10/5/2019

Run Now Wine Later

Gervasi Vineyard Canton, Ohio

4.5 Mile Run Race

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  33:09

Overall Place 6th Place

Division Place 2nd Place

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  35:12

Overall Place:  17th Place

Division Place:  1st Place

Race Review By Scott Orlando

There are very few settings for a race in Ohio nicer then Gervasi Vineyards.  I have competed in this race several times in the past and it is always one of my favorites.  The weather was a little cool at the start but made for excellent racing conditions.  The course is mostly on the paths of Gervasi and surrounding area.  The paths in most areas appeared to be repaired with the gravel firmly adhering to an under layer of asphalt making for better grip and a faster surface then the previous loose crushed limestone.  I wasn’t sure how my legs would feel being less then a week out from the Akron Marathon.  To my surprise I felt fast and strong.  My first mile was under 7 minutes which had me quickly out front with the top 5 – 7 runners. The top 3 runners created some distance from the rest of the race field leaving me with a small group of runners competing for the remaining top spots.  Crossing the last street to pick up the trail on the other side a runner in front of me failed to follow the course and turned right down the street instead of straight to pick up the trail.  The police woman tried to alert him to his mistake but he was wearing headphones and could not hear her.  I yelled loudly twice and got his attention.  He realized his mistake and corrected his course.  I stopped my run and allowed him to get back ahead of me with the lead he had on me prior to the mistake.  He appreciated the sportsmanship and gave me quick high five.  With about a half mile to go I passed a runner who was running hard but was slowing down as my final mile pace was increasing.  I was then able to catch up to the other runner that I helped correct his course and passed him as well.  I managed a 7:09 final mile making my first and last miles the fastest of the race.  I thought I had secured 5th overall and 1st in my age group but the last runner I passed started deep in the pack so his chip time was actually 5 seconds faster then mine even though I crossed the finish line first.  He was awarded 5th overall and 1st in the age division while I was just behind him finishing 6th overall and 2nd in the division.  Had I not stopped to help him on the course I certainly would have won the division but I believe I did the right thing in allowing him to regain his position on me after the mistake.  Overall I was very happy with my finish time and how I felt running.  Run Canton once again put on an excellent race with awesome race swag.