11/10/2024

Windham Camp James A Garfield Veterans Day 5K

Windham, Ohio

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  31:19

Overall Place:  31st Place / 87

Division Place 1st Place / 7

11/9/2024

CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Marathon And Half Marathon

Indianapolis, Indiana

Marathon

George McFall

Finish Time:  3:28:32

Overall Place:  1586th Place / 5647

Division Place:  84th Place / 259

Half Marathon

Kristi Quesenberry Gunyula

Finish Time:  1:32:58

Overall Place:  579th Place / 6121

Division Place:  17th Place / 1234

Race Recap By Kristi Quesenberry Gunyula:

I ended up with a 1:32:58. missing a PR by 26 seconds, which doesn’t bother me a bit this time around. I gave it what I had that day and came up a little short. It happens to all of us. I ran hard, but was content holding pace. This race was more about my personally journey than my pace and I’m proud of how I did and where I’m at, at the moment with what I have going on. Not many know that I was hit by a cyclist in early October on the bike and hike (a first for me). It really shook me up and set me back a little bit by leaving me with some neck and hip problems. Celebrating the small victories, the ability to be out doing what I love and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
I remember the day when a 7:20 felt unattainable and here I am going sub 7 for several miles in a 1/2 marathon. This was a really solid race for me. I trained this cycle at a 7:05-7:10 pace and that’s where I found myself.
Congrats to everyone who set out to BQ and did and to those who came up short. Congrats to those who PR’d, those who gave it their best, but in the end had to listen to their bodies and cut it short. And a special congratulations to those who towed the starting line for the first time! We all have one thing in common and that is…we put in the work and we showed up for OURSELVES on Saturday.
And lastly, I picked up a National Park map this year (one of those where you can check off the parks as you visit them). Mine has these little green evergreen trees that you place by the park names. Indiana Dunes National Park was a short two hour drive from Indianapolis so we drove out there today to do some hiking. It was beautiful and the best ending to a weekend race trip. Blessed to have friends to travel with and who are always up for adventures. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible for me by helping with my kids and my animals. Gina, your presence was missed. Looking forward to taking the next two weeks off training and instead doing some fishing, yoga, trail running and lifting

11/9/2024

Apex Skin Towpath Freedom 5K

Akron, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  22:17

Overall Place:  15th Place / 151

Division Place:  2nd Place / 18

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  30:25

Overall Place:  54th Place / 151

Division Place:  7th Place / 16

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

This was my second time competing in the Apex Skin Towpath Freedom 5K.  It was a beautiful morning for a race around Summit Lake.  It was a little chilly but the sun was out and there was little to no wind.  Before the race begins all veterans present are honored and awarded a pin for their service to our country.  The race offers free registration to the first 35 veterans as another way to show appreciation for their service.

After all of the veterans were recognized race participants made their way about a quarter mile up the trail for the start.  The beginning of the race was a little delayed waiting for some walkers to get to the start line.  Finally the gun sounded and we were off down the trail back where we had come from passing the race staging / finish area, over a bridge and around the corner of the new trails following the direction of the lake.

I was on pace through the first mile clocking it at 7:00.  I am not sure what happened but the second mile I really fell off my pace and lost some time.  I was a little surprised that the second half of the course had been changed from the previous year.  Instead of an out and back course that I was expecting this year the course was a loop going all the way around the lake.  I must say that I enjoyed the new course a lot more than the previous course, I just wasn’t prepared for it and it through me off a little.  I managed to gain a little time back in the 3rd mile.  With a half mile to go I was passed by a runner that appeared to potentially be in my age division.  He wasn’t far ahead but I started my kick too late and finished just 3 seconds behind him.  Of course he did end up being in my division winning it so I  placed a close 2nd behind him,  My goal was to complete the race under 22:00 minutes. I finished in 22:17 placing 15th overall. Last year I was 19th overall so moving up 4 spots is a win.

I loved the new course and racing with Team ER member Nancy Wardell is always pure fun!

All participants received long sleeve tech shirts and military star themed finisher medals.  Division awards included fleece blankets.  They also had tons of snacks after the race.  The race was very well organized.  My only suggestion to improve the race for next year would be to offer age divisions every 5 years instead of 10 years which is what they have had the last two years.  The race was sold out so it was big enough for the extra divisions.  They do offer a separate division for the top 3 male and female veterans which is really nice.

Thank you to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, the sponsors, and all of the volunteers that make this race possible to pay tribute to our veterans.

