9/26/2026 John Fabianich McClay, Laura Fairfax, Rachel Turner, Christine Churpek, Scott Orlando, Steve Zenar, Stephanie Orwick, Mike Williams, Peter Heroux, Lisa Keane, Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford, Felicia Neal, Josh Keane, Lynett McClay, Gretchen Snyder, Kevin Christensen, And Brittany Kiehl The Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, And Marathon Relay Akron, Ohio

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9/26/2026

The Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, And Marathon Relay

Akron, Ohio

Full Marathon

John Fabianich McClay

Finish Time:  3:42:48

Overall Place:  137th Place / 821

Division Place:  6th Place / 31

Laura Fairfax

Finish Time:  DNF

Overall Place:  N/A

Division Place:  N/A

Half Marathon

Rachel Turner

Finish Time:  1:37:25

Overall Place:  171st Place / 2288

Division Place:  10th Place / 162

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  1:43:35

Overall Place:  252nd Place / 2288

Division Place:  11th Place / 158

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  1:49:28

Overall Place:  389th Place / 2288

Division Place:  17th Place / 82

Steve Zenar

Finish Time:  1:54:40

Overall Place:  536th Place / 2288

Division Place:  43rd Place / 109

Stephanie Orwick

Finish Time:  1:57:28

Overall Place:  641st Place / 2288

Division Place:  33rd Place / 158

Mike Williams

Finish Time:  2:07:24

Overall Place:  968th Place / 2288

Division Place:  37th Place / 82

Peter Heroux

Finish Time:  2:12:50

Overall Place:  1131st Place / 2288

Division Place:  71st Place / 109

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  2:22:51

Overall Place:  1434th Place / 2288

Division Place:  26th Place / 55

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  2:35:09

Overall Place:  1716th Place / 2288

Division Place:  50th Place / 79

Marathon Relay

Team Birthday Banana Bunch

Felicia Neal, Josh Keane, Lisa Keane, and Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  4:28:36

Overall Place:  311th Place / 586

Division Place:  243rd Place / 438 Coed Teams

Team The Collective Pace

Gretchen Snyder

Finish Time:  4:35:23

Overall Place:  357th Place / 586

Division Place:  279th Place / 438 Coed Teams

Team The Performance Collective

Kevin Christensen

Finish Time:  4:45:09

Overall Place:  412th Place / 586

Division Place:  319th Place / 438 Coed Teams

Team Not Fast, Just Furious

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time:  5:32:03

Overall Place:  545th Place / 586

Division Place:  412th Place / 438 Coed Teams

Volunteers

Kevin Christensen and Stephanie Orwick volunteered for packet pick up duties.

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

On Saturday I stepped out of my environment from trail running I signed up for the First Energy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay. What was it thinking? The last time I ran a road marathon was 2018. The course was well-marked just follow the blue line. Aid station had Gatorade and water. The staffing was friendly and helpful. I finished 137 out of 815 a time of 3 hours 42 minutes and some change and I also set a new PR my fastest marathon ever. Good job to everyone that finished and good job to team ER.

Race Recap By Laura Fairfax:

My first DNF in my running career. I went into the race battling a knee injury, was curious how far I could go. Made it to mile 12 and decided the pain wasn’t worth it. I’ll take some time to rest and heal and have some redemption on the blue line next year.

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

A chilly morning made for excellent running conditions for today’s Akron Marathon. I wasn’t sure how my race would go. My training cycle wasn’t what I had hoped. I didn’t get as many long runs in as I would have liked. Worse I came down with a cold a few days ago. Heading to the start line I was very unsure and wasn’t feeling well.
Like most races there are never enough port-o-potties. After team pictures I hurried to stand in line. The lines were long and slow moving. I finally got my turn and made it to the start coral with less than 1 minute to spare. I started running with gloves and a long sleeve throwaway shirt on. I quickly settled into a much slower pace than normal. My body felt fine but the head cold had me feeling weak and unsure of myself. I seemed able to hold the slower easy pace but just wasn’t feeling good. I was definitely running to finish and not racing. At mile 2 I ditched the gloves. At mile 3 I stopped for a moment and removed the long sleeve shirt. By mile 6 I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue running and was struggling mentally. I even stopped for a bathroom break which I never do in a half marathon. I took a mental inventory of my body and decided to push through.
About this same time a consumed a Maurten Gel. I usually don’t use these gels because they are expensive but I had one left over from the Chicago Marathon and decided to try it. The texture was somewhat unpleasant but I tolerated it. I’m not sure if it was the caffeine in the gel or I got over a mental hump but at mile 8 I started finally feeling stronger. I found some confidence in myself and started attacking the course. I picked up the pace and started racing. At mile 12 my watch died which was frustrating but with a little over a mile left it wasn’t much of a concern. I pushed hard the last mile to the finish. I finished in 1:49:28 beating last year’s time.
My favorite part of the race was seeing all my teammates and running friends accomplish great things today.
Congratulations everyone that ran today!
Thank you to the Akron Marathon and all the volunteers for putting on another great race!
Race Recap By Steve Zenar:
What an incredible day at the Akron Half Marathon!
Today marked my first time racing this distance in 11 years, and I’m beyond excited to say I came away with a brand new half marathon PR (along with a few others along the way)!
The weather was absolutely perfