8/2/2025

Alaska Distance Classic

Anchorage, Alaska

Josh Keane

5K And 10K Double Up Distance Challenge

Finish Time: 1:23:47

5K Finish Time:  26:49

10K Finish Time:  56:59

Overall Place:  74th Place / 223

Division Place:  49th Place / 96

Race Recap By Josh Keane:

Truly blessed! I get to travel all over the country for work and occasionally get to squeeze in a race. The Alaska Distance classic is in the books! What a great location in Anchorage at Alaska Pacific University. You could do the 5k, 10k, or Double up and do both. I chose the Double Up version and had a blast. Mostly flat and fast with a few decent hills. Course was great, volunteers were great and a fun party atmosphere after the race including locally sourced root beer floats. Would definitely run this one again if it is ever in the cards!! Now on to some fishing!!

8/2/2025

Rocket Run 5K

Bowerston, Oho

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  28:03

Overall Place:  18th Place / 45

Division Place:  2nd Place / 6

Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  36:41

Overall Place:  37th Place / 45

Division Place:  4th Place / 6

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

It was a beautiful morning for this inaugural 5K with my bestie in the country to support the Conotton Valley Rockets!
Good communication, easy directions, ample free parking, organized packet pickup!
Tons of alumni and student support with the band playing the National Anthem, cheerleaders rooting us on, and students handing out water or running along side us!
Chip timing
Course was well marked out and back with plenty of volunteers for safety and access to the water station twice.
Several small hills and one large hill gave us a nice challenge. Road were not closed but lightly traveled and the surface was mostly gravel roads making it a little slower for runner safety and stability.
Fun finish on the 50 with free finisher photos
Runners receive a short sleeve cotton tee (with a $5 discount no shirt option). Finishers medal and after race snacks for all runners. Top male / female and top 3 age group winners got an Amazon gift card!

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

It was a gorgeous morning for the inaugural Rocket Run to support the Conotton Valley rockets. The morning temperature was great for and early morning run. There was great communication, easy packet pick up and plenty of parking and indoor plumbing. The course was out and back with some rolling hills and 1 big hill. The course was mostly gravel with a few paved areas. There was 1 water station that you can hit 2x. They had plenty of volunteers that consisted of students from the football team and cheerleading in helping cheer on the runners and direct you in the right place. They also had the band play the national anthem. Even though I struggled with my breathing and telling my body to move my time wasn’t too far off from a personal record.

7/27/2025

Muddy Princes 5K Obstacle Run

Canton, Ohio

Kelli Tomblin

Finish Time:  N/A

Overall Place:  N/A

Division Place:  N/A

Race Recap By Kelli Tomblin:

My friends Lori & Felicia & I did the muddy princess today! It did not disappoint! A lot of muddy fun ! Good directions . 2 water stations. If you don’t feel comfortable doing some you can skip out. Nice to see people helping people .Hose off station at the end.  This was year 4 . Definitely going next year!

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!

7/27/2025

Millersburg Food Run 10K

Millersburg, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  1:04:45

Overall Place:  9th Place

Division Place:  1st Place

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I completed the Millersburg Food Run 10k this morning and Millersburg Ohio! Love this race every year and how it supports the food pantry for those in need. You can choose to complete the 5k or 10k and get automatically entered into their raffle baskets if you participate! I finished the 10k 1st in my age group at 1:04:45 and pace of 10:26. The humidity and rain were still a little rough for me, but I did my best! Tons of great snacks and 1st place runners in each 10 year age group earns a $10 subway gift card! I’ll be back again next year!

7/26/2025

Ohio State Canoe, Kayak, And Paddle Board Championships

Fairport Harbor, Ohio

5 Mile Race

Finish Time:  50:14

Overall Place:  4th Place

Scott Orlando

It was a Stellar day of kayak racing at the 16th Annual – Ohio State Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Championships. I finished 4th overall in the 5 mile race with a time of 50:14 which was over 3 minutes faster than last year.  The weather was hot and humid. The river was low and calm.  It rained a little during the first mile but stopped and the sun started coming out from behind the clouds.  I got off to a little bit of a slow start being pinned between a paddle board and a kayaker that was a little challenged to go straight.  I finally passed them and was quickly up near the front of the pack.  I established the 4th spot early in the race and maintained it through the finish.  The first two kayaks were well in front.  The third place kayak was within site and I was slowly gaining ground.  I pushed hard the second half of the race and continued to get closer but never fully caught up far enough to make a sprint to the finish.  I crossed the finish line just 45 seconds behind him to secure 4th place.

I was a little disappointed that all boats over 14’ 6” were grouped into the same race class this year. For this reason I did not earn a medal which was the first time that has happened at this race for me. Usually 18’ kayaks are in a fast sea kayak division and kayaks over 18’ are in an unlimited division. I am not clear why the change occurred this year. I discussed it with the race director and he said he would change it back next year but not this year.

The main draw of this event is the 10 mile race that happens after the 5 mile race. The 10 mile race still had the more traditional boat classes. Many choose to compete in both races. Some compete in the 5 mile race because they aren’t comfortable or capable kayaking 10 miles. I am capable of kayaking 10 miles but choose the 5 mile race because it’s earlier and I can get on with my day. I don’t really understand why the boat classes are different at an event that features two separate races. To me it makes sense to have the same boat classes in both race distances. Hopefully next year the improve the situation.

All participants received nice t-shirts.  There were plenty of snacks on hand to fuel up paddlers after the races.  I will say the donuts hit the spot after the 5 mile race!

It was great seeing so many of my kayak friends out on the water today.  Performance Kayak & Surfski Inc. and Stellar Kayaks had a big day taking home a lot of medals . Congratulations to all of today’s paddlers and thank you to Joe Krizman and all of the volunteers that put on a great race.

7/26/2025

The Elephant Run 5K

Orville, Ohio

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time:  41:59

Overall Place:  291st / 774

Division Place:  38th Place / 142

Brittany Also volunteered for packet pick up duties.

Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:

This race benefits Forget-Me-Not-Baskets, Inc. A non-profit organization that provides bereavement baskets to families who have experienced a loss during pregnancy or childbirth at the hospital.
I volunteered for packet pickup. Packet pickup was easy with an option to pickup early. Easy parking at Wayne College with overflow parking at the YMCA down the street. Parking is limited, though, with it being such a large number of participants. The course was a nice out and back around Wayne College. There was one long hill about 1 mile into the race. And the last 1 mile or so was directly in the sun with no shade on the road in front of the College.
It is a family friendly race with a distance for everyone – 5K, 1 mile and kids fun run. Strollers are allowed. They had a tattoo station setup for the kids. They have a moment of remembrance for those that have lost a baby before the 5K. Ott’s Coffee is available for purchase. There was a great variety of post race snacks including chocolate milk and Lerch’s donuts. It was a fun after party atmosphere with a DJ. The 1 mile and 5K participants received a shirt and medal.

7/25/2025

Stink Stank Stunk 5K

Bolivar, Ohio

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  28:26

Overall Place:  27th Place / 96

Division Place:  4th Place / 16

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  29:44

Overall Place:  31st Place / 96

Division Place:  1st Place / 12

Kelli Tomblin

Finish Time:  35:47

Overall Place:  51st Place / 96

Division Place:  7th Place / 16

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

It was a nice turn out for this inaugural CHRISTMAS IN JULY themed event to raise money for local families in need!
Good communication, easy and organized packet pick up
Ample free parking
Fun venue with music for a party atmosphere
Gun start on a narrow walking path created a pretty big bottle neck at the start
Chip finish for a flat, fast out and back course on the walking path and through a quiet neighborhood
Well marked with plenty of volunteers for safety and one water station on course and one at the finish
No snacks for finishers
Fun themed medals
“No shirt” option for all participants at a $5 discount.
Not enough swag bags for everyone
Overall and 10 year age groups got a cute Christmas ornament award
I had the best time hanging with my Team ER girls! You two always make me smile!

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

! completed the first time Stink Stank Stunk 5K in Bolivar this evening and had such a great time! The heat was definitely coming down today, but there were a few clouds that gave us a little reprieve from the attacking sun rays! Loved seeing fellow Team-ER members Lisa Keane and Kelli Tomblin at this event and enjoyed or photo ops brought to us by Lisa of course.  Tons of great goodies at this race and the course was nice and flat! I ended up finishing 1st in my age group with a time of 29:44 and pace of 9:34!! The finisher medals were super cute and i easily attached my place award to the finisher medal as a nice keepsake! They even had some free raffle items at the end for races where a friend of mine donated part of her winning raffle to me to go out to eat at “The Brewhouse” worth $25!! I will definitely be doing this race again next year!

Race Recap By Kelli Tomblin:

The 1st Annual Stink Stank Stunk was so fun & festive. Very hot & muggy. Funds went to local needy kids for back to school/ Christmas. That was a perfect reason to enter! Good water station . Fast & flat. Plenty of volunteers encouraging you & making sure your going in the right direction. Really cool after party at Lockport. Raffle prizes were cool. Games for kids. Plenty of room for everyone. Cold drinks & food after. Definitely doing it again next year! Had fun with Lisa Keane & Nancy Wardell!