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I completed the Towpath Freedom 5K in Akron this morning. It was a beautiful morning for a race! Great seeing fellow teammate Scott Orlando! I loved the new course around the lake with a nice flat last mile to the finish line! The after celebration was great with tons of snacks and great awards for those that placed. I finished at 30:25 with a pace of 9:47 and placed 7th in my age group. Congratulations to Scott who finished second in his age group!!

11/9/2024

REVS 22K

Elyria, Ohio

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time:  2:51:37

Overall Place:  84th Place / 84

Division Place:  3rd Place / 5

Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:

So many words and feelings about this race…

On any given day, approximately 17 veterans commit suicide. This race supports the cause of putting an end to this horrible scourge afflicting our veterans, their families, and communities. I’m so thankful I was able to be apart of it.

Going into the race, I knew there was a 3 hour cutoff. I knew that my pace would be just under the allotted time. They started 10 minutes late, which made me nervous because I knew I would need that extra time. Going into the first loop, I felt so strong, and there were about 10 people behind me. So I figured I should be okay with my time. I couldn’t believe how good I felt. Going into the second loop, I suddenly realized I was the last one. (I am not sure if they made the other people turn around.) My heart sank, and I wasn’t sure if they’d cut me off too. I felt like I was keeping a good pace. And I had even PRd my previous 10K time. There were two guys rucking it in front of me, so I tried to stay just behind them. Those guys were so encouraging, which helped push me through the last few miles when I wanted to quit. They were sweeping the course behind me, and I even had a cop car follow me in. That last mile going uphill was rough, but I finished and PRd my previous half marathon time. They told me I would receive my medal later because they didn’t have enough. So I had to give it back. They had food and drinks inside a nearby restaurant. However, my anxiety got the best of me because I didn’t know anyone, so I left. I also felt embarrassed that I was the last one. Found out later, I placed third in my age group, so fingers crossed, I can still pick up my award.
(Also, I was so bummed that the Floral Fox mobile coffee trailer said they’d be there until noon, but they left at 11am.)

11/9/2024

Loop The Lake Race

Munroe Falls, Ohio

50K

Laura Fairfax

Finish Time:  6:14:51

Overall Place:  20th Place / 27

Gender Division:  11th Place

50K 4 Person Relay

Loopy Legends

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  3:28:34

Overall Place:  3rd Place / 31

Division Place:  1st Place Coed Relay Team

Team ER

Josh Keane
Lisa Keane
Terri Bednar
Veronica Neubert

Finish Time:  4:44:58

Overall Place:  23rd Place / 31

Division Place:  14th Place Coed Relay Team

Kevin Christensen, Russ Neubert, and Scott Orlando were on site cheering on Team ER and providing race support.

Race Recap By Laura Fairfax:

I completed another ultramarathon today! Loop the Lake 50k (don’t ask me how I accidentally ran an extra mile). ! came in 3rd in my age group and 11th overall female! Not bad for thinking I wouldn’t even finish.   Another beautiful day for a run!

Race Recap By Christine Churpek:

As always, Loop the Lake this weekend was an unforgettable experience, filled with energy, camaraderie, and amazing accomplishments! We had a blast, and I’m so grateful to everyone who showed up, both to run and cheer on the runners!

The Find Your Happy athletes, NWB run club, and Team ER showed up in a big way. It was an honor to race with the amazing Loopy Legends relay team – we took home the 1st place co-ed team trophy!  Thank you to the amazing crew who came out to cheer us on, and a huge thanks to @nicolejustine23 for putting on this incredible race every year. Can’t wait for next year!

Race Recap By Josh Keane:

I had a blast running with TeamER and the absolute best relay team with Lisa Keane Terri Bednar and Veronica Neubert. The Loop the Lake relay was very well organized and a very unique, beautiful course. With 1.3 mile loops and a tent city full of cheers at the start/finish line it was a lot of fun. Great aid station and food with good swag. We had a solid team performance finishing the 50k in 4:44. We are planning to run this one again and would recommend it to anyone else.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

A unique and fun event with distance options for all abilities! Easy directions and plenty of parking with a short walk to the start (although we were glad that we brought our wagon). Participants are encouraged to set up tents along the start / finish for runners and spectators. Music, food, cow bells, and cheers make for a fun party atmosphere for all. The course is a paved but challenging 1.3 mile loop with plenty of elevation and scenic views. No need to carry fuel and no chance to get bored because just when you start to zone, you are back to tent city and all of your friends! Nice swag and medals for all finishers. Large trophies for overall winners.
I was blessed to run the relay with fellow Team ER members Josh Keane Terri Bednar and Veronica Neubert. Thanks friends! Always a good time!
We placed first in the Masters division (a perk of getting older) Unfortunately it wasn’t a real division and they took the trophy back.

