5/25/2026

The Norma Johnson Center Follow The Flock 5K Trail Race

Dover, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  36:34

Overall Place:  26th Place / 54

Division Place:  1st Place / 1

Lori Fritz

Finish Time:  40:24

Overall Place:  35th Place / 54

Division Place:  1st Place / 2

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I signed up last minute this morning for the Norma Johnson Center Follow the Flock 5k Trail Run in Dover, Ohio and I LOVED IT! I’ve completed this race the last couple years and was hesitant this year because of the weather, but the mud made it even better! I was thankful to finish this muddy and hilly coarse at a total time of 36:34 and pace of 11:46! I received first place in my age group and scored a bottle of wine with a lucky number! Even better was hanging out with running buddies!! Definitely a challenging course, but always have a great time with this race!

Race Recap By Lori Fritz:

I’ll be honest. I was actually kind of dreading this morning’s race Follow the Flock 5K at the Norma Johnson Center . It had pretty much rained all day yesterday and into the evening. I knew I was going to have wet shoes and socks. I took along my mosquito and tick repellent.
For most of you who know me, I am not what you would call a good trail runner.
Originally I had planned to beat my time from last year. Mother Nature said, okay, sure. And then she laughed at me. So I threw that number out the window and just concentrated on not falling down.
And you know what? IT. WAS. FUN!
The muddy sections gave the race a whole new element of fun to it, and I am so glad I did it!
Bonus is winning 1st in my age group and Super Bonus is getting to hang with my running friends!!

5/24/2026

The Cape Town Marathon

Cape Town, South Africa

Kristi Quesenberry Gunyula

Finish Time:  3:56:31

Overall Place:  5218th Place / 18471

Division Place:  365th Place / 2188

Race Recap By Kristi Quesenberry Gunyula:

Cape Town is currently waiting for its final evaluation to officially join the World Marathon Majors family. The atmosphere felt truly international, with huge numbers of foreign runners at the start line, elite athletes everywhere, Abbott gear all over the city, and constant conversation surrounding the idea of the “eighth major.” A total of 18,472 runners finished the race.
One thing that made the experience especially meaningful for me was getting to participate as part of the Age Group World Championships, which were held within the Cape Town Marathon itself. The organizers really went out of their way to make the championship athletes feel welcomed and valued, and that added something special to the entire weekend. Additional added bonus: Adidas was a main sponsor for the event and if you raced in adidas shoes, you were given a wristband after crossing the finish line for $120 shoe voucher on a future purchase. Amazing!

Difficulty-wise, I’d place the course somewhere in the moderate range. There are several long grinding sections, especially once the famous Cape Town wind starts blowing directly into your face. Side note: in Cape Town, locals seem to pay more attention to wind forecasts than temperature or rain. The weather there is incredibly unpredictable, which makes the possibility of race cancellation feel very real.
Overall, the organization was solid, though there’s still room for improvement in the area of water supply on the course. Several aid stations seemed overwhelmed at times. Security was taken seriously and there appeared to be no major incidents.

Cape Town itself is an incredibly beautiful place. Personally, I didn’t quite feel the same marathon atmosphere you experience at races like the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon or London Marathon, but that may naturally come with time as the event continues to grow on the world stage. At times, the city still felt somewhat separate from the marathon itself.
My personal thoughts: if you’re chasing the Majors or looking for a marathon that also offers a memorable travel experience, Cape Town is absolutely worth considering. The race itself may still be evolving, but the combination of running, scenery, culture, and the opportunity to experience Africa makes it a unique and meaningful event.

5/23/2026

The Medina Half Marathon

Medina, Ohio

Kris Engstrom

Finish Time: 2:04:03

Overall Place:  216th Place / 453

Division Place:  11th Place / 17

5K Virtual

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time: N/A

Overall Place:  N/A

Division Place:  N/A

Race Recap By Kris Engstrom:

I ran the Medina Half Marathon on Saturday.  The third year in a row I have completed this race. I hurt my foot a week before the race and was thinking of doing the 5k instead. When I got there I decided to just see what would happen. I ended up running a 2:04 with wind and a lot of rain but it was still fun. I plan on running it again next year.

Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:

The actual race was on Memorial Day weekend and we were out camping. So I sadly missed the race. I completed it today with a hike at the Nature Realm. I always love the Medina themed race medals. And I loved the design/ color green for this year’s soft, short-sleeve shirt.
The race director, Beth Anne, is also a teacher and does an amazing job with this race every year. I am not sure how she finishes up her school year and puts on this race.

