As winters go, this hasn’t been a bad one. A little wind, a little snow, a freeze or two and, suddenly, it’s Groundhog Day. We honor the strange holiday of prognostication this Friday, a tradition in Punxsutawney since 1887.

Originally the creation of local newspaper editor Clymer Freas, each Feb. 2 since has featured a trek to Gobbler’s Knob outside Punxsutawney to see if a sleepy groundhog sees its shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. It’s become the claim to fame and a destination event for more than 20,000 visitors each year.

Punxsutawney is also the site of another groundhog celebration, the Groundhog Jog 4 Miler. Founded by ultra runner John Goss and a local running club in the late 1990s, the event was held intermittently for decades.

In 2020, avid runner Doug Craft vowed to resurrect the running tradition for good and to do good. This Saturday marks the third annual run from downtown to Gobbler’s Knob and back to benefit Make a Wish Foundation.

Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 8:45 a.m. at Central Fire Hall in Punxsy. The race starts at 10 a.m. in Barclay Square Park nearby. Doug expects more than 200 runners and walkers to participate, depending on weather conditions.

Groundhog Jog is a loop course including a steep climb to Gobbler’s Knob, past the site of Groundhog Day’s famous forecast, and an equally steep descent to the finish. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome to join runners and walkers.

Doug warns that the route could get crowded with Groundhog Day tourists but promises good traffic control. And he will personally mark the course so runners can’t get lost.

There’s no water stop on the course but there will be water at the finish line. The local Eagles Club will provide post-race coffee, hot chocolate, tea and groundhog cookies. There will also be food vendors in the park along with live music and other activities associated with Groundhog Weekend.

It’s too late to earn a long-sleeved race t-shirt, but there will be commemorative Groundhog Jog coins for those who miss out. Competitive awards include top three men and women overall and in 5-year increments from 14 and Under through 70+.

Doug says that many people come for Groundhog Day festivities and stay for the weekend. Race participants hail from as far as California, Colorado and Virginia. A New York woman whose birthday falls on Groundhog Day is bringing her entire family.

Doug credits longtime running friends, especially John Goss and Herb Cratty, for helping him create a safe and fun event. And he says good volunteers make for a “smooth race with no issues.”

A runner himself, Doug says he would love to run in his event but he’s got too much to do on race day. His favorite race distance is the half marathon, but he may run Pittsburgh Marathon this year. His longest running distance is the 62 miles he ran in one day on a cruise ship for his 62nd birthday.

“Running keeps you healthy and I just love it,” he says.

For more information about Groundhog Jog 4 Mile, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/GroundhogJog4MileRunWalk.

If you’d rather travel south to celebrate groundhogs, visit North Park for this Saturday’s Groundhog Day 5k at 9 a.m. Now in its third year, the race follows a familiar out-and-back course starting at North Park’s Boathouse and running through the tennis court area to Lakeshore Drive. This year’s events include a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and a Kids’ Dash for ages 10 and under beginning at 8:45 a.m.

Check out “Bundle of Fun” registration discount for three GCXC Racing winter events, Groundhog Day 5k, 4EverYours 4 Miler, Feb. 11 at North Park and Shamrock Run 5k, March 2 at Graham Park. The Bundle includes t-shirt and finisher’s medal for each event.

runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/GroundhogDay5kPGH

Upcoming Events

Feb. 3, 9 a.m.: Groundhog Day 5k, Allison Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/GroundhogDay5kPGH

Feb.3, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Day 4 Mile, Punxsutawney. 814-938-6362 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/GroundhogJog4MileRunWalk

Feb. 10, 9 a.m.: 16th Annual Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5k, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Golf Club. 724-613-8133 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/GroundhogDay5kPGHrunsignup.com/Race/PA/Butler/CupidsChase5KButler2024

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: 16th Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5k, Pittsburgh. Starts near PNC Park, runs on North Shore. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/CupidsChase5KPittsburgh

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: You Complete Me 5k, Canfield, OH. Run at Canfield Fairgrounds, finisher’s medals for individuals and couples. runsignup.com/Race/OH/Canfield/YouCompleteMe5K

Feb. 11, 9 a.m.: 4Ever Yours 4 Miler and 2-Person Relay, Allison Park. Valentine’s Day-themed race starts at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/4EverYours4Miler

Feb. 11, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Race, Erie. Distance between 4 and 6 miles. Predict your finishing time to win. No watches allowed. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/ERCValentinePredictionRun2

