8, 8 a.m.: Barber Beast on the Bay 10 Mile, Erie. Obstacle run in Presque Isle State Park. 814-480-6810 or www.barberbeast.org

Sept. 8, 8 a.m.: Diamond Dash 10k, 6k Run and 5k Walk Race, Hollidaysburg. Sponsored by YMCA. fkopriva@hollidaysburgymca.org

Sept. 9, 7 a.m.: Erie Marathon @ Presque Isle, Erie. Starts at Rotary Pavillion. 814-504-2631 or www.eriemarathon.org

Sept. 9, 8 a.m.: Mighty Moraine Fall Sprint Triathlon, Portersville. Staged in Moraine State Park. www.mightymoraineman.com

Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.: FAAP 5k, 10k and 20k, North Park. Starts at Harmar Pavillion. attorneymarkknapp@yahoo.com or faap5krace.yolasite.com/

Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m.: Hoodlebug 5k Run and Fun Walk, Homer City. Run on Hoodlebug Rail Trail. 724-541-0013 or www.indianaroadrunners.com

Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m.: Peanut Butter Festival 5k, New Bethlehem. 814-221-1322 or www.newbethlehemarea.com

Sept. 15, 9:30 a.m.: Rockin the Knob 10k and 22 Miler, Claysburg. Challenging trail runs at Blue Knob Four Seasons Resort. www.alleghenyrailrunners.com/rockin-the-knob/

Sept. 16, 8 a.m.: Boston Harvest 5k/10k/Half Marathon, Boston. Also kids 100 meter dash. Run out and back on Yough River Trail.

Sept. 16, 8:30 a.m.: Green Cathedral Half Marathon, 5k and Kids Fun Run, Youngstown, OH. Run through Mill Creek MetroPark. Kids run starts at 8 A.M. www.millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/things-to-do/green-cathedral/

Sept. 22, 9 a.m.: Bethesda Mud Run 5k, Meadville. 814-724-7510 or www.bethesda1919.org/events/mud-run

Sept. 23, 9 a.m.: Butler Lions Club Scoot and Toot 5k, Butler. 724-287-4059 or jbindernagel@theblindassociation.org

Sept. 29, 9 a.m.: United Way of Clarion County’s 5k and 10k Race, Clarion. 814-226-8760 or clarionunitedway@verizon.net

Sept. 29, 11 a.m.: Dollar Bank Junior Great Race, Pittsburgh. Fun runs for kids ages 5 through 12 held at Point State Park. www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 30, 8 a.m.: 7th Annual Heart and Sole 5k and Bike Duathlon, Ford City. 724-763-3974 or Klukan3974@hotmail.com

Sept. 30, 8 a.m.: 41st Annual City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5k, Pittsburgh. Run from Oakland to downtown. www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 30, 9:30 A.M.: 41st Annual City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10k, Pittsburgh. Run from Frick Park to downtown. www.rungreatrace.com

Sept. 30, 3 p.m.: Buffalo Creek 5k, Worthington. Also kids’ run immediately following. 724-543-1120 or mruffaner@mechlingheller.com

Oct 6, 9 a.m.: Freeport Girls Basketball 2nd Annual Halloween Hustle 5k, Freeport. Run on Butler-Freeport Trail. ksoilis@zoominternet.net

Oct. 6, 8 a.m.: October Half Marathon, 10k Run and 5k Walk, Hollidaysburg. www.hollidaysburgareaymca.org

