The weather is heating up and so is our Butler County race schedule. Runners have a choice of three 5k events this weekend and, even better, three events which benefit causes important to the community.

On Saturday the 1st Christopher Hulbert Memorial 5k Run/Walk begins in Zelienople Community Park with a chip-timed 5k at 8 a.m. followed by an untimed 5k walk at 9 a.m. Both events are held to honor USAF Captain Christopher Hulbert.

Captain Hulbert dedicated his life to his family, country and community. During his service as an airman, he was deployed to Germany, Afghanistan, Africa and Kuwait. But the decorated airman suffered from PTSD and in 2019, lost his life as one in the epidemic of military and veteran suicides. Portions of the proceeds from the run and walk benefit Stop Soldier Suicide, an organization which provides mental health support, resources, referrals and education for servicemen and women and veterans.

For more information about Christopher Hulbert Memorial or to register for Saturday’s events, visit www.christopherhulbertmemorial.com.

Also, on Saturday at 10 a.m., the 6th Annual Patti J. Nelson Foundation Memorial Run/Walk challenges the hills of Evans City in support of Patti J. Nelson Foundation. Patti was a dedicated community volunteer and philanthropist, and the running event has become a way to honor her memory and to support Evans City Library, one of her passions.

This date marks a return to the event’s traditional spring running after last year’s fall event in response to COVID restrictions. Race director Carol English, sister of Patti Nelson, expects a good turnout for the event, even with predicted hot weather. Online registration is open until Thursday, 9 p.m. at runsignup.com/Race/PA/EvansCity/PattiJNelsonFoundationMemorialRunWalk. There will be packet pick-up and registration on Friday, 4-6 p.m. at SecondSole in Cranberry Township and day-of-event registration until the start of the race at 400 Old Rt. 68 in Evans City on Saturday.

The 5k race course is challenging but runs the route that Patti, a lifelong Evans City resident and “professional volunteer”, walked daily with friends and with her dog Petunia. Carol says that dogs will always be welcome at the event and that this year, 10 Dog Sponsor stops will offer water and dog biscuits for any four-legged runners. There will be one human water stop at the halfway point of the 5k.

The one-mile distance is strictly for fun. The course is relatively flat and beginner- and stroller-friendly. All ages may join the fun walk/run but kids ages 12 and younger receive a finisher’s medal for their efforts.

As in previous years, the race awards ceremony is followed by a free pig roast and musical entertainment. Spectators may join the lunch and celebration for a $10 fee. And all may take a chance on the raffle or Chinese auction prizes donated by local businesses.

On Sunday at 9 a.m., Butler’s Back the Blue 5k completes the county’s weekend running schedule with a fast competitive 5k Run and a 2-Mile Walk starting at the carousel in Alameda Park and running the level park road. The event benefits Butler City Police Department’s K-9 unit.

The race starts at 9 a.m. with the national anthem by DJ Jeff Dunn who also provides music for the post-race picnic. All are welcome to participate in the walk or run, including strollers and leashed dogs.

Top three male and female finishers in the run earn gift certificates from SecondSole in Cranberry Township (formerly MoJo Running), and age group winners in five-year increments also earn awards. There are no age group awards for walkers.

Back the Blue 5k also has a virtual option for the 5k and a team sign-up for five-person teams. For registration information, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/ButlersBacktheBlue5k

Upcoming events

Friday, 7 p.m.: Elderton 5k, Elderton. 724-354-3779 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Elderton/Elderton5KRunWalk

Saturday, 7 a.m.: Oil Creek 5 & 13 Stacked Trail Races, Titusville. Run 5 or 13 miles on Gerard Hiking Trail. www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=22141PA&tab=a3

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Christopher Hulbert Memorial 5k, Zelienople. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Zelienople/ChristopherHulbertMemorial5k

Saturday, 8:30 a.m.: Rails-to_Trails 5k Run/K9 Walk and Tunnel Fun Run, Barnsville OH. Hand-crafted trophies, door prizes, smorgasboard. 740-310-2117 or runsignup.com/Race/OH/Barnesville/BarnesvilleRailsToTrails5k

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Patti J. Nelson Foundation 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Evans City. runsignup.com/Race/PA/EvansCity/PattiJNelsonFoundationMemorialRunWalk

Sunday, 9 a.m.: Butler’s Back the Blue 5k, Butler. Also 2 Mile Fun Run in Alameda Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/ButlersBacktheBlue5k