7/20/2025

The Lake Metroparks Pirate Triathlon

Fairport Harbor, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  1;21;29

Overall Place:  1st Place / 26

Veronica Neubert

Finish Time:  1:32:10

Overall Place:  4th Place / 26

Division Place:  1st Place Overall Female Finisher / 13

Russ Neubert

Finish Time:  1:53:35

Overall Place:  15th Place / 26

Division Place:  5th Place / 6

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

This morning I competed in the Lake Metroparks Pirate Triathlon. Everything just clicked today and I was the overall winner of the kayak triathlon! This was the first time I have been the overall winner of a triathlon.

The race starts with a 2K kayak on Lake Erie. Kayaking was rough. We got tossed around in the wind and waves. I got off to a slow start but finished strong being the first kayak out of the water. My 20K bike leg was strong and I was the first biker into transition. My 5K run felt smooth and efficient and I crossed the finish line in 1:21:29 winning by about 2 minutes. My finish time was just a few seconds off of last year’s finish time.

Congratulations to Veronica Judith who was the female overall winner and to Russ Neubert who after the Lake Erie waves flipped his kayak managed to get back in and finished the race strong.

It was a little disappointing to see such a small race field this year in the kayak triathlon with 32 participants. The swim triathlon had 260 entries. There was a large competing kayak race and Ohio Ironman 70.3 this weekend that I’m sure spread out racers.

All participants received custom pirate themed tech shirts and finisher medals.  A selection of cut fruit, cookies, salty snacks, and Gatorade was available post race.  Lake Metroparks does a really nice job organizer their events and this race was no exception.   I do think the awards could be better managed.  They always offer a first place overall award  no second or third place overall awards and then age group awards every 10 years.  I would prefer that they present awards for the top three overall male and female finishers.  This year they combined age groups every 15 years because of the low registration numbers in the kayak triathlon.  The overall male and overall female winners of the kayak triathlon received two trophies.  We each received an overall winner trophy and and age group winner trophy.  Most races do not include overall winners in age divisions and I would prefer to see this race follow that format and spread the awards around more.  Thank you to Lake Metroparks and all of the volunteers for putting on a great race!

Race Recap By Veronica Neubert:

Sunday, 6:30am I’m watching the tracker as Cameron begins his swim at the Ohio 70.3 Ironman.  He finishes his swim before the 8:00am men’s kayak portion of our triathlon begins. 8:05am female and team kayak division begins. (Thank you to Scott Orlando for the use of your Stellar performance kayak and your first triathlon win!) The waves were rough and I struggled to right the boat a few times but ended up first female to hit the shore, second out of transition. I caught up quickly and passed the other female on the bike. The bike route was SO windy I had to work hard the entire time but I remembered Cam was fighting the same wind and had more than double the amount to ride than I did. I was first female to finish the bike and remained in first the entire run. It was humid and I was slower than I wanted to be but I only had a 5k to run and Cam had an entire half marathon! The feeling as I rounded the corner to the flags was joy! I had won (back to back 24 & 25)
Congratulations to Russ on finishing and his upbeat pirate performance!
I’m so happy they announced awards early because then I could make the drive from Mentor to Sandusky to see Cam finish! I can’t put into words how proud I am of his effort, his tenacity, his self discipline … that hug at the finish line brought me to tears! My son is so strong!

7/12/2025

The Women’s 6K Festival

Canton, Ohio

Laura Fairfax

Finish Time:  38:07

Overall Place:  212th Place / 442

Division Place:  38th Place / 60

Stephanie Orwick

Finish Time:  38:20

Overall Place:  215th Place / 442

Division Place:  39th Place / 60

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time:  53:18

Overall Place:  343rd Place / 442

Division Place:  51st Place / 60

Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:

This was my first all female 6K! I loved the camaraderie, energy and encouragement. It was a point-to-point course. So we were shuttled to the start. It seemed disorganized as they were using vans that only shuttled 6-8 people at a time. So the race was delayed by about 30 minutes. It was mostly downhill with a few up-hills sprinkled in. I felt there was a lot of police presence but not much crowd support. They ran out of water at the first water station. Many were upset because they were anticipating water just after mile 2. The course was well marked and there were free finish line photos. There was a finisher festival at the end with vendors and an awards ceremony. It was so hot and humid though that I didn’t stick around because I only wanted to cool down. There was also a farmer’s market just across the street. So I stopped for a cold brew from Rolling Refreshments instead of waiting in line for Bereka Coffee.