6/7/2025 John Fabianich McClay, Josh Keane, Christine Churpek, Rachel Turner, And Stephanie Orwick Eagle Up Ultra Canal Fulton, Ohio

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6/7/2025

Eagle Up Ultra

Canal Fulton, Ohio

100 Mile Trail Race

John Fabianich McClay,

Finish Time:

Overall Place:

Division Place:

Josh Keane

Finish Time:

Overall Place:

Division Place:

100 Mile Relay

Team Collectively Happy Paces

Finish Time:

Overall Place:

Division Place:

Team ER Members Christine Churpek, Rachel Turner And Stephanie Orwick.

Volunteers:

John Fabianich McClay
Josh Keane
Lisa Keane
Lynett McClay

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

I participated in the Eagle Up Ultra over the weekend, a 24-hour race. The course is flat and fast, consisting of a 5-mile loop with various distances ranging from 25k to 100 miles. The aid stations were plentiful. The Race Director Jeremy Followay and the volunteers organized a successful event. I completed the 100-mile distance in 22 hours and 11 minutes. Congratulations to all finishers and thank you to Billie Kay for her assistance at the end.

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

Eagle up Ultra is a 24hr race that is located in Canal Fulton that supports veterans .This course is flat and fast and is a 5 mile loop on the tow path. This race also consists of multiple distance starting with 25k all the way to 100 miles. Aid stations were plentiful with everyone needs including Old Carolina BBQ for lunch and pizza for dinner. The runners received a wrist band for 2 free beers from Lockport Brewery . Racers also receive a soft tank top and finishers medals. Packet pick up is easy the night before or morning of. They had multiple port-a-potties. Many racers and spectators were able to camp out and cheer their runners on along the coarse. I loved volunteering for this race.

6/7/2025 Scott Orlando, Veronica Neubert, And Russ Neubert The Headwaters Adventure Race Mantua, Ohio

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6/7/2025

The Headwaters Adventure Race

2 Mile Run, 10 Mile Bike, And 5 Mile Kayak

Mantua, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  1:49:58

Overall Place:  3rd Place Overall / 83

Division Place:  N/A

Veronica Neubert,

Finish Time:  2:01:32

Overall Place:  2nd Place Overall Female / 83

Division Place:  N/A

Russ Neubert

Finish Time:  2:06:23

Overall Place:  18th Place / 83

Division Place: 3rd Place / 8

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

Yesterday I competed in the Headwaters Adventure Race. The race consists of a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, and 5 mile kayak. I had a solid clean race and finished in 3rd place overall.
I felt strong on the run and even held back a little averaging around a 7:20 pace trying to conserve energy for the nasty hills waiting for me on the bike course.
The hills on the bike course definitely showed in my average speed, but I felt a little better than I thought I would. I passed several bikes ahead of me and was passed by just one biker as I made my way to Camp Hi for the bike to kayak transition.
The kayak leg was really tough this year with the water being very low and slow. There was lots of debris (rocks, branches, and trees) to navigate around. With the water level being so low polarized sunglasses were essential for spotting obstacles hiding under the surface. Once in the kayak. I quickly caught up to and passed several kayaks and tandem canoes. I think most were relay teams. I was sandwiched by a kayak and aluminum tandem canoe that rammed the side of my kayak while it struggled to make a sharp turn. Once I got through the traffic I was alone on the river.
Even with the help of the polarized glasses I still hit my share of logs and caught a few paddle edges that almost flipped me. There were just so many obstacles and tight turns it was nearly impossible not to hit a few things paddling a 19’ surfski.
I saw some spectators on the bank that informed me I was in 5th place. I kept pushing and at mile 3 caught up to a young man. He saw me gaining on him and started paddling harder. His rental kayak was no match for my Stellar SR Multisport and I passed him. Soon after I passed the racer that passed me on the bike. I was once again alone on the river and didn’t see another racer.
I saw the last bridge before the takeout point and picked up the pace to the cheers of the spectators above. There was a shelf of rocks just in front of the bridge with extremely shallow water and no safe line. I hated hearing the sound of my kayak scrape the rocks but the multisport hull did its job and staid intact. I made my way to the bank of the river, volunteers steadied my kayak while I got out, and sprinted through the finish chute to claim 3rd place overall.  My finish time of 1:49:58 was slower than the previous 2 years.  I believe my run and bike splits were similar to if not faster than the previous last 2 years but my kayak leg was much slower do to the lower river conditions.
It’s a great day of racing when you make the big podium for overall awards.
Congratulations to Veronica Neubert who placed 2nd overall for the women in a photo finish that was really too close to call. She could have easily been declared the winner. Both women deserved to win.
Congratulations to Russ Neubert who competed in his first triathlon in over 2 years after undergoing hip replacement surgery.
All participants received nice t-shirts and finisher medals.  There were plenty of post race snacks.  This year the race date was moved up to June to coincide with a festival at the same park making for a busy, energetic, and fun finisher celebration.
Thank you to Portage Park District Foundation and all of the volunteers for putting on an amazing race. The race was so well organized and everything ran so smoothly.

 

Race Recap By Veronica Neubert:

Nothing like a little triathlon before the big  dance recital.  It was a photo finish (we crossed the same time) but I will gladly take 2nd place.  One of thee most challenging paddles with lots of debris and the water level being  really low.

6/7/2025 Lisa Keane, Nancy Wardell, Lynett McClay, And Kelli Tomblin The Strawberry Festival 5K Bolivar, Ohio

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6/7/2025

The Strawberry Festival 5K

Bolivar, Ohio

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  26:33

Overall Place:  50th Place / 206

Division Place:  1st Place / 10

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  30:33

Overall Place:  97th Place / 206

Division Place:  3rd Place / 13

Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  34:59

Overall Place:  139th Place / 206

Division Place:  6th Place / 10

Volunteers

Kelli Tomblin

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Nothing says summer more than a Strawberry Festival 5K!
Great communication leading up to race day Ample, free parking a short walk to the start / finish.
Organized and easy packet pick up.
Chip timing for a flat, fast road race.
Course is well marked with police / volunteer presence for safety.
All runners get a soft SS tee or there is “no shirt” option for a discount
Water, snacks, and Strawberry beer after the race in a fun, festive atmosphere!
Loved hanging with my Team ER peeps!
Top 3 overall and age group awards
Very excited to place 1st in my age group!

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

! completed the Strawberry Festival 5k with my other half, grand baby for the seedlings run, and some awesome teammates who had me cracking up! I love this race each year in Bolivar, Ohio! This is a nice flat course and has a nice after award ceremony with some fruit, granola bars, and strawberry ale if you want! I got third in my age group with a total time of 30:33 and pace of 9:50 which I’m super happy with!! Love the festival and activities with this event too!

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

The Strawberry Festival 5k is a great way to start your summer off. . This race is flat and fast with multiple police and volunteers made it safe and easy to run through town and through the industrial park with 1 water stop on this hot steamy morning.. Packet it pick up was easy the morning of with a short walk to the start/ finish. Plenty of parking for all. There were plenty of snacks for after the race including strawberry beer. Each participant receives a soft tee with exception of not receiving a t-shirt with a small discount. I also set a personal record on this race with a time of 34:58. I will definitely try to keep this race in the schedule.

5/31/2025 Nancy Wardell Chip chase 5K Brewster, Ohio

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5/31/2025

Chip Chase 5K

Brewster, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  31:19

Overall Place:  77th Place / 190

Division Place:  5th Place / 14

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I ran the Chip Chase 5k last night in Brewster, Ohio and signed up the grandson, Waylon, for his first race called “Chip off the old Block!” He did fantastic!! Not first place but…not last place either!! I had to give him a little guidance but he crossed the finish line!
The 5k course was fairly easy with slight elevation and well marked directions at every turn! The race ended at the fair, so there was plenty to do with family afterwards as well. Loved the swag they gave us and tons of snacks and little gift vouchers in the race packets as well! I highly recommend this one for fellow runners with little ones!
I finished the race at 31:19 and a pace of 10:05 I placed 5th in my age group! I’ll try it again next year!