Feb.17, 8 a.m.: NPTR Frozen Goat 2024, Allison Park. Choice of 20, 15, 10 or 5 miles on North Park trails. ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=112230

Feb. 17, 9 a.m.: Epicenter Eight (0.5), Fredonia. Race 1 of MCTA 26.2 Series. 724-301-6775 or www.mctrails.org/events-1

Feb. 17, 4 p.m.: Big One Run Mile Race and 5k, New Castle. Run in Cascade Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewCastle/BIGONERUN

Feb.24, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw 5, 10, 15 or 20 Miles, Allison Park. Start at Boathouse, run loops around North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/Info/PA/AllisonPark/TheSpringThaw

March 2, 9 a.m.: Shamrock Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Run in Graham Park. Also 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash. runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTownship/ShamrockRunCranberry

March 2, 9 a.m.: South Park Half Marathon, South Park Township. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SouthParkTownship/SouthParkHalfMarathon

March 2, 11 a.m.: Ellport Borough Community 5k, Ellwood City. Scenic 5k with cash prizes for overall and 70+. 724-841-6528 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/ELLWOODCITY/ELLPORTBOROWINTERWONDERLAND5K

March 9, 9 a.m.: March Mad Dash, Allison Park. Run 5k, 5 miles or 10 miles at North Park Lake. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/MarchMadDash

March 9, 10 a.m.: Trout Island Tromp 4.6 Miles, Sharpsville. Race #2 in MCTA 26.2 Series, run on Trout Island Trail. 724-301-6775 or www.mctrails.org/events-1

March 9, 10 a.m.: PHN Charitable Foundation’s Shamrock ‘N’ Run 5k Run/Walk, Sharon. Post-race celebration with breakfast buffet, Irish dance and bagpipe performances. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Sharon/ShamrockNRun5krunwalk

March 15, 5 p.m.-March 17, 4 p.m.: Rabid Racoon 100, Beaver Falls. Run 5k, half marathon, 100k or 100 miles in Brady’s Run Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/BeaverFalls/RabidRaccoon100

