7/26/2025
The Burning River 100, Marathon, And Relay
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Trail Marathon
George McFall
Finish Time: 5:10:49
Overall Place: 33rd Place / 247
Division Place: 2nd Place / 16
Kristi Gunyula
Finish Time: 5:13:49
Overall Place: 38th Place / 247
Division Place: 6th Place / 28
Josh Keane
Finish Time: 6:34:59
Overall Place: 138th Place / 247
Division Place: 8th Place / 16
Terri Bednar
Finish Time: 6:48:46
Overall Place: 150th Place / 247
Division Place: 4th Place / 17
Lisa Keane
Finish Time: 7:31:51
Overall Place: 179th Place / 247
Division Place: 8th Place / 17
100 Mile Relay
RLAM Relay Team
Christine Churpek, Peter Heroux, Rachel Turner, Renee Buckus, And Stephanie Orwick
Finish Time: 20:18:08
Overall Place: 35th Place / 65
Division Place: 20th Place / 43
Volunteers: Christine Churpek, Peter Heroux, Rachel Turner, And Stephanie Orwick.
Roy Miller was on location to provide support to our Team ER members.
Race Recap By George McFall:
Hard to believe the Burning River Marathon was my first trail marathon and it was a success!! My goals were to 1) do my best, 2 ) have fun and 3) finish. Mission accomplished. I was shocked by my finishing time and age group place. Made the day that much better. The marathon course has a little bit of everything… flat, climbs, downhills, and pavement. Oh and 2000 ft of elevation gain. The aid stations were well stocked and those working them were rock stars. The kiddie pool filled with ice at Kendall Lake was a game changer and much needed on a hot & humid day. Thanks to all of the volunteers and race directors. It takes an army to put on a race like this. We are so fortunate to have a National Park in our backyard.
I loved being at the finish line watching other runners — not just marathon runners.. also got to see 50 and 100 milers as well. All so inspiring. Each person has a story of why they run, why they push their bodies to do hard things. Congratulations to everyone who accepted the challenge!
Race Recap By Josh Keane:
The Burning River Trail Marathon was extremely challenging. I could not be more proud of Team ER for showing up and conquering this race. Everyone put in exceptional effort and over came extreme challenges to finish this one. The race was very well organized, aid stations were excellent and the volunteers were phenomenal. The heat and humidity were almost unbearable! For some reason this race has found my kryptonite and I end up nauseated every time I run any part of this race. Honestly it is the heat and humidity. This was a very challenging marathon and although this was certainly not the pace or finish that I wanted, after further reflection I am happy and confident that I have grown from this race and pushed through about 16 miles of being sick. Sometimes learning your limits is more important than never discovering them. Our entire team showed up and pushed their limits for this one! So proud of everyone and as always looking forward to many more Team ER adventures!!!
Race Recap By Terri Bednar:
I ran my first trail marathon this past weekend at Burning River. Everything was well organized from packet pickup to getting to the start line. The course was gorgeous and it was so much fun seeing all the athletes! The aid stations and volunteers are like no other and positively amazing! So helpful ready to get you anything you need. Many people were very ill due to the heat. Glad I wasn’t one of them. Was dealing with some gnarly blisters but I pushed on. I loved the race and the medal is fantastic! I am already thinking about the 50 next year! I was 4th in my AG which I did not expect. I will go back to BR!!
Race Recap By Lisa Keane:
My first trail marathon- on paper, it was perfect but in practice SO TOUGH!!!
Choice of distance relay, marathon, 50 miles, or 100 miles for all abilities
Love this organization and set of race directors!
Great communication weeks leading up to the race. The expo was organized and informative.
Easy directions to the shuttle bus with plenty of free parking
Chip timing on primarily scenic trail w/ grass / field / road / bike path mixed in. The trail is mildly technical with some elevation but mostly rolling hills. The last 6 miles are on paved bike path with minimal shade and IT WAS HOT!
Course is well marked with nicely spaced aid stations and fantastic volunteers. I got lost once – my own fault, just missed the turn somehow.
Fun party atmosphere at the finish with an MC, food truck, and photo ops
Swag is top notch! The medal is quality with a stained glass effect when you hold it up to light. Choice of tee shirt or upgrade to a LS technical tee. I upgraded and am obsessed with my choice!
Overall and 5 year age group awards.
I have to say that I have run longer distances and more challenging trails but I really struggled with this race!
Heat, humidity, stomach, body, and mind all
fought against me. I wasn’t sure I could even finish! Just could not settle in. And just when I thought I was done, I made a trail friend who was feeling the same! We rallied and helped push each other through!
Shocked to find that I placed 8th of 17 in my age group. Doesn’t sound like much but just shows how tough it was for everyone!
Thanks to my new trail friend and congrats to all of my Team ER finishers!
We earned this one!
Race Recap By Renee Buckus:
Burning River 2025 Recap! I ran leg 1 this year and I must say, leg 1 is humbling. Started up hill and then it was flat for like 30 seconds and maybe I’m exaggerating but it proceeded to be up hill for the next 1,000 miles. Speaking of 1,000 miles, I missed a mile marker (“missed” is a friendly way to put it, IMO) and ended up running almost an entire extra mile. Anyway, nearly 13 miles of trails to kick off Team RLAM (Run Like A Mother) and I’ve said it a bunch so naturally I’ll repeat it again, I LOVE BURNING RIVER! It hurts, it’s muddy and gritty, it’s mentally tough and it’s my reminder that I AM A BADASS. Happy Burning River Day to those who celebrate!