5/26/2025 Veronica Neubert, Steve Zenar, Mike Williams, Josh Keane, Lisa Keane, Kevin Christensen, Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford, Brittany Kiehl, And Russ Neubert The Tallmadge Memorial Day 5K And 1 Mile Run Tallmadge, Ohio

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5/26/2025

The Tallmadge Memorial Day 5K And 1 Mile Run

Tallmadge, Ohio

5K

Veronica Neubert

Finish Time:  23:49

Overall Place:  36th Place / 163

Division Place:  1st Place / 9

Steve Zenar

Finish Time:  23:53

Overall Place:  37th Place / 163

Division Place:  3rd Place / 6

Mike Williams

Finish Time:  26:13

Overall Place:  59th Place / 163

Division Place:  3rd Place / 6

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  26:21

Overall Place:  60th Place / 163

Division Place:  4th Place / 6

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  26:33

Overall Place:  62nd Place / 163

Division Place:  1st Place / 5

Kevin Christensen

Finish Time:  28:09

Overall Place:  81at Place / 163

Division Place:  1st Place / 4

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  30:02

Overall Place:  100th Place / 163

Division Place:  3rd Place / 5

1 Mile Run

Brittany Kiehl,

Finish Time:  14:54

Overall Place:  22nd Place / 26

Division Place:  N/A

Volunteers

Russ Neubert volunteered to be part of the bike escort to lead the runners.

Josh Keane, Lisa Keane, and Veronica Neubert also volunteered before and after the race.

Race Recap By Veronica Neubert:

I was nervous to run this morning, last race was Loop the Lake in September with Josh and Lisa. I ended up 5th female overall and first in my age group. Glad the knees held up!

Race Recap By Steve Zenar:

I had a wonderful time today at the Tallmadge Memorial Day 5K. Always enjoy running through my Hometown (albeit a couple of the hills always make for a nice bonus challenge). Goal for the day was to go sub 24 minutes – achieved – This was a new PR for this course for me and allowed me to place 3rd  in my age group. It was wonderful to see several Team-ER members who also rocked it today! A Special Thank You to our Veterans who also were recognized at the beginning of the race – well deserved. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. See you all at the next race soon!

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Perfect event for the whole family to kick off your Memorial Day holiday and summer running season!
Organized with plenty of free parking close to the start / finish.
Out and back mostly flat road race with one long, gradual hill. Well marked with police / volunteers presence for safety.
The race started with a short honor to our Veterans and Active Duty Service Members. Gun start / chip finish
Nice after party with music, snacks, and giveaways. Stick around immediately after for the local Memorial Day parade!
All runners receive a patriotic SS tee
Overall and age group awards – excited to place 1st in my age group this year!
Loved seeing so many Team ER members running this weekend! Lots of medals handed out! Congratulations to you all!

Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:

I completed the 1 mile race with my family. It was well organized with easy parking. We received soft t-shirts. There were plenty of post race snacks. There were overall/ age group awards for the 5K. We went to the pancake breakfast afterwards at the community center, and watched the very short parade. This was a fun way to start Memorial Day!

5/26/2025 Nancy Wardell Norma Johnson Follow The Flock 5K Trail Race Dover, Ohio

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5/26/2025

Norma Johnson Follow The Flock 5K Trail Race

Dover, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  41:24

Overall Place:  34th Place / 49

Division Place:  1st Place / 3

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I completed the Norma Johnson Center “Follow the Flock” 5k this morning in Dover, OH. This is a very hilly and challenging course so be prepared before you try it! This is a beautiful trail run through the woods and has a great after celebration either inside or outside on the patio depending on the weather. They even do raffle drawings and have vendors up sometimes, they just couldn’t this year. I finished first in my age group with a time of 41:24 and pace of 13:20. Hope to try it again next year!

5/25/2025 Kristin Quesenberry Gunyula, George McFall, Roy Miller, Christine Churpek, And Peter Heroux The Buffalo Marathon Buffalo, New, York

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5/25/2025

The Buffalo Marathon

Buffalo, New, York

Kristin Quesenberry Gunyula

Finish Time:  3:19:25

Overall Place:  162nd Place / 1209

Division Place: 2nd Place / 49

Ran A Boston Qualifying Time

George McFall

Finish Time:  3:19:25

Overall Place:  167th Place / 1209

Division Place:  6th Place / 41

Ran A Boston Qualifying Time

Roy Miller

Finish Time:  3:33:06

Overall Place: 274th Place / 1209

Division Place:  10th Place /41

Christine Churpek, And Peter Heroux where on location taking pictures and providing race support for Team ER members.

Race Recap By George McFall:

Now that I have had time to process yesterday’s race I am ready to share a recap. I will try to keep it short but not sure that will actually happen because there is so much to unpack. My goal was 3:17 which was a 3 minute buffer for Boston (my age group BQ time is 3:20:00). This was my first time doing the Buffalo Marathon. I was so excited to do this race with Roy Miller and Kristi Quesenberry Gunyula. Peter Heroux and Christine Churpek made the trip to cheer us on. The race started at 6:30am. It was partly cloudy and the temp was in the mid/upper 40s. Ideal running conditions. The course offered a variety of climbs and downhills. We ventured into a park or two. Ran through a cool marina and what seemed like a lot of roundabouts. There were plenty of aid stations with water and Gatorade and some aid stations offered GU gels. Kristi and I ran the first 20 miles together which was awesome but I started having cramps in my right calf and hamstring so I backed off the 7:30 goal pace. I even had to stop at one point to stretch which is usually not a good thing to do. I fought hard to get back in the mix and had to fight even harder to maintain an 8ish pace to achieve my goal. My coach Jennifer Simmerman was there with me every step of the way encouraging me to push through the pain and to fight for what I wanted. Kristi was ahead of me but she was still in sight. I wanted so bad to catch up to her but that didn’t happen. 3:17 was out the window and I wasn’t sure if 3:20 was even realistic anymore but I didn’t quit. About a mile or so out, I dug deep. I didn’t want to fail. We approached another roundabout and what I thought would be the straight away to the finish line but there was a right turn then a sharp left around orange cones then a right turn onto the final stretch of road to the finish line. This is when I was able to see the clock and saw it hit 3:20:00 then 3:20:01, 3:20:02…. and at that moment, I thought I didn’t get a BQ. I got across the finish line and fell to my knees. Part frustration part my body was hurting. I gave it everything I had. I didn’t know what my finishing time was until my coach told me and at that moment I broke down and cried. 7 years of trying… missing a BQ two times by 12 seconds.. but I never gave up on my goal. I ran a 3:19:47. New PR and a BQ!!! Kristi ran a PR time of 3:19:25 and Roy ran one hell of a race in his first marathon in a while. His time was 3:33:06. Kristi was 2nd in her AG, I placed 6th in my age group and Roy who is also in my age group was 10th. It was a good day for Team ER in Buffalo. I have so much more to say but will end the recap with a big THANK YOU to everyone who showed up for me the last 7 years.

Race Recap By Roy Miller:

This marathon (my 20th) probably had more meaning to me than any of the ones I had done before. I decided since I turned 50 this year it was time to race for a real reason. My race was a dedication and fundraiser for the National 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. If you are not sure what that is please reach out to me and I can tell you all about it. I raised almost $1000 for the lifeline. Too many of those that have been a part of my life have suffered through depression and I have lost too many. Some family, some friends and others that I have shared both great and rough days with.
The marathon itself was great. The weather was fantastic and the course was really well laid out aside from some rough areas on a few of the roads on the back half. I started out looking to just get through a marathon and feel accomplished and healthy at the end. My last few marathons didn’t quite go as I had planned. This was all about nutrition and keeping my pace in check. I am happy to say that I crossed this finish line without having to walk and had my head held high as I crossed the finish line. 3:33:06 is the second fastest marathon I have run and the fastest since 3:28 over 10 years ago when I was between Ironman training. I would definitely go back and run Buffalo again.

 

5/24/2025 John Fabianich McClay, Josh Keane, Lisa Keane, Terri Bednar, And Lynett McClay The Fools Trail Race Peninsula, Ohio

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5/24/2025

The Fools Trail Race

Peninsula, Ohio

8 Hour Trail Race

John Fabianich McClay

Finish Time:  7:31:59

Overall Place:  4th Place: 62

Division Place:  1st Place / 3

Miles Completed:  40.3 miles

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  7:47:52

Overall Place:  33rd Place / 62

Division Place:  3rd Place / 6

Miles Completed:  31 miles

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  7:47:56

Overall Place:  34th Place / 62

Division Place:  2nd Place / 5

Miles Completed:  31 Miles

4 Hour Trail Race

Terri Bednar

Finish Time:  3:53:09

Overall Place:  30th Place / 60

Division Place:  1st Place / 3

Miles Completed:  18.6 miles

Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  3:46:56

Overall Place:  52nd Place / 60

Division Place:  2nd Place / 3

Miles Completed:  12/4 Miles

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

Fool 2-4-8 Hour Trail Run. Initially, I was not planning to participate in this run due to personal reasons. However, I am pleased that I did. I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone who completed the run. Western Reserve Racing organized a well-executed event. The communication was excellent, the course was well-marked, and the aid station was fully stocked with everything a runner needed. Notably, the aid station offered mashed potatoes and sloppy joe, which was a delightful surprise. I finished fourth overall and first in my age group, completing 13 loops for a total of 40 miles. Western Reserve Racing

Race Recap By Josh Keane:

Fools 2-4-8 Hour Race was a blast! We had a lot of fun running this one with all of its muddy turns and cool temperatures. The race was very well organized and the 5k loop course was marked great. This course runs through mostly single track trails on an old Boy Scout camp. The aid station was well stocked and the volunteers and observers were fantastic to see after each loop. Team ER showed up and did an outstanding job with each member placing in their age group. I was happy to get another 50k in and place third in my age group. We will definitely look at doing this one again in the future!

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Looking for a chance to step up your game? This event is for you!
Good communication, easy directions, and ample free parking a short hike to the start / finish.
Plenty of space for runners / spectators to set up tents as well as a fully stocked and manned aid station for easy access support during this endurance race. The volunteers / RDs were top notch!
Choose 2,4, or 8 hours to complete as many 5K loops as you can. This spring I have been focusing on my 25K so this felt like the perfect opportunity to go for a full marathon. I chose the 8 hour option and ended up passing my marathon goal and finished with a 50K and 2nd in my age group!
The course is well marked trail through the woods with only 167’ of elevation per loop. Mostly single track with 3 road crossings, some typical obstacles, and plenty of mud!
Several outhouses located along the course and a nice shower house / indoor facilities at the start / finish.
All athletes receive a soft SS tee and finishers medal. Top 3 overall and age group awards.
Shout out to all my TEAM ER trailblazers who showed up and took home the bling! Way to represent! CONGRATULATIONS!

Race Recap By Terri Bednar:

the Fools 4-hour trail race was great! Well organized and the course was excellent! There were even showers you could use after. The aid station was great with lots of good food and fuel.  I got a cool medal and 1st in my age group!

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

The Fools 2,4, and 8 hour trail run consists of a 3.1-mile single-track loop through the wooded terrain of Camp Manatoc. Spectators have access to ample parking, allowing them to observe the runners at various points along the course. The terrain features a moderate elevation gain of 167 feet, with rolling hills and mud. Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the course, and a shower room is available after a short hike. The aid station provided sufficient support for all participants. On the day of the event, we experienced favorable weather conditions, with plenty of sunshine and a gentle, chilly breeze. Having not run extensively due to caring for my husbands ailing father, I was pleased to finish second in my age group, although I was unable to complete additional laps due to time constraints.