Race Recap By Veronica Nuebert:

I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have been able to run one last race.  Thoughts of today should sustain me through the recovery!
Each step was a blessing, each loop, an accomplishment, I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful start (although it was cold) couldn’t have asked for a better team to run with Team ER and Thank you to Russ Neubert and Scott Orlando for coming to cheer us on!

11/2/2024

The Fly Ball 5K

Stow, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  22:00

Overall Place:  1st Place / 43

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  23:29

Overall Place:  3rd Place / 43

Gender Place:  1st Place / 23

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  23:36

Overall Place:  4th Place / 43

Gender Place:  3rd Place / 20

Steve Zenar

Finish Time:  23:36

Overall Place:  4th Place / 43

Gender Place:  3rd Place / 20

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  25:22

Overall Place:  9th Place / 43

Gender Place:  3rd Place / 23

Terri Bednar

Finish Time:  26:44

Overall Place:  12th Place / 43

Gender Place:  5th Place / 20

Gretchen Snyder

Finish Time:  27:45

Overall Place:  16th Place / 43

Gender Place:  7th Place / 20

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  23:36

Overall Place:  23rd Place / 43

Gender Place:  10th Place / 20

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

The Fly Ball 5K was a new race held at the Kent State University Airport in Stow, Ohio.  The race was a fundraiser for the Kent State University Softball Team.  I wasn’t planning on running this race but when so many of my friends from Ohio Team ER registered I decided to give it a try.   I really wasn’t sure what to expect.  Being this was a new race their wasn’t a lot of information about it.   The online registration form didn’t seem to have many details either.  I was told that an email would be sent the day before to all participants with more details including course information.   The day before I did not receive the final instructions email so I reached out to the race contact listed on the registration page.  The contact was nice enough to call me directly.  She let me know that my email address had bounced back.  She provided me with the final instructions by sending them to another email address that I provided.  The final instructions didn’t have any information about the course so I figured I would take advantage of the early packet pick up the day before the race to better prepare myself for what to expect the next morning.  At the packet pick up I met the race director who was very friendly and answered all of my questions including explaining the course.  I was able to relay the information to my fellow Team ER members who as it turned out also didn’t receive the email containing the final instructions.  They must have had an issue with their email system.

Race morning it was a little chilly but there was little to no wind so running conditions were pretty favorable.  The race field was small with just under 50 runners.  From speaking with the race director it sounded like they wanted to get at least 30 participants but also keep the race relatively small for the first year to work out any glitches.  Pre race was very smooth and easy.  The entire Kent State University Softball Team was there to great runners as they checked in.  All pre race activities were inside which is always nice this time of year.  When it was time to race everyone headed outside to the runway for the start.  The course was 2 laps around a loop formed by the runway and service road connecting to it.  It was like running on a long track.  The course was mostly flat with a few gradual inclined areas most notably a section about a half mile from the the end of the lap 1 and the finish.

When the gun went off I quickly found myself leading the race field.  I was a little surprised there weren’t young and faster runners ahead of me.  It was fun to see the lead pack just behind me made up almost entirely of Team ER members.  The first mile was mostly flat or slightly downhill  and was fast.  I clocked a 6:54 first mile.  As the race field started to spread out I continued to find myself in the lead with one runner just behind me.   I was trying to push the pace and get some separation but he stayed just behind me making me work hard.  Nearing the first turn I was passed by a younger extremely fast runner who I identified as the race timer.  I knew I couldn’t catch him so I focused my efforts on 2nd place.   The runner that was behind me continued to push me from behind.  I tired a couple of times to increase pace and gain some ground but he kept making it back up.  Finally halfway through the second lap he started falling back and I created a gap.  I knew I had to keep running hard to maintain the gap and the lead on him.  The last small hill before the finish was touch but after that I made a sprint to the finish with all of the Kent State University Softball Team players cheering me on through the timing mats.  I was quickly presented with an award for 1st place overall with a time of 22:00.  I was a little confused because I knew the race timer had beat me.  I was informed that he was only running to test the distance of the course and was not part of the actual race.  Awards were presented to the top 3 overall male and female finishers.  Because it was such a small race there were no age group awards.

All runners received a t-shirt and finisher medal.  Overall awards were medals that slipped onto the finisher medal ribbons.  Overall this was a little neat race experience.  It is not everyday you get to race on the runway of an airport.  I wasn’t sure about how I would like the course but I was surprised how enjoyable it was.  I was able to see all the other runners as I worked my way around the 2 loops and the Kent State University Softball Team players did a great job cheering us all on to the finish.