Race results

St. Barnabas 5k, Aug. 4 (finishers under 32:00): Juris Silenieks, 1st Overall M, 15:10; Laura Harnish, 1st Overall W, 17:36; Katherine Fedko, 2nd Overall W, 18:00; Daniel Spaulding, 1st 30-34 M, 16:06; Ben Jezounik, 2nd 45-49 M, 18:45; Tessa Franchi, 2nd 15-19 W, 19:32; Patrick Dolan, 2nd 10-14 M, 19:40; Gwendolyn Musser, 2nd 30-34 W, 20:07; Megan Aaron, 3rd 15-19 W, 20:11; Meredith Price, 1st 10-14 W, 20:22; Lucas Kuremsky, 3rd 10-14 M, 20:34; Kim Masarik, 3rd 30-34 W, 20:42; Maggie Bauman, 2nd 20-24 W, 21:02; Stella Fannie, 2nd 10-14 W, 21:54; Gianna Vangura, 3rd 10-14 W, 21:54; Bill Schmidt, 1st 60-64 M, 22:54; Lori Fromlak, 3rd 35-39 W, 22:59; Jinny Hertweck, 2nd 45-49 W, 23:22; Bob Gracie, 1st 70-74 M, 23:34; Suzette Cappola, 3rd 40-44 W, 25:43; Kim McLoughlin, 1st 50-54 W, 26:04; Mary Siegel, 3rd 45-49 W, 26:55; Joann Carrasquillo, 2nd 65-69 W, 29:01; Robert Sands, 3rd 75-79 M, 29:54; Sue Ann Jones, 2nd 60-65 W, 32:31; Peggy Sibenac, 3rd 60-64 W, 32:43; Owen Gillis, 1st 10 & Under M, 34:04; Frances Fuhrer, 1st 70-74 W, 36:51; Valerie Sands, 2nd 70-74 W, 37:32; Dezso Csizmadia, 2nd 80+ M, 38:52; Anita Thomas, 2nd 75-79 W, 40:12; Tripp Santora, 3rd 9 & Under M, 41:30; Jean Pletcher, 1st 80+ W, 42:45; Donald Cescon, 3rd 80+ M, 45:18; Mary Ann Thompson, 3rd 75-79 W, 45:41; Maggie Leicher, 3rd 9 & Under W, 53:04; Peggy Kopelic, 3rd 80+ W, 54:57; Doug Kostelansky, 17:14; Brett Seich, 17:16; Noah Bowser, 17:36; Andrew Gallogly, 17:46; Quinton Johnson, 17:48; Robert Hays, 18:28; Gabriel Nichols, 18:34; Matthew Sudak, 19:02; Garret Daugherty, 19:11; Adam Zalenski, 20:00; John Armstrong, 20:17; Delaney McCarthy, 20:44; Caitlin Rushlander, 20:49; Matt Powers, 21:06; Todd Whittemore, 21:13; Tresa Coon, 21:20; Megan Gallagher, 21:53; Steven Nichols, 22:01; Cole Hurley, 22:11; Matthew Grossman, 22:11; Hannah Kemper, 22:12; Mary Fannie, 22:16; Bradley Johnson, 22:25; Anthony Spalvieri, 22:35; John Kickler, 22:38; Jim Relihan, 22:38; Andrew Schafale, 22:44; Eric Wolf, 22:47; Brian Pirro, 22:47; Gary Hayden, 22:49; Dean Longwell, 22:50; Richard Wolf, 22:55; Josh Venderlic, 23:03; Tommy Schafale, 23:04; Briar Wentling, 23:15; Ken Scullion, 23:35; Bruce Duerksen, 23:36; Holly Matsko, 23:54; Amanda Temple, 23:57; Katie Whittemore, 23:58; Michael McCarl, 24:13; January Scheidlmeier, 24:14; Tim Molnar, 24:15; Brian Croop, 24:17; Lydia Dennis, 24:32; Caroline Swann, 24:33; Courtney Shields, 24:35; Mike Sforza, 24:38; Jackson Valadski, 24:54; John Hackworth, 24:58; Brandon Scott, 25:14; Joe Kulbacki, 25:25; Elle Santora, 25:28; Angela Marchiori, 25:38; Eric Batykefer, 25:46; Bud Santora, 25:55; Kurtis Lawther, 25:57; Eric Schindler, 25:57; Bridget Jankowski, 25:57; Greg Nelis, 26:04; Bob Todd, 26:04; Lauren Funk, 26:07; Owen Parks, 26:08; Anna Soalvieri, 26:30; Tony Spalvieri, 26:32; Chris Lutz, 26:32; Aton Temple, 26:41l Doug Titchen, 26:42; David Guo, 26:43; Denise Traubert, 26:45; Gregory Alan, 26:48; Rita Ciccariello, 26:50; Justin Jocuns, 26:53; Bonnie Alan, 26:57; Stefanie Austin, 27:05; Nicole Khoury, 27:11; Bob Pakozdi, 27:16; Jason Spudic, 27:31; Tony Sunseri, 27:34; Jonathon Hassler, 27:37; Craig Girondi, 27:40; Riley Gillis, 27:59; James DeMore, 28:09; Catherine Taylor, 28:10; Rylee Hurley, 28:23; Ryan Helsel, 28:48; Tara Staresinic, 28:51; Julia Phillips, 28:51; Maureen Hewko, 29:05; Braeden Croop, 29:09; Ava Santora, 29:14; Zachary Schellhaas, 29:17; Charles Schellhaas, 29:21; Kathleen Bosiljavec, 29:28; Marie Johnson, 29:35; Judy Shaffer, 29:40; Robert Crawford, 29:42; David Lang, 29:55; Grace Johnson, 30:06; Christopher Koenig, 30:12; Joseph Franchi, 30:13; Chase Ward, 30:21; Jodi Porterfield, 30:36; Carmen Phillips, 30:38; Coleen Carignan, 30:41; Nicolette Spudic, 30:44; Nicolette Knight, 30:58; Madison Scullion, 31:02; Heather Venderlic, 31:10; Elizabeth Stokes, 31:15; Carmen Phillips, 30:38; Coleen Carignan, 30:41; Nicolette Spudic, 30:44; Madison Scullion, 31:02; Heather Venderlic, 31:10; Elizabeth Stokes, 31:15; Robert Willig, 31:41; Elizabeth Hallahan, 31:46; Thomas Dunning, 31:47; Rebecca Gannon, 31:49; Natalie Dolan, 31:51; Meg Rakowski, 31:54; Laura Augustine, 32:02

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle