Even on a dreary day, it was always a “beautiful day” to run for the late, former Greensburg Salem coach and educator Steve Snider.
The phrase was a memorable motto of Snider’s and had lasting impressions on those he contacted. As a result of the impact he had on his student-athletes and the community, and all his success as a coach—which included a state cross-country title for Greensburg Salem in 1993 and two WPIAL Championships (1993 and 1994)—a group of his former runners and family decided to organize a new annual charity 5K race in his memory titled, The Steve Snider “It’s A Beautiful Day” 5K.
Presented by the Greensburg YMCA, the inaugural race will be held on Memorial Day, May 29, beginning at 8:30 a.m., near Offutt Field and the Sunset Café.
Registration for the race is now open. Runners can register online via the Greensburg YMCA website at www.greensburgymca.org. Entry fees are $30/person until May 14, 2023, at midnight, EDT, when the fee increases to $40.
The long-time, award-winning and beloved teacher and track /cross country coach passed away in February 2022, after a long battle with heart complications, and plans to honor his legacy in an appropriate manner—one Snider would endorse—quickly formed.
“Coach Snider lived every day to the fullest and encouraged his children, grandchildren, students, and athletes to do the same,” said Amy DeMatt, chairman of the race committee and a former student-athlete of Snider’s. “He was an integral part of the Greensburg running and recreation community, and his passing devastated so many who knew and loved him.
“To honor him and his zest for life…for running, his family and friends—in partnership with the Greensburg YMCA—decided to organize this charity race that will benefit a scholarship in his name and several charities in the area,” DeMatt added.
“Our father devoted his entire career to running, his community and education,” said Matthew and Nathan Snider, both of whom have carried on their father’s tradition of running and coaching. “This memorial race from which the proceeds will fund a scholarship in his name and youth programming at the Greensburg Y and other community charities is a tremendous tribute to our father’s life and legacy. We cannot imagine a more perfect celebration of his life.”
The race will start near Sunset Cafe and end at Offutt Field in Greensburg, taking participants through town, both on the 5-Star Trail and on the road. The course is flat and fast! All participants who register by May 14 at midnight will receive a long sleeve t-shirt. Late registrations are first-come, first-served. Only those who pre-register are guaranteed a race shirt. Proceeds benefit the Steve Snider Memorial Scholarship fund for the Greensburg Salem School District, youth activities at the Greensburg YMCA, and the revitalization of the City of Greensburg playgrounds.
Overall and age group awards will be given. Cash prizes for top three male and female overall:
- First Place—$499
- Second Place—$250
- Third Place—$100
There also will be awards presented to the top 3 finishers in each age category.
Race packet pick-up will be held Sunday, May 28 from 4-8 p.m., at Offutt Field. Race day pick-up is 6:30-7:30 a.m. The opening ceremony will be held at 8:15 a.m., followed by the start at 8:30 a.m.
Sponsorships and donations are also being accepted and can be submitted online.
For more information on the race and to register and submit sponsorships/donations on-line, go to the Greensburg Y’s website at www.greensburgymca.org.