8/23/2026

The Fools Trail Race

Peninsula Ohio

• 8 Hour Trail Race
• John Fabianich McClay
• Finish Time:  7:38:56
• Total Miles:  36.89
• Overall Place:  8th Place / 51
• Division Place:  1st Place / 4
• Josh Keane
• Finish Time:  7:19:57
• Total Miles:  28:21
• Overall Place:  25th Place / 51
• Division Place:  5th Place / 6

• Felicia Neal

• Finish Time:  7:19:55
• Total Miles:  26:04
• Overall Place:  32nd Place / 51
• Division Place:  2nd Place / 7

• Lisa Keane

• Finish Time:  7:19:55
• Total Miles:  26:04
• Overall Place:  33rd Place / 51
• Division Place:  1st Place / 2

• Half Marathon
• Terri Bednar

• Finish Time:  2:56:03
• Overall Place:  30th Place / 48
• Division Place:  1st Place / 1

• Marathon
• Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  Did Not Finish

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

On Saturday, I participated in the Fools trail run at Camp Manatoc, selecting the 8-hour option from the available distances of 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon. Due to the substantial rainfall on Friday, the course was modified to a 2-mile loop from the usual 3-mile loop to accommodate the muddy trail conditions. The course was well-marked, and ample parking and bathroom facilities were available. The aid stations received high praise. However, the course deteriorated into a muddy terrain due to the high volume of runners, resulting in three falls during my run. Despite these conditions, I achieved 8th place overall and 1st place in my age group. I commend all participants on their accomplishments.

Race Recap By Felicia Neal:

Saturday I participated in the Fools 8 hour. I was hoping to get a 50k but the mud was ankle deep and it was impossible to get a good footing. I was able to get just under a full marathon and I am happy with that outcome. The race was well organized, well marked, and they had a great aid station with mashed potatoes! I got 2nd place in my age ground for the 8 hr. I had a great time running with my team ER friends!

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Late spring trail race w/ distance options for every ability!
Well marked 5K trail loop with minimal elevation & few technical areas allows you to run fully supported or trial new gear / fuel / hydration.
Spring rains in Ohio resulted in the Race directors making a last minute decision to change the course from a 3 mile loop to a 2 mile loop to eliminate the most twisty turny mud hills but it helped only just a little. It was so muddy and slippery and only got worse through the day making forward progress slow!
Swag options, finisher’s medals for overall and division awards. I chose the 8 hour distance in hopes of getting a 50K but not this year. I did earn the full marathon and was super happy placing 1st in my age group!

Race Recap By Terri Bednar:

I had a blast at the Fools Trail Race on Saturday! Despite the crazy amounts of mud and slipping and sliding it was a great training run leading up to a 50k I have planned in 5 weeks! it was very well organized, easy to park and pick up my race packet. The food was awesome at the aid station and they even had showers for after! I got 1st (out of 1) in my age group.  I loved this race and will do it again, hoping to get in more miles next time.

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

Fools 10k, 1/2 marathon, marathon and 8hr. This course is run on Camp Manatoc in Peninsula. My goal was to run the marathon but I was not feeling well and I fell 2x due to the muddy mess and slick conditions. I only completed 8 miles. This race is marked very well. The aid stations were plentiful with everyone runners needs. Indoor plumbing with showers to get rinsed off the dried mud caked on your legs and feet. I will come back for revenge next year

5/23/2026

Rae Of Sunshine 5K

Louisville, Ohio

Lori Fritz

Finish Time:  27:40

Overall Place:  53rd Place / 312

Division Place:  1st Place / 20

Race Recap By Lori Fritz:

This morning at Rae of Sunshine 5k, the only sunshine was in the smiles, laughter and chattering of 312 participants, despite the chilly and rainy weather!
The race was very well organized and the course was well marked!
I had seen pictures of the alley, but it really is cool to see it in person. Because of this year being the 250th, seeing it decked out in patriotic colors was really cool.
The swag bag had quite a few coupons for area businesses as well as a cooling towel, a magnet, and a cookie (which of course I scarfed immediately! Lol)
My ultimate goal was to have negative splits, which I did! And at the end, I was pleasantly surprised to find out I won first in my age group!

5/16/2026

The Cleveland Half Marathon

Cleveland, Ohio

Kelsie Kline

Finish Time:  1:58:00

Overall Place:  986th Place / 4445

Division Place:  48th Place / 322

Laura Fairfax

Finish Time:  2:09:25

Overall Place:  1710th Place / 4445

Division Place:  90th Place / 322

Mike Williams

Finish Time:  2:17:21

Overall Place:  2237th Place / 4445

Division Place:  52nd Place / 102

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  2:22:52

Overall Place:  2554th Place / 4445

Division Place:  39th Place / 111

Race Recap By Kelsie Kline:

Cleveland 1/2 Marathon! It really started heating up, not complaining. Maybe one of the best marathon days we’ve had at Cleveland!

