9/14/2025Crowell Hilaka Trail Run Richfield, Ohio
50K Trail Race
John Fabianich McCLay
Finish Time: 6:13:31
Overall Place: 8th Place / 16
Division Place: 2nd Place / 5
Josh Keane
Finish Time: 6:44:22
Overall Place: 12th Place / 16
Division Place: 5th Place / 5
Half Marathon Trail Race
Lisa Keane
Finish Time: 2:29:56
Overall Place: 16th Place / 29
Division Place: 1st Place / 4
Lynett McClay
Finish Time: 3:11:04
Overall Place: 21st Place / 29
Division Place: 3rd Place / 4
10K Trail Race
Veronica Neubert
Finish Time: 56:50
Overall Place: 1st Place / 18
Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:
I am posting this update a bit belatedly. On Sunday, 9-14-25, I completed the Crowell Hilaka 50k Trail Race. This race was a return to the basics, with a traditional gun start and the race director personally verifying bibs at each loop, which consisted of a 6-mile loop. The course featured moderately technical terrain, including a couple of water crossings. The event featured clear communication and straightforward directions. Packet pickup was efficiently organized, with plenty of parking available. Although the course was well-marked, many runners, including myself, experienced confusion and got lost. I hope the race director will host this event again next year, allowing for a chance to improve.
Race Recap By Lisa Keane:
Crowell Hilaka Trail Run – Half Marathon
Nice price for a great trail race through beautiful Richfield Heritage Preserve!
Good communication, easy directions, organized packet pick up, and ample free parking near the start / finish.
Back to the basics gun start and the race director checking bibs at the finish.
Small race – All 3 distances started together for a 6 mile loop and a short out and back to finish.
Course was REALLY confusing. Pretty sure every single person got lost at least once. 3x for me! (That I know of)
Typically this could be super stressful for competitive runners but it turned into a joke with runners criss crossing each other or missing entire sections! The race director and runners added distance at their discretion to meet their goals.
One water station on course and snacks / hydration at the start / finish.
Terrain was fairly technical with tons of roots and rocks, some grass, a lot of gravel, and some elevation. There were a couple of water crossings but super dry this year.
Nice shirt / finishers medal
Awards for overall male / female only were pumpkins!
The race director said that she had planned on this being the last year but had such positive feedback, might do it again. I would definitely do it again!
Race Recap By Lynett McClay:
The Crowell Hilaka 50k, 1/2 marathon, and 10k courses showcased the natural beauty of Richfield Heritage Preserve. Although the course was primarily single technical track, it also incorporated sections of gravel roads., grass, roots, and some elevation. A couple of water crossings but they were dry due to no rain. The 2-loop design allowed all distances to start simultaneously. However, I encountered some difficulty navigating the course due to unclear markings, resulting in missing at least 2 miles. In contrast, the event organization excelled in regards to packet pick-up and parking arrangements. Runners were supported by two aid stations – one halfway point offering water, and the start/finish area providing a comprehensive range of essentials. The top 3 finishers were awarded a pumpkin as a prize. Despite initial concerns about discontinuing the event due to low participation, the RD may reconsider hosting it again next year following overwhelmingly positive feedback. My experience was enjoyable, and I would be interested in participating again.