May 28, 8 a.m.: Old Turnpike Half Marathon, Waterfall. Run on abandoned PA Turnpike and through Sideling Hill and Rays Hill tunnels. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Waterfall/OldTurnpikeHalfMarathon10k

May 28, 7:30 a.m.: Saint Marys Memorial Day Classic 5k & 10k Run/Walk/Virtual, Saint Marys. runsignup.com/Race/WV/SaintMarys/SaintMarysAlumniClassic5KRunWalk10KRun

May 29, 9 a.m.: Dahoga Dash 5k, Wilcox. 814-512-1374 or randylindberg@hotmail.com

May 30, 9 a.m.: Miracle Mountain Ranch Run, Spring Creek. Rugged 4.6 mile trail run. 814-662-7673 or mmrprograms@gmail.com

May 30, 9 a.m.: Miles of Smiles 5k & 1-Mile Walk, Plum. Starts at Boyce Park Ski Lodge. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Anywhere/MilesofSmiles

May 30, 9 a.m.: Jason Michaels Memorial 5k, Mercer. Fast downhill 5k. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Mercer/JasonMichaelsMemorial5k

June 4, 6:30 a.m.: Lake Wilhelm Marathon and Half Marathon, Sandy Lake. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SandyLake/LakeWilhelmMarathon

June 4, 9 a.m.: 17th Annual Freeport Flash 10k and 5k Run/Walk, Sarver. Flat and fast course on Butler Freeport Rail Trail. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sarver/FreeportFlash5K10K

June 5, 8:30 a.m.: Kenny’s Coaster Race 5k and 1 Mile Walk, West Mifflin. Run through Kennywood Amusement Park. Registrqation includes full day pass to the park. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/WestMifflin/KennysCoasterRace

June 5, 8:30 a.m.: Greenfield Glide 5k, Pittsburgh. Run through hilly Schenley Park in Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighorhood. 412-328-0190 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/GreenfieldGlide?remMeAttempt=

June 11, 9:30 a.m.: Into the Woods 5 Miler, Erie. Also non-competitive 2-Mile Walk and Kids Fun Run on wooded trails. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/IntotheWoods5Miler

June 12, 9 a.m.: Big Foot Festival 5k Run and Walk, Marienville. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Marienville/ForestCountyBigfootFestival5k?remMeAttempt=

June 18, 7 a.m.: Run Between the Suns Endurance Trail Lap Race, Titusville. Run as many challenging 5k loops as you can in 12 hours. www.runrace.net/findarace.php?id=13180PA

June 22, 6:30 p.m.: Summer Solstice 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, Portersville. Run on South Shore of Moraine State Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Portersville/SUMMERSOLSTICE5K1MILE

June 25, 9 a.m.: Butch’s Bucket Brigade 5k, Worthington. Also bike race at 11 A.M. for kids ages 12 and under. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Worthington/ButchsBucketBrigade

Race results

Cook Forest Half Marathon, April 2: A Kelly, 1st Overall M, 1:18:17; Angela Taylor, 1st Overall W, 1:25:31; Angie Jenny, 2nd Overall W, 1:27:03; Jim Haughey, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:32:15; S. Mark Courtney, 1st 65-69 M, 1:35:03; Adam Leskanic, 1st 45-49 M, 1:36:04; Hannah Gildersleeve, 2nd 35-39 W, 1:42:24; Adrienne Harmon, 2nd 30-34 W, 1:49:25; Debbie Courtney, 2nd 55-59 W, 2:12:49; Patricia Neubert, 1st 65-69 W, 2:20:25; Laura Augustine, 2:22:26

Cook Forest 5k, April 2: Miles Jenny, 1st Overall M, 21:15; Helen Hampikian, 1st Overall W, 25:54; Larry Van Dyke, 1st Masters M, 22:31; Leanna Anderson, 2nd 45-49 W, 27:41; Rich Anderson, 1st 50-55 M, 31:44; Logan Leskanic, 24:09; Calvin Jenny, 26:43

Helicon Brewing Food Truck 5k, April 9: John Balouris, 1st Overall M, 16:49; Katie Yeo, 1st Overall W, 19:21; Carolyn Crider, 2nd Masters W, 27:04; Susan Concillo, 2nd 30-39 W, 23:49; Anastasia Hook, 3rd 30-39 W, 25:35; Kelley Murdock, 26:30; Elizabeth Friend, 27:24; Sean Yeo, 29:27; Laura Kilcore, 38:31; Kim Kenetz, 49:30