5/16/2026

The Quest For The Crest 50K And 25K Trail Race

Burnsville, North Carolina

50K Trail Race

John Fabianich McClay

Finish Time:  11:30:25

Overall Place:  46th Place / 97

Division Place:  6th Place / 12

Josh Keane

Did Not Finish

25K Trail Race

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  4:41:33

Overall Place:  62nd Place / 100

Division Place:  4th Place / 4

Felicia Neal

Finish Time:  4:41:35

Overall Place:  63rd Place / 100

Division Place:  8th Place / 18

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

On Saturday, May 16th, Lisa Keane, Josh Keane, Felicia Neal, Jody Engstrom, and I participated in the Quest For The Crest 50k and 26k trail race in Burnsville, North Carolina. The 50k event featured a point-to-point course with three major climbs, yielding an elevation gain of 10,374 feet and a loss of 10,194 feet. Each runner was required to carry 2 liters of water and a water filtration system; I utilized the filtration system twice after depleting my water supply. The course was well-marked, and parking arrangements were acceptable. A 25-minute bus ride preceded the start of the 50k event. I was unaware of the challenges that lay ahead. The Quest For The Crest 50k turned out to be the most arduous 50k I have completed to date. Sean Blanton accurately described the trail run as more demanding than the Georgia Death Race. The race was exceptionally challenging.  I appreciate Sean Blanton’s efforts in organizing a rigorous race, and I intend to participate again.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Quest for the Crest 2026
“Beauty Comes at a Price”
This is probably the toughest race that I have ever ran! 4,500′ of elevation gain straight up Mount Mitchell for the most spectacular views! Followed by the treacherous descent of rocks and roots back to the finish.
This is a very remote trail race and you are completely self supporting. No aid stations for the 25K and an 11 hour rescue if an emergency arises. I was very nervous heading into race day but sometimes you have to trust the training and follow the plan. Thanks to my partner in crime, Felicia Neal. We kept each other on course and had a great race!
Nice swag includes a short sleeve t-shirt with the option to upgrade to a tech tee or hoodie, trucker hat, stickers, and beer glass as well as a nice finisher’s medal.
Post race lunch and beer for all runners and plenty of space for spectators while waiting for friends to come in.
Overall awards for top 3 male and female.

Race Recap By Felicia Neal:

I climbed 4,500 ft to Mt. Mitchell Saturday during Quest for the Crest 25k in NC! My partner in suffering was the lovely Lisa! Misery loves company and we climbed to the top together! It was such a amazing adventure with breath taking views. Mother nature is mesmerizing and terrifyingly beautiful. I am so happy I got to share this experience with friends and Team ER friends Lisa and Josh Keane and John Mark Fabianich Mcclay ! Overall I was 63rd and placed 8th in my age group

5/9/2026

Running With My Gnomies Trail Race

Dover, Ohio

50K Trail Race

John Mark Fabianich McClay

Finish Time: 6:43:25

Overall Place:  13th Place / 31

Division Place:  2nd Place / 3

25K Trail Race

Felicia Neal

Finish Time: 3:52:05

Overall Place:  23rd Place / 42

Division Place:  3rd Place / 9

Lynett McClay

Finish Time: 5:59:01

Overall Place:  39th Place / 42

Division Place:  5th Place / 5

9ish Mile Trail Race

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  2:15:13

Overall Place:  6th Place / 35

Division Place:  1st Place / 4

Kris Engstrom

Finish Time:  2:15:38

Overall Place:  7th Place / 35

Division Place:  2nd Place / 4

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  2:16:18

Overall Place:  8th Place / 35 (3rd Place Overall Female)

Division Place:  1st Place / 5

Race Recap By Felicia Neal:

Today was Running with my Gnomies 25K. The course was well marked but I still got lost and ended up finishing with 12.39 miles. I had them remove me from placing. After comparing mileage with other runners, I must have missed something but I did find Gnomes along the way! I will have to try again next year. Regardless it was a wonderful time with friends and team ER. I have signed up for 2 more of Race Brimstone’s races.

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

Running with my Gnomies 50k 25k and 9ish miles. The race started out with a light rain and a little chilly but warmed up in the afternoon. This was a great race put on by Race Brimstone. The course consists of single track, some very technical areas, rocks, roots, MUD, and elevation and several small creek crossings. Aid stations were well manned with great volunteers and a variety of snacks for all race participants. Packet pick up was easy with race bibs and t-shirts in a bags with your name on it. Even though i struggled through this race this year I did better than I thought. Next year I will come back with a vengeance.

Race Recap By Kris Engstrom:

I ran Running with my Gnomies 9ish today. Great race. a little muddy and hilly. Glad to have Josh Keane and Lisa Keane pacing me. I ended up finishing 2nd in age and 7th overall out of 33 runners with a time of 2:15:38. Thanks to Race Brimstone for putting on this race. Nice to see so many Team ER runners at the race.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Running With My Gnomies 2026
Top 5 races of the year!
Late spring in Ohio brings cooler running temps & all the mud a girl could ask for. Choose your distance for a beautiful race thru Camp Tuscazoar. Very technical & tons of elevation!
Find the hidden gnomes for a bonus engraved hat clip! Yes, please!
Overall and age group awards are hand made stuffed gnomes! I have been trying for years to win one of these little friends and was so excited to place 1st in my age group this year and take one home!
Congratulations Team ER! We showed up in numbers today!

5/9/2026

Girls On The Run Spring Season Celebratory 5K

Middleburgh Heights, Ohio

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  N/A

Overall Place:  N/A

Division Place:  N/A

5/9/2026l

Girls On The Run Spring 5K

Massillon, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  N/A

Overall Place:  N/A

Division Place:  N/A

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

Girls on the Run 5K in Massillon was a blast! My girls kicked but and finished under 40 minutes!! Not bad for their first 5K!