7/18/2026
Run The Galaxy 5K
Kent, Ohio
Steve Zenar
Finish Time: 27:09
Overall Place: 13th Place / 72
Division Place: 1st Place / 9
Nancy Wardell
Finish Time: 27:59
Overall Place: 15th Place / 72
Division Place: 3rd Place Overall Female Finisher
Laura Fairfax
Finish Time: 29:36
Overall Place: 20th Place / 72
Division Place: 1st Place / 10
Kelsie Kline
Finish Time: 29:57
Overall Place: 21st Place / 72
Division Place: 2nd Place / 10
Mike Williams
Finish Time: 30:56
Overall Place: 25th Place / 72
Division Place: 3rd Place / 5
Gretchen Snyder
Finish Time: 33:51
Overall Place: 34th Place / 72
Division Place: 3rd Place / 9
Gretchen Snyder, Kelsie Kline, Laura Fairfax and Scott Orlando all volunteered for race day duties.
Brittany Kiehl was at the race to support Team ER members.
Race Recap By Steve Zenar:
I had an absolute blast at the Run the Galaxy 5K tonight! We weren’t sure the race would even happen with the heavy storms rolling through, but our Race Directors stayed patient and pulled everything together right on time. (Minus the tree that fell across the path just after the first quarter mile — definitely added some adventure and extra memories for everyone out there!)
I’d already run 4 miles this morning in case the storms canceled the race, but my legs still felt great and I ended up finishing 1st in my age group (40–49). Huge thank you to all the volunteers who kept us safe and handled the weather like pros!
And as a bonus, it was awesome seeing so many Team-ER teammates out there running or volunteering . Time to relax until the next one
Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:
I ran the Run the Galaxy 5k in Kent this evening with a bunch of awesome Team-ER teammates! I’m so glad the weather calmed down long enough for us to have this race! The race was well organized and the turns were well marked and directed by volunteers. I love the shirt and finisher medals too! Great job to everyone who ran or volunteered today! It was really great seeing everyone and thanks Gretchen Snyder for being my twin! I finished at a total time of 27:59 with a pace of 9:01 and ended up being third female overall! Plaque will be given at a later date. Thanks again Scott Orlando for all the pictures and great job Josh Ritchie for timing and directing the whole race!
Race Recap By Laura Fairfax:
I ran the Galaxy 5K! My son Landon ran also and placed third overall! I placed first in my age group! What a fun night!
Race Recap By Gretchen Snyder:
It was a crazy time last night running in between storms, but about 100 runners came out to race the Run the Galaxy 5k in Kent!
The course ended up being 3.5 miles, so everyone’s finishing times were slightly off.
I felt strong for miles one and two, but then I quickly became dizzy and sick. I’m not sure if it was the humidity, air quality, heat exhaustion or what, but I couldn’t get my breathing on track. Thankfully, another runner (Steven?) noticed and ran/jogged/walked with me for the final 1.5 miles to ensure that I was okay. What a gift!
Every race is different – some days I race well and others, like last night, I just get through.
Thank you to Ritchies Sporting Goods for putting on a well-organized event! Volunteering beforehand was a blast!
Race Recap By Mike Williams:
I ran the Run The Galaxy in Kent, Ohio. The storms made it interesting, but I ended up having a great race.
Race Recap By Scott Orlando:
I had a fun time tonight volunteering at the Run The Galaxy 5K in Kent, Ohio tonight.
The weather was pretty turbulent with severe thunderstorms popping up everywhere. Luckily after a few strong cells of rain and wind passed by we were able to send the runners off down the trail between storms. The rain actually reduced the humidity and temperature, but it was a muggy night for a race.
The race field was small with just under 100 runners but I think they all had fun.
Thank you to the young runner and his mother who made cookies for the volunteers. They were delicious!
It was great seeing so many Team ER members there racing and volunteering.
