Runners, walkers, kids turn out for Pioneer Pursuit at BC3
BUTLER TWP — An event at Butler County Community College on Saturday, Sept. 14 drew competitors of every age and skill level while providing funds for the school’s athletic program.
The Pioneer Pursuit 5K, 1-mile walk and 100-meter kids’ dash was held under sunny skies and amid favorable temperatures.
Saturday marked the second Pioneer Pursuit event, with the first being held in 2022.
Megan Coval, interim president at BC3, ran the 5K and brought her two children, aged 5 and 7, to participate in the kids’ dash.
She was thrilled the proceeds from the race would benefit the BC3 athletic teams.
“We have a really incredible athletic program that deserves support,” Coval said.
She also appreciated the 50 or so members of the men's and women's volleyball and basketball teams, as well as the school’s golf team coaches who volunteered to keep the event running smoothly.
Savannah Morris, a BC3 freshman from Butler, was grateful the event’s proceeds would benefit her basketball team and other teams at BC3.
“It goes back to the students, so it’s the perfect cause,” Morris said.
She also marveled at the weather on Saturday, which she said was perfect for running.
“It’s a beautiful day,” Morris said. “It’s not to hot and not too cold, and there’s no rain.”
Friends Megan Winters and Ashley Teuteberg, both of Butler Township, agreed organizers couldn’t have ordered better weather.
“There’s a nice breeze and it’s not too hot,” Teuteberg said.
She came out to do the Pioneer Pursuit 5K for the same reason she participates in 10 to 15 races per year.
“I like to support local races,” Teuteberg said.
But she admitted she doesn’t do it for the trophies.
“I just do it for fun,” Teuteberg said.
Winters competes in 15 to 20 races per year, but said the Pioneer Pursuit held special meaning.
“I went to BC3, so it’s nice to support the local community,” she said.
A nursing department faculty member, Heather Darrington, tackled the 1-mile walk even though she is currently undergoing treatment for cancer every other week.
“I don’t have chemo this week, so I figured I would have enough energy to do the walk,” she said. “You’ve got to take advantage of the good energy days.”
She also wanted to support the BC3 athletic program because she admires her student athletes.
“I honestly don’t know how they do it, practicing and studying,” Harrington said.
She is still teaching at BC3 since her diagnosis, but on a modified schedule.
“I’m very dedicated to my students, so I’m not going to leave them in the dust,” Harrington said. “I just have to take more precautions.”
Jim Smith, of Center Township, began running in 1977 after reading “The Complete Book of Running” by the late Jim Fixx. The book essentially started the running and jogging craze in the late 1970s that continues to this day.
Smith is now 69, and runs regularly in many Butler races, including the Turkey Trot and the Butler Road Race.
Saturday marked his first Pioneer Pursuit 5K.
“I want to support BC3,” Smith said. “It’s a tremendous asset to our community, and my daughter played volleyball here.”
He said he occasionally finishes among the top runners in his age group, but not often.
“If guys are still running at this age, they’re usually pretty good,” Smith said.
He praised the organizers of the race, which boasted several high-end raffle baskets, T-shirts and swag bags, and coffee and doughnuts for participants, and a tent occupied by the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame.
“People don’t realize how much time and coordination is necessary behind the scenes to coordinate a race,” Smith said.
He summed up the thoughts of all who participated in the Pioneer Pursuit event on Saturday.
“It’s just a fun event to come out and show some love to BC3 and just enjoy the day,” Smith said.