Being this was a new race there are always area  for improvement.  I heard several comments of participants suggesting that there should have been a water station at the end of the first lap and at the finish line.  I think more details such as course maps should be included in the online registration page.  Better communication and marketing of the race through social media could help grow the race.  I always prefer tech shirts over cotton t-shirts.  Even though there were no age division awards it would have been nice to have an awards presentation for the top finishers after the race.  I think they should have waited until all of the runners crossed the finish line before presenting awards.  Handing out awards as runners cross the finish time can lead to problems if the race is chip timed.  In this case an award was presented to the 3rd  male crossing the finish line but there was actually a tie for 3rd place because the 4th place overall male finisher started a few seconds behind resulting in crossing the finish line 4th but having the exact same chip time finish.  The runner that crossed the finish line 4th overall actually tied for 3rd place but did not receive an award.  A runner starting in the back can have a faster chip time then someone crossing the finish line first.  Post race there were donuts and water inside the building but I didn’t know about it until I was leaving.  I think some more snacks post race would have been nice.

Thank you to all the young fast people that slept in and stayed home. You never know what will happen at a race or who will show up. You just get there, run, and good things can happen.

Overall this was a really fun race experience.  For a first time race it was well organized.  I enjoyed seeing so many Team ER members there and I will plan on returning next year.

Race Recap By Josh Keane:

It is always a lot of fun when we can get a good group together for a race to represent Team ER! The inaugural Kent State Flyball 5k was a great example. This was a fun little race on a chilly morning. Two laps around the tarmac to complete a 5k distance. Very nice shirt and medal. Flat and fast course. Inside packet pick up with restrooms before the race and get together after the race. I was very fortunate to run a 23:36 minute 5K which was good enough to tie for third place male over all! We had a great time running this one and will look forward to running it again next year.

Race Recap By Steve Zenar:

I had a wonderful morning running at the Kent State Airport – Fly Ball 5K. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many Team-ER teammates! It was a bit chilly out but the sky was clear, there was no wind, and the sunrise at the beginning of the event was beautiful. I have never run on an Airport Runway before so that was interesting (think giant track). My personal goal today was to best my 5K PR (got my 10K PR earlier in the fall), and glad to say: mission accomplished. Nice new race that I would gladly participate in again in the future.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

I had a great time running with my team at the inaugural year of this small but fun Fly Ball 5K supporting the Kent State University Softball Team!
Organized and heavily supported from packet pick up to finish!
Indoor packet pick up, restrooms, and staging area.
Chip timed, flat and fast race on the KSU Airport runway with the entire KSU softball team cheering you on at the finish!
Great photo ops, soft SS tees, and medals for the first 50 registrations. Awards for the top 3 Overall male and female finishers.
Today marked my first sub 26 finish since my surgery and I was thrilled to place 3rd Overall Female!

Race Recap By Terri Bednar:

The race was fun, the parking and packet pickup was a breeze. Participants got a medal and shirt and the flat fast course was chip timed. Only thing that could have been done better is water on the course. Overall good race. Would do again!

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I completed the Softball Fly Ball 5K in Stow this morning with a bunch of other teammates! It was great to see so many friendly faces and congrats to everyone today! Thank you for taking the pictures too! I finished at 31:43 with a pace of 10:12. They only gave awards to the top three finishers for this race, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and the smooth course.

10/27/2024

The Haunted Forest Marathon, Half Marathon, And 5K

Canal Fulton, Ohio

Marathon

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  5:19:10

Overall Place:  149th Place / 184

Division Place:  2nd Place / 3

Half Marathon

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  2:12:30

Overall Place:  240th Place / 435

Division Place:  6th Place / 19

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  2:28:40

Overall Place:  325th Place / 435

Division Place:  28th Place / 35

Race Recap By Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford:

Volunteer

Kevin Christensen was on the course dressed as a creepy but friendly clown working as a course marshal and helping with a water station.

Well, I wasn’t trained, but I decided to do it with a friend and I got one under my belt again this year.
It wasn’t pretty, but I got it done .
My friend and I finished. I’m glad she got me to do it.
I was so thankful that my friend Sue showed up at the end with pumpkin treats and a ride back to our cars. That was so sweet and that makes a good friend. Time for a nice bath and a beer at home because there wasn’t any at the race.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Haunted Forest Half Marathon
Flat, fast race on paved towpath. The marathon and half marathon start together and then split approximately 2 miles in. Scenic run during the peak of leaves changing and even saw a Blue Heron over the canal.  Several water and Gatorade stops but not a ton of spectator access.
Parking is limited so early arrival to catch a shuttle bus and only 20 porta potties left a lot of people scrambling.
Long sleeve festive technical tee and medals for all runners. They advertised an additional medal if you ran the day before but did not provide. Bananas and pretzels but no after party. Colder temps than I am used to left me struggling a little but did my best and happy to place 6th in my age group.

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I completed the Haunted Forest Half Marathon in Canal Fulton this morning. Started off pretty cold compared to usual and the change of course threw me off. I didn’t stop running though! I finished at 2:28:40 and pace of 11:21. Not a great running time, but I did it! The after race events were a lot less than usual for this race too. It only had a bananas, pretzels, and waters for finishers.

Race Recap By Kevin Christensen:

You may have seen a friendly clown at the Clinton Trailhead water stop. It was a perfect day for the runners and clowns and I had multiple runners stop to take selfies and thank me for being there. One lady made her husband stop his car to get a selfie. Who knew people loved clowns so much. It was also fun that Jim Chaney placed clown decorations at this water stop to keep me company.

10/27/2024

Pumpkin Run 5K

Mentor, Ohio

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time:  36:15

Overall Place:  255th Place / 409

Division Place:  15th Place / 27

Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:

Overall, a fun race experience. The first part of the course was on a bike path along a busy road. It was a little worrisome running with traffic instead of against it. Some runners were using the road to pass others. There were times I wanted to pass walkers but was nervous of being hit by a vehicle. My favorite part of the course was the short part along a trail. It was so beautiful with the fall foliage. You received your medal and shirt at the start of the race. I’m a fan of receiving your medal after you race. However, the race was sold out so not everyone received a medal. At the end of the race they had hot chocolate, candy, and granola bars. There was also a costume contest and awards for overall/ age group winners. I also loved the Halloween themed shirts and medals. You could also pay extra for a sweatshirt with the medal design.

10/26/2024

The Great Pumpkin Race

Canton, Ohio

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  32:10

Overall Place:  30th Place / 246

Division Place:  4th Place / 10

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  35:05

Overall Place:  52nd Place / 246

Division Place:  1st Place / 16

Race Recap By Josh Keane:

The Great Pumpkin Race 2024 was a lot of fun once again. A great course for a great cause. All proceeds go to Special Olympics and this race is really well put together and established race for 26 years. Nice rolling hills with beautiful fall colors through a Canton neighborhood and I really enjoy the 4 mile distance for a change. Great volunteers with good swag and how can awards be any better than pumpkin pie? I was fortunate to run well finishing 4th in my age group and 30th overall. This is one I would definitely recommend.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

This is the 26th consecutive year and they have it down!
Love the indoor packet pick up, restrooms, and awards with lots of photo ops and activities for the kiddos.
1 mile run option for the young and young at heart.
Nice 4 mile course through beautiful neighborhoods on closed roads with plenty of challenging hills and lots of police and volunteer presence for safety.
The event is inclusive benefiting the local DD community and open to wheelchairs, strollers, and puppers.
Post race snacks, long sleeve shirts, and medals for all runners.
Excited to place 1st in my age group and win a WHOLE PUMPKIN PIE!

10/20/2024

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon

Columbus, Ohio

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  3:58:25

Overall Place:  1511th Place / 3583

Division Place:  417th Place / 1379

Renee Buckus

Finish Time:  5:35:36

Overall Place:  3317th Place / 3583

Division Place:  1225th Place / 1379

Race Recap By Christine Churpek:

I ran the Columbus Marathon this weekend which was my 11th marathon! The day started perfectly.  My training leading up to the race went great, I felt amazing at the start and was totally in the zone. Unfortunately, at mile 6.5, I took a hard spill, scraping my knees, elbow, and palms. I shook it off and kept a solid pace, but by mile 18, my left knee started to give out. I considered dropping out since my goal of 3:40 was slipping away.
But then I remembered I had two athletes running their first marathon out there. I had to finish! After some more walking, my knee started feeling better, so I went for it. I crossed the finish line in 3:58:25.  It was not the time I wanted, but I finished strong!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support us. This weekend is one I’ll never forget. Now it’s time to get back to training and come back even stronger and faster!

Race Recap By Renee Buckus:

I’m not going to be one of those people that make running a marathon my whole personality (jk, I totally am) but this one isn’t about me, ok?! This is about my people – the ones that took time out of their weekend to come support us, surround us with good energy, run around a big, busy city to find us and cheer for us and give us the biggest hugs at the finish line. Geez. They showed up and our hearts were full. I had the biggest, full teeth smile on my face all day yesterday! “Thank you” surely isn’t enough but holy moly, we are SO thankful! I know I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did yesterday without these people. Having them there felt like I got to share my medal and dream come true with them. That’s exactly how I wanted it to feel, too! THANK YOU!!!!!