Run Across Guatemala 5k, April 8: Matt Reagle, 1st 30-39 M, 20:50; Elijah Vangura, 1st 19 & Under M, 29:58; Mark Likoudis, 1st 60+ M, 21:12; Isaac Gaydos, 2nd 19 & Under M, 21:25; Gina Vangura, 1st 19 & Under W, 22:11; Ava Vangura, 2nd 19 & Under W, 22:41; Isaac Vangura, 3rd 19 & Under M, 23:14; Eli Cooley, 1st 40-49 M, 23:54; Diane Miller, 2nd 60+ W, 25:12; Tara Gabor, 3rd 40-49 W, 27:43; Vicki Vangura, 1st 20-29 S, 29:02; Gabriel Vangura, 1st 20-29 M, 29:03; Robert Potter, 2nd 60+ M, 30:52; Aiden Vangura, 24:52; Amanda Gaydos, 31:58

Dirty Kiln Half Marathon, April 9: Dean Banko, 1st Overall M, 1:52:27; Amber Marsh, 1st Overall W, 2:27:12; Todd Foulk, 2:24:12; Filipino Heat, 3:13:43; Laurel Ellenberger, 3:32:28; Lori Fromlak, 3:54:39

Dirty Kiln 10k, April 9: AJ Kelly, 1st Overall M, 46:13; Brittany Gentry, 1st Overall W, 52:21

MKG Half Marathon, April 9: Jason Guthrie, 1st Overall M, 1:20:58; Melissa Good, 1st Overall M, 1:47:41; Nichol Zafinaylo, 2nd 40-44 W, 2:16:06; Danielle Fry, 3rd 40-44 W, 2:21:41; Tony Sunseri, 3rd 70+ M, 2:34:40; Kathy Schnarre, 3rd 50-54 W, 3:06:17; Stacy Matz, 2:21:41; Heidi Struble, 2:43:31

Martha’s Run, April 9: Colin Martin, 1st Overall M, 32:07; Jill Leadbetter, 1st Overall W, 42:32; Matthew Sudak, 42:24; Jessi Drayer, 46:21; Saur Lumbantoruan, 1:05:30

10th Annual Brave American Classic 5k, April 9: Andrew Zentgraf, 1st Overall M, 16:37; Taylor Medwid, 1st Overall W, 22:40; Riley Mcgee, 1st 10-14 M, 19:49; Nolan Stefaniak, 2nd 10-14 M, 22:59; Renee Goodman, 2nd 50-59 W, 28:02; Margaret Carlson, 1st 60+ W, 29:42; Jill Conroy, 2nd 60+ W, 30:25; Kimberly Matz, 3rd 60+ W, 33:11; Michael Rizzo, 25:46; Ian Schauer, 27:44; Brad Goodman, 28:05; Dan Fazio, 28:10; Curtis Corson, 32:26; Ken Falke, 37:09

Run to Breathe Half Marathon, April 16: Simeon Hunter, 1st Overall M, 1:14:22; Stella Balzi, 1st Overall M, 1:30:43; Troy Reinsel, 1st 30-34 M, 1:24:24; Peter Frank, 1st 45-49 M, 1:39:18; Nathan Sydlik, 2nd 30-34 M, 1:43:33; Dustin Kalkbrenner, 2nd 35-39 M, 1:45:30; John Armstrong, 1st 55-59 M, 1:51:41; Amy Brough, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:53:28; John Kuhn, 3rd 40-44 M, 1:54:39; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 2nd 40-44 W, 1:55:45; Krista White 3rd 40-44W, 1:56:49; Traci Hanna, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:57:19; Quinn Adams, 1st 1-24 W, 2:06:12; Mariah Geibel, 2nd 1-24 W, 2:08:51; Frazier Kurten, 2nd 30-34 W, 2:23:54; Tony Sunseri, 2nd 70+ M, 2:26:42; Jason Farone, 3rd 45-49 M, 2:28:57; Teresa Glasgow, 3rd 30-34 W, 2:33:37; Josh Shaffer, 1:58:43; Bernard Kurten, 2:04:00; Adriana Alatorre, 2:06:22; Lori Fromlak, 2:09:38; Megan Giammarco, 2:14:00; Heather Alter, 2:15:48; Raymond Reed, 2:18:31; Tristan Albert, 2:21:44; Angela Giori, 2:43:16; Rebecca Swartzentruber, 3:10:04; Jamie Humphrey, 3:14:44; Maritza Cable, 3:15:47; Karen Humphrey, 3:19:18

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle