9/28/2025

Pedal To The Medal 5K

Wooster, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  34:39

Overall Place:  7th Place / 14

Division Place:  3rd Place

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I completed the Pedal to the Metal 5K run for suicide and addiction awareness this afternoon in Wooster, OH. This one was for Chase Allen. This was their 5th year of hosting the race and the family who started it lost one of their own. I think it’s a race I’ll be at annually even though the hills around the lake were intense, but I loved the people and the award ceremony with tons of food and great medals that I just can’t get enough of! I stayed for hours! I had an overall time of 34:39 and a pace of 11:09 and got 3rd in my age group, but made some amazing friends and great memories!

9/27/2025

Akron Marathon, Half Marathon And Marathon Relay

Akron, Ohio

Half Marathon

George McFall

Finish Time:  1:36:13

Overall Place:  136th Place / 2341

Division Place:  4th Place / 89

Kristi Quesenberry Gunyula

Finish Time:  1:39:42

Overall Place:  171st Place / 2341

Division Place:  9th Place / 155

Rachel Turner

Finish Time:  1:44:34

Overall Place:  258th Place / 2341

Division Place:  13th Place / 160

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  1:49:45

Overall Place:  386th Place / 2341

Division Place:  15th Place / 85

Renee Buckus

Finish Time:  2:08:37

Overall Place:  1055th Place / 2341

Division Place:  58th Place / 163

Stephanie Orwick

Finish Time:  2:09:48

Overall Place:  1087th Place / 2341

Division Place:  59th Place / 163

Mike Williams

Finish Time:  2:15:13

Overall Place:  1262nd Place / 2341

Division Place:  53rd Place / 89

Marathon Relay

Team Cascade Auto Full Throttle

Christine Churpek and Peter Heroux

Finish Time:  3:29:29

Overall Place:  36th Place / 590

Division Place:  16th Place / 382

Team Pre

Veronica Neubert

Finish Time:  4:03:58

Overall Place:  149th Place / 590

Division Place:  84th Place / 382

The Performance Collective

Kevin Christensen and Stephanie Orwick

Finish Time:  4:20:05

Overall Place:  241st Place / 590

Division Place:  150th Place / 382

Team Legs Miserable

Cleopatra Sirnic

Finish Time:  4:28:15

Overall Place:  302nd Place / 590

Division Place:  194th Place / 382

Team Ohio Team ER

Brittany Kiehl, Gretchen Snyder, Nancy Wardell, Scott Orlando, and Terri Bednar

Finish Time:  4:32:54

Overall Place:  329th Place / 590

Division Place:  212th Place / 382

Race Volunteers:
Thank you to Kevin Christensen, Laura Fairfax,  and Stephanie Elizabeth for volunteering!

Team ER Course Support:

Kris Engstrom and Roy Miller

Race Recap By George McFall:

Meanwhile back in #AKrun O-H-I-O, the Akron Marathon relay, half marathon and full marathon were held this morning. Thousands of runners followed the blue line through the city of Akron and finished in front of Lock 3. It’s always great seeing familiar faces — people from the various running clubs in the area — friends — my coach Jennifer Simmerman and even a former co-worker. The weather was perfect for today’s race. I loved the change up of the course. The start up High St. wasn’t bad. I found my lane early and stayed there as much as possible. Goal pace was 7:25-7:30 which is my marathon pace. I ended up being faster which was Ok. I was more in the 7:10-7:25 pace range most of the run. I took what the course gave me and what my body said felt good. As I made my way over the Y bridge for the final time, I started to pick up the pace. The finish line was near. Just needed to hold on. My last mile was around 7:00 pace. The left on Main St had a cool feel about it. The finish line came into view.. go get it!! Done! Another Akron Marathon Race Series completed.
Time – 1:36:13, 7:21 – average pace. 4th –
age group.
Thanks to all the volunteers, spectators, bands, DJs, the great people at the Akron Marathon organization and the City of Akron for putting on a top notch race.
Congratulations to everyone who laced up the shoes and crossed another finish line.
Next up for me: the The Columbus Marathon in 3 weeks.

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

I had a great time at the Akron Marathon this morning. I competed in the half marathon and also ran the first leg of the marathon relay for Team-ER. This was my last longer training run for something really big. My goal was to run at a nice comfortable easy pace. Although I finished within my target pace I didn’t feel as well as I would have liked. My lower back really tightened up on me. To add to the challenge my Apple Watch glitched out on me at mile 9 leaving me without pacing data or music for the last 4 miles. My finish time was 1:49:45.
This was my first time being on a relay team and the first time I have completed the entire Akron Marathon Race Series. I left the race with 2 shirts, 3 medals, and a medal display. As a bonus for having 2 bibs I got double beers and double Swenson’s Drive-In Restaurants Galley Boys at the finisher festival.
It was a lot of fun seeing so many Team ER members, North Water Brewing Run Club members, and other running friends on the course and at the finisher festival. Congratulations to everyone that crossed the finish line!

The Akron Marathon always does a great job with their events.  The weather was very comfortable for the early miles of the marathon and half marathon.  I am sure it got a little warm for the late relay leg runners and full marathon runners.  The finisher festival was much improved over last year finally being able to move back to the renovated Lock 3 Park.

Thank you to the Akron Marathon who put on another great race, to all of the volunteers, and to all of the spectators who got up early to cheer for us!

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I had a great time running the Akron Marathon Relay with teammates Scott, Gretchen, Terri, and Brittany! Finally got my letter “O” and only need two more to complete the set! Who wants to relay next year? I still need leg 1 & 3! Let’s go!

Race Recap By Peter Heroux:

This past Saturday’s Akron Relay was wonderful. The weather was absolutely perfect. The race was organized well and there were volunteers at all the exchange points relaying instructions to racers waiting to begin. This was my first time participating in this (or any Akron race series) event, so I was quite excited to have the opportunity. I ran leg 3, which is supposed to be the easiest. My team is pretty fast, so I wanted to do well and not let them down. I didn’t really train for this per se, but I have been running more and I felt good so I gave it my all. I was really pleased with my pace of 8:18 for the 4.6 mile leg. It’s not my fastest time ever, but it was definitely better than I was expecting! There were plenty of water stations on the course and the crowd support was awesome. I loved the after party at the Lock 3 park. Overall, I had a fantastic time and I will certainly be participating in this event in the future!

Race Recap By Gretchen Snyder:

After taking six years off from participating in the Akron Marathon Relay, this year I ran the last leg of Team ER. The parking was clearly marked, with the shuttle bus only being a short walk from the parking deck. I arrived at my relay exchange zone approximately one hour before I anticipated running and immediately found a couple more runners from Team ER (you guys are the best!). The route itself was clearly marked with a blue painted line, as always, and with tons of spectators cheering us on. Three live bands were performing along the final leg, and I high-fived so many friendly people. Running the “heart rate hill” on Garmin was at the beginning of my route, and Market Avenue hills were doable, with a total elevation gain of 191 feet. Finishing on Main Street, with having one side of the road closed from spectators, was anticlimactic- I would much prefer ending at the Rubber Duck Stadium where most spectators could comfortably sit and cheer from the stands.
I hope to be healthy next year to be able to compete again!

9/27/2025

Music City Run For Dyslexia 5K

Nashville, Tennessee

10K Race

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  55:15

Overall Place:  51st Place / 127

Division Place:  60th Place / 6

5K Race

Lisa Keane:

Finish Time:  28:13

Overall Place:  65th Place / 240

Division Place:  1st Place / 4

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

I had a great time in Nashville running for a great cause!
Good communication, easy directions, and organized packet pick up. Porta John’s and free parking a short walk to the start / finish.
This family friendly event has a 1 mile, 5k, or a 10K option benefitting local kids with dyslexia.
Local youth leadership Miss Teen Tennessee to help hand out awards, Orange Theory to lead warm ups, and live National Anthem.
Gun start and chip finish – the course is a well marked, flat and fast paved course through the park and around the lake.
Festival atmosphere with music, food, vendors, and give aways.
All runners get a short sleeve cotton tee, finisher’s medal, and goody bag. Awards for overall finishers.
This was my 1st time running in my new age group.  I was very happy with my 1st place age group!
This event doubled in size from last year and they did run out of medals but promise to mail them out to anyone who didn’t get one and still wanted one.
Very nice event – I would definitely recommend this one!

9/20/2025

Python Adventure Race

Peninsula, Ohio

3 Hour Masters Men Orienteering Course

Peter Heroux Member Of The NWBRC Team

Finish Time:  2:50:11

Total Points:  490

Overall Place:  7th Place / 40

Division Place:  1st Place / 3

Race Recap By Peter Heroux:

This was my second foray into the exciting world of orienteering. Organized by NE Ohio Orienteering Club, the 2025 Python Adventure Race was so much fun. My two teammates and I received our map 40 minutes prior to the beginning of the event. We spent the time discussing our best strategy to get to the most control points as possible in the allotted 3 hour time frame. You are only allowed to use the map, a compass, and your knowledge of the terrain to try to earn as many points as you can. For each minute you are late, you are docked 10 points from your total. Once the race began, we moved as quickly as possible, using the trails and our local knowledge of the Cuyahoga Valley to our advantage. It is incredibly satisfying to use your wits and resources to find the hidden control points hidden in the wilderness. Our team, being extremely new to the hobby, earned first in our age group and 7th overall out of 40 groups. I was very proud and can’t wait to do this amazing activity again!

9/20/2025

P.S. I Love You 5K

Akron, Ohio

Finish time:  26:53

Overall Place:  15th Place / 72

Division Place:  2nd Place Overall Female Finisher

9/20/2025

The Best Of The West Trail Marathon And Half Marathon

Ravenna, Ohio

John Fabianich McClay

Finish Time:  4:26:39

Overall Place:  7th Place / 66

Division Place:  1st Place / 3

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  6:09:36

Overall Place:  44th Place / 66

Division Place:  4th Place / 5

Terri Bednar

Finish Time:  6:10:40

Overall Place:  45th Place / 66

Division Place:  1st Place / 5

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  6:15:40

Overall Place:  46th Place / 66

Division Place:  2nd Place / 5

Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  3:33:40

Overall Place:  118th Place / 139

Division Place:  3rd Place / 4

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

I completed the Best Of The West Marathon, marking my third participation in this event. Each experience has been better than the last. I appreciated the chance to meet new people and catch up with friends. The weather was perfect for running a marathon. The event was well-organized, with easy packet pickup, clear communication, and parking conveniently located near the start and finish lines. The course was well-marked, with multiple aid stations that were well-stocked. The marathon was an out-and-back course, while the Half Marathon was point-to-point, with a bus provided to return participants to the starting line. Well done to all finishers and great job to TEAM ER.

Race Recap By Terri Bednar:

I ran in the Best of the West Marathon on 9/20! It was gorgeous fall day that I got to spend in nature with great friends!! Western Reserve Racing did a fantastic job of organizing this race. Packet pickup was a breeze, and there were bathrooms with flushing toilets and running water. The aid stations were well stocked and the course was well marked. I am happy to report that I shaved 38 minutes off my trail marathon PR and I was first in my Age Group! I only fell once. I give the race 5 stars and I would do it again!

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

It was a perfect fall day for a trail marathon redemption!
Easy directions, organized packet pickup and good communication.
Ample free parking close to the start / finish and clean indoor restrooms with running water.
Chip timing on a well marked and scenic course running through wooded areas and along the lake. Terrain was a nice mix of rocks, roots, grass and one long hot stretch of road! The leaves are starting to fall making the trail a little more treacherous – I tripped a handful of times before finally biffing it hard enough to knock my hat off of my head!
Aid stations were well spaced and nicely stocked and burritos ready at the finish for all runners!
All runners got a nice short sleeve tee and finishers medal. Overall and 5 year age group awards were 3 deep.
This was my 2nd attempt at a trail marathon. This was a tough race for me. I worked really hard and am happy to report that I improved my time by one hour 16 minutes and placed 2nd in my Age Group!
Congratulations to all of my fellow Team ER trail tribe – everyone placed in their age group!
I would definitely do this one again!

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

Best of the West Marathon and Half Marathon. This morning presented ideal conditions for a woodland run. Western Reserve Racing organized a well-executed event. The course featured a predominantly flat terrain with intermittent rolling hills. A mix of trails and roads comprised the course, offering scenic views overlooking the dam. The half marathon followed a point-to-point format. Ample parking accommodated all participants. Four aid stations were fully equipped and staffed by supportive volunteers. Indoor restrooms were conveniently located near the start and finish. Packet pickup was efficient, with clear instructions provided. The course was meticulously marked. Having participated in this event for the third time, I secured third place in my age group. All participants received a soft, commemorative tee shirt and medal. I intend to participate in this event again.

