10/12/2025

The 2025 Firestone Park YMCA Tread Together

5K Akron, Ohio

Mike Williams

Finish Time:  27:14

Overall Place:  39th Place / 124

Division Place:  6th Place / 8

10/11/2025

Canal Corridor 100

Akron, Ohio

John Fabianich McClay

Finish Time:  21:59:51

Overall Place:  31st Place / 188

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  21:59:57

Overall Place:  32nd Place / 188

Thank you to Christine Churpek, Lisa Keane, Lynett McClay, Peter Heroux, Stephanie Orwick, and Terri Bednar who all volunteered at aid stations and or were pacers.

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

On Saturday, I completed the Canal Corridor 100, marking my sixth time participating in this event. This year’s race was distinct due to the government shutdown. Typically, the course is an out-and-back layout. However, this year it consisted of a 33.3-mile loop that had to be completed three times. Initially, I considered deferring my participation until next year. Nevertheless, I had made a commitment to run with my buddy Josh Keane. My initial plan was to accompany him for the first 50 miles and then continue on my own. Instead, I opted to stay with him for the entire 100-mile distance. The course was well-marked, the aid stations were well-stocked, and parking was plentiful. I would like to extend my gratitude to my wife Lynett McClay for providing crew support and tolerating my needs. Congratulations to all finishers, and particularly to Josh Keane on achieving his personal record.

Race Recap By Josh Keane:

After completing the Canal Corridor 100 mile Endurance Run run yesterday I have been struggling how to tell the tale. There just aren’t enough words. After completing this race last year and pretty much having everything go right with a finish time of 23 hours and 30 minutes, my confidence levels were lower this year. Then the government shutdown caused a course change last minute and we were staring at a 33.5 mile loop three times around Akron! My confidence sank even a little more. As usual, the team around me not only lifted me up to handle the challenge but drove me to finish and hit my goal! Thank you to everyone who cheered me on and helped along the way. Most of all thank you Lisa Keane for always being there with me through everything and putting up with me, crewing me for the whole race and pacing us for the last 11 miles! John Mark FabianichMcclay and Jody Engstrom, there is not enough I can say to thank both of you for being the best friends I could ask for! John was able to literally put up with my pace and my talking for the entire 100 miles which was probably four hours slower than he could have finished! He pushed me every step of the way. Then there is Jody who literally left our house in Bolivar at 05:45 was crewing me for the entire race better than anyone could expect to be supported and then drove us home the next day! I also had great pacers in Terri Bednar, Kyle Albaugh, and Kent Sundheimer! We cannot forget Lynett McClay as she was there pacing John but jumping to help us all and cheer me on as well. Thanks to these individuals I was able to PR and hit my goal with three second left! I finished in 21 hours 59 minutes and 57 seconds! In spite of the government shutdown the directors and volunteers put together a great race. Not only do you get a great “golden” buckle and a fantastic fleece full zip this year but I am again in the lottery for the Western States Endurance Run! In spite of the last minute course change the Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance race is a great, flat and fast 100 mile race and I will certainly be willing to run it again in the future. This one was tough and again, without the people around me there is no way I could have done it so thank you all that helped me along the way.

10/11/2025

Wendy’s Walk / Run For Hope 5K

Jewett, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  28:44

Overall Place:  9th Place / 57

Division Place:  3rd Place Overall Female / 39

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I ran the Wendy’s 5k Run/Walk For Hope this morning in Jewett, OH. This race was for a great cause and had Tons of events to participate after the race including raffle baskets, silent auctions, a car show, and plenty of food trucks and vendors too! The course was a nice flat course that was an out and back run with only one turn! I ended up finishing at a total time of 28:44 and pace of 9:15 winning 3rd female overall!! I love the medal award for the top runners too! Its a beautiful metal frame painted in bright pink in honor of breast cancer awareness and has little arms that come out to hang up your medals on! Definitely a race to remember!

10/5/2025

Nuthatch Nonsense 15K

Akron, Ohio

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  2:29:39

Overall Place:  24th Place // 28

Division Place:  1st Place / 1

10/5/2025

CAK5K On The Runway

Green, Ohio

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  24:25

Overall Place:  89th Place / 969

Division Place:  6th Place / 31

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  25:35

Overall Place:  124th Place / 969

Division Place:  1st Place Grand Masters

Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  33:56

Overall Place:  433rd Place / 969

Division Place:  19th Place / 49

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

This was my first time running this unique and fun race – I can see why it sells out every year!
Good communication, easy directions, and ample free parking.
Free busing parking lot to/from the event site. VIP parking available for purchase.
Porta John’s and indoor restrooms
Free entry to the MAPS Air Museum
Chip timing was a must for this sold out event hosting nearly 1000 runners.
Well marked flat and fast course on the runway with scenic views, photo ops, and an after burner challenge
Swag is top notch. All runners got a very nice soft long sleeve tee and boarding pass finishers medal
Overall winners earned a fun Captain’s hat and age group winners got a nice trophy.
Special awards for the after burner section as well
Nice after party with ice cream, snacks, and music.
Super excited to hit my fastest 5K since my surgery and place 1st overall Female Grand Master. I love my Captains hat!
I would definitely do this one again!

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

This was my first time running this race and it was fun. I can see why this race is a sell out. This race is a flat and fast coarse on the runway with a thousand runners/ walkers.I took over 2 minutes off of my time. Plenty of parking that you had to ride a bus to the start/finish. Easy directions and packet pick up prior to and day of race. Portapotties and indoor bathroom were available. Free admission to the Maps Museum. The coarse was well marked and had an after burner challenge in the middle. We had an awesome sight of planes taking off and coming in for a landing. Chip timing for start /finish. Every participant received a soft long sleeve tee and boarding pass finishers medals. Top 3 overall winners received a captain’s hat and top 3 age group received a trophy. Nice after party with free ice cream, snacks and water.

10/4/2025

Charm Field And Trail Challenge 5K

Millersburg, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  35:16

Overall Place:  97th Place / 114

Division Place:  3rd Place / 4

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

Ran the Charm Field & Trail Challenge this morning in Millersburg, Ohio and let me tell you there is serious elevation on this one!! The competition was strong too with all the locals racing and the Amish are not people to trifle with! They were fast! I had a good time overall and everyone was very welcoming, the turns were all clearly marked, and there was a nice award ceremony after and finisher medals! The race took you up hills and through the woods and through the corn fields!! I finished at 35:15 with a pace of 11:23 and 3rd in my age group which was 40-99! I’ve had that age group before!  It was a great morning and fun race!

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!