Square Runners: The Gutbuster

By John Pilecki

Despite a late start caused by a problem with the online registration process and a large race day signup, the Harry C. Holland Gutbuster Run in Frick Park on Thanksgiving morning provided with “one of the best beginnings of a holiday I have ever had.”

“I know that registering 340 people just before a race was a tremendous task, and the Gutbuster team pulled that much off successfully,” Wingo said.

Since 1976, the Gutbuster has been a Thanksgiving tradition, making it the oldest continuously run Pittsburgh footrace. Sponsored by The Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club, the race features eight-mile, four-mile, and two-mile cross-country courses over the hilly Frick Park trails.

Joining Wingo at the start line were six other Square Running Club members: Mala and Samay Shah, Karen Cieleska, Jaye Greenfield, John Pilecki, and Heather Adams. 

Samay Shah and Greenfield completed the eight-mile course, which was a doubling of the four-mile out-and-back course. Greenfield was exhilarated by her accomplishment.

“Going into the run, I knew that the course was going to be challenging,” she said.  “It actually defied my expectations. I thought about stopping after four miles, but then it would not have been my longest distance raced.“

Completion of the four-mile course provided Adams with a similar sense of satisfaction. 

“I was really happy with how I did, even though it was really cold, and it took a bit for my lungs to adjust when I finished,” she said. “My time was only five minutes slower than my last four-mile run. Considering that the hills were steeper than what I was used to, I was pleased as could be.”

Cieleska found the four-mile course both challenging and inspirational.

“The race’s tough hills had me wondering if it should be called the Lungbuster,” she said. “I look forward to incorporating portions of the Gutbuster course into my regular running routine.”

Participation in the race reinforced the club members’ sense of camaraderie. 

“I love that we have become so close, and I cherish the friendships that have materialized,” said Wingo. 

“It was great to complete the course with several other Square Runners,” Cieleska said. 

“Stars willing, I will be running again next Thanksgiving with my fellow Square Runners. That would be something to be truly thankful for,” Adams said.

Come out to one of the club runs on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., or Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. All runs start in front of on South Braddock Avenue.

Also, check out the Square Running Club Group on Facebook for occasional 6 a.m. morning runs and frequent weekend runs. All levels of runners are welcome.