9/20/2025

Malone XC Night Invitational Community Pioneer 5K

Canton, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  29:56

Overall Place:  54th Place / 79

Division Place:  1st Place / 2

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I ran the Malone XC Night Invitational Community Pioneer 5K last night, and enjoyed the cooler evening weather! This was a very busy event with tons of high schools, middle schools, and elementary children doing races in every direction! I finished first in my age group with a time of 29:56 and pace of 9:38! It was a fun free race right in Canton!

9/14/2025Crowell Hilaka Trail Run Richfield, Ohio

50K Trail Race

John Fabianich McCLay

Finish Time:  6:13:31

Overall Place:  8th Place / 16

Division Place:  2nd Place / 5

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  6:44:22

Overall Place:  12th Place / 16

Division Place:  5th Place / 5

Half Marathon Trail Race

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  2:29:56

Overall Place:  16th Place / 29

Division Place:  1st Place / 4

Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  3:11:04

Overall Place:  21st Place / 29

Division Place:  3rd Place / 4

10K Trail Race

Veronica Neubert

Finish Time:  56:50

Overall Place:  1st Place / 18

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

I am posting this update a bit belatedly. On Sunday, 9-14-25, I completed the Crowell Hilaka 50k Trail Race. This race was a return to the basics, with a traditional gun start and the race director personally verifying bibs at each loop, which consisted of a 6-mile loop. The course featured moderately technical terrain, including a couple of water crossings. The event featured clear communication and straightforward directions. Packet pickup was efficiently organized, with plenty of parking available. Although the course was well-marked, many runners, including myself, experienced confusion and got lost. I hope the race director will host this event again next year, allowing for a chance to improve.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Crowell Hilaka Trail Run – Half Marathon
Nice price for a great trail race through beautiful Richfield Heritage Preserve!
Good communication, easy directions, organized packet pick up, and ample free parking near the start / finish.
Back to the basics gun start and the race director checking bibs at the finish.
Small race – All 3 distances started together for a 6 mile loop and a short out and back to finish.
Course was REALLY confusing. Pretty sure every single person got lost at least once. 3x for me! (That I know of)
Typically this could be super stressful for competitive runners but it turned into a joke with runners criss crossing each other or missing entire sections! The race director and runners added distance at their discretion to meet their goals.
One water station on course and snacks / hydration at the start / finish.
Terrain was fairly technical with tons of roots and rocks, some grass, a lot of gravel, and some elevation. There were a couple of water crossings but super dry this year.
Nice shirt / finishers medal
Awards for overall male / female only were pumpkins!
The race director said that she had planned on this being the last year but had such positive feedback, might do it again. I would definitely do it again!

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

The Crowell Hilaka 50k, 1/2 marathon, and 10k courses showcased the natural beauty of Richfield Heritage Preserve. Although the course was primarily single technical track, it also incorporated sections of gravel roads., grass, roots, and some elevation. A couple of water crossings but they were dry due to no rain. The 2-loop design allowed all distances to start simultaneously. However, I encountered some difficulty navigating the course due to unclear markings, resulting in missing at least 2 miles. In contrast, the event organization excelled in regards to packet pick-up and parking arrangements. Runners were supported by two aid stations – one halfway point offering water, and the start/finish area providing a comprehensive range of essentials. The top 3 finishers were awarded a pumpkin as a prize. Despite initial concerns about discontinuing the event due to low participation, the RD may reconsider hosting it again next year following overwhelmingly positive feedback. My experience was enjoyable, and I would be interested in participating again.

9/14/2025

Fearless Fighters 5K

Stow, Ohio

Terri Bednar

Finish Time:  28:14

Overall Place:  44th Place / 180

Division Place:  3rd Place Overall Female

Mike Williams

Finish Time:  28:55

Overall Place:  51st Place / 180

Division Place:  4th Place / 8

Race Recap By Terri Bednar:

It was a great day for a 5k on Sunday! I ran the Fearless Fighters 5k. It supports a great cause, pediatric cancer research and the event raised over $23k! The race was well organized with many vendor booths and a basket raffle. My good friend Matt Pallo sang the National Anthem and he rocked it! I ended up taking 3rd female overall and even won $50! I give this race 5 stars and I would definitely do it again!!

9/14/2025

9/11 Heroes Run

Youngwood, PA

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

finish Time:  30:08

Overall Place:  36th Place / 116

Division Place:  1st Place / 12