Race results

Butler YMCA Turkey Trot (3.35 miles), November 4: Mateo Saspe, 1st Overall M, 20:26; David Kristine, 3rd Overall M, 20:43; Elizabeth Keffalas, 1st Overall W, 23:28; Zari Golojuh, 2nd Overall W, 23:53; Avery Sintz, 3rd Overall W, 24:15; Travis Shaffer, 1st 13-18 M, 21:06; Jacob Szul, 2nd 13-18 M, 21:32; Noah Karnes, 3rd 13-18 M, 21:59; Carter Shandick, 1st 19-29 M, 23:18; Poncho Gardner, 2nd 40-49 M, 23:50; Matt Schaefer, 3rd 40-49 M, 24:12; Mark Dupont, 1st 30-39 M, 24:21; Caitlin Rushlander, 1st 30-39 W, 24:23; Matt Drohan, 1st 50-59 M, 24:52; Alex Keffalas, 2nd 50-59 M, 25:08; Daniel Jelinek, 3rd 19-29 M, 25:33; Shields Fowler, 2nd 12 & Under M, 26:05; Maya Keffalas, 1st 12 & Under W, 26:13; Kevin Fazio, 3rd 50-59 M, 26:36; Jon Lauer, 2nd 30-39 M, 27:27; Amanda Zavidny, 2nd 30-39 W, 27:28; Kevin Fazio, 3rd 50-59 M, 26:36; Jon Lauer, 2nd 30-39 M, 27:27; Amanda Zavidny, 2nd 30-39 W, 27:28; Lori Fromlak, 2nd 40-49 W, 28:02; Audrey Shandick, 1st 19-29 W, 28:06; Deborah Deddo, 1st 60-69 W, 28:34; Kenley Graham, 3rd 1-12 W, 28:51; Anna Baird, 1st 13-18 W, 28:53; Cynthia Jelinek, 1st 50-59 W, 28:58; Beth Graham, 3rd 30-39 W, 29:10; Gabriela Holman, 2nd 13-18 W, 29:10; Nikolaus Powell, 3rd 12 & Under M, 29:42; Tricia Schaefer, 3rd 40-49 W, 30:14; Aj Werner, 3rd 13-18 M, 32:22; Anthony Sunseri, 2nd 70+ M, 35:01; Karl Tobler, 3rd 70+ M, 35:37; Robin Trinko, 2nd 50-59 W, 35:56; Susan Cavanaugh, 2nd 60-69 W, 36:06; Donna Wittebort, 3rd 50-59 W, 36:29; Cynthia Reddick, 3rd 60-69 W, 36:44; John Grenci, 2nd 60-69 M, 40:22; Valerie Sands, 1st 70 W, 42:07; Ann Cheman, 2nd 70 W, 46:00; Dee Ann Demby, 3rd 70 W, 52:54; Ecklund Rummel, 21:59; Levi Fowler, 22:46; Justin Sellinger, 23:41; Camden Schaefer, 23:51; Lindon Fowler, 25:02; Troy Jelinek, 25:33; Joshua Venderlic, 25:46; Jack Monaco, 26:00; Gabriel Powell, 26:04; Ryan Orsborn, 27:38; Preston Kildoo, 28:44; Krista Geagan, 29:43; John Mauthe, 29:45; Matthew Barnett, 29:46; Stephen Knoll, 30:05; Aaron Depew, 30:20; Garrett English, 30:28; Shane Brunazzi, 30:49; Kaden Lingenfelter, 30:51; Will Gramlich, 30:52; Luke Monday, 31:16; Courtney Devries, 31:28; Mitchell Devries, 31:28; Anthony Stoops, 31:33; Ryan Curry, 31:39; Michael Kraynik, 31:47; Dakota Saxton, 32:02; Hannah Lauer, 32:45; Brian Beals, 32:58; Megan Winters, 33:09; Mason Kraynik, 33:09; Brianna Bailey, 33:12; Benicio Tobler, 33:26; Liam Breski, 34:03; Kimberly Miller, 34:14; Hannah Grubbs, 34:20; Dianna Craig; 35:25; Taryn Thompson, 35:30; Easton O'Donnell, 35:58; Jamie Knauff, 36:06; Ian McClelland, 36:15; Heather Venderlic, 36:36; Chelsea Grubbs, 36:37; Chad Tobler, 36:58; Amy Farr, 37:28; Robert Sands, 37:54; Amanda Daugherty, 38:22; Debbie Grubbs, 38:49; Amelia Wyman, 39:27; Kelly King, 39:40; Megan Ammons, 39:55; Rich Wittebort, 40:13; Evan Wick, 40:55; Wendy Wick, 40:59; Madison McGrady, 41:50; Howard Kossover, 42:22; Abigail Haughey, 43:02; Ryan Ngayen, 43:04; Zane Parker, 43:05; Rocco Philips, 43:06; Gavin Byers, 43:07; Karen Monday, 43:08; Bryson Stoops, 44:05; Cohen Ingram, 44:30; Alyssa Miller, 44:53; Jackson Froilan, 45:17; Chelsea Davis, 46:02; Gabi Scarnato, 46:12; Laura Bortmas, 46:12; Wendy Edwards, 47:27; Marc Kennedy, 49:42; Stephanie Giegel, 50:13; Lisa Lyle, 51:48; Barbara Nanna, 52:58; Sharon Reiger, 53:19; Susanne Csorba, 55:36, Rochelle Bowen, 56:23; Mimi Davanzati, 56:37; Brooke Ritenour, 56:40; Samantha Swigart, 56:40; Danielle Hoffer, 1:01:41; Brandy Kight, 1:01:43

Veterans Half Marathon, Nov. 5: Jeremy Troup, 1st Overall M, 1:22:41; Ala Ingros, 1st Overall W, 1:32:12; S Mark Courtney, 1st 65-69 M, 1:43:57; Tony Chan, 1st 60-64 M, 2:23:11; Doug Titchen, 2:27:51; Gabrie Knoch, 2:28:54; Echo Bubb, 2:50:09; Mary Nix, 3:23:07

WALKer 5k Run, Nov. 25: Tracy Wentz, 1st Overall M, 16:34; Olivia Lewandowski, 1st Overall W, 20:56; Kaylee Montes, 3rd 15 & Under W, 23:40; Beatrice Stickney, 2nd 16-25 W, 29:41; Tony Sunseri, 2nd 66+ M, 31:24; Anabel Stickney, 3rd 16-19 W, 33:21; Brandon Jones, 1st 36-45 M, 33:36; Allison Kliber, 3rd 46-55 W, 35:38; Peter Stickney, 22:25; Martin Stickney, 33:21; Scott Stickney, 42:37

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

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle