10/14/2017

Bowman Cup 5K

Kent, Ohio

Gretchen Snyder

3rd place overall female alumni

2nd place age group

51st overall

Course PR

Finish time 23:10

Scott Orlando

4th place age group

39th overall

Course PR

Finish time 21:53

Race Review by Scott Orlando

The Bowman Cup 5K race is part of Kent State’s homecoming celebration weekend.  The race is in its 17th year.  This was the first year out of 6 that I have participated where the weather was actually decent for running.  Race time temperatures hovered in the low 60’s with just a slight breeze.  The course continues to be the same as in years past and features a fast flat first mile followed by some sneaky slight incline in the second and third mile.  You can’t really see much of the incline, but runners can certainly feel it grinding away on their legs in the final two thirds of the race.  This year a lot of runners achieved course records do to the unusually nice running conditions.  The course field was relatively small compared to most years.  typically this race draws 500 – 600 participants, but this year dipped down to around 300 runners and walkers.  I think the drop in participation has to do with the number of new races offered the same weekend.   In the past runners received tech shirts, football tickets, and some sponsor promotional items.  This year runners received basic t-shirts and a race bib.   The race swag and value of this race needs to improve to compete with the increased competition of the new races on the schedule.  Overall it continues to be a nice well organized event.

Scott Orlando

10/7/2017

Run Now Wine Later 4.5 Mile Run

Gervasi Vineyard Canton, Ohio

12th overall

6th male

1st in age group

Finish time:  34:00

Another great race by the fine people at Run Canton.  This year’s race doubled in size from last year with over 1100 registered and sold out fast.  This was my first real race back from calf injury and my goal was to just finish with no re-injury and average around an 8:00 minute mile.  The race conditions were perfect in the low 60’s with a very slight breeze.  I was shocked early in the race to find myself in the lead pack with such a large field.  I wasn’t really focused on pace or speed as I was just happy to be running again.  My first mile was faster than I had thought it would be around 7:18.  I slowed down a little in the second mile which had some rolling hills and then picked up my pace for the last third of the race.  I was surprised that I averaged 7:33 mile pace and finished 1st in my age group for the second year in a row.  As always with a Run Canton event, racers received great race swag and custom finisher medals.  The real draw to this race remains Gervasi and the wine!  Register early next year if you want to get in on this great race as I am sure it will sell out fast!

Maize Valley 5K Beer Run

Hartville, OH

October October 1, 2017

Dan Deckler

Finish time:  37:31

44th overall

Scott Orlando

Finish time: 23:39

6th overall

This was the first year for Maize Valley to offer the 5K Beer Run.  I have to say from the start this was one of the most enjoyable running events I have done in a long time.  The weather was perfect and Maize Valley is a special place with unique things to do and see around every corner.  The true cross country course took runners in heats on grass trails through vineyards, pine tree farms, a corn maze, and a small wooded area before looping back around to the finish.  The course isn’t fast especially when weaving up and down the rows in the vineyard and pine tree farm but not many races can provide the views, terrain, and experience that Maize Valley does.  Finishers were greeted with big smiles, custom medals, and Maize Valley craft beer.  All participants received embroidered Maize Valley Brewery quarter zip tech pullovers.  For a first time race Maize Valley did an amazing job.  I look forward to doing this one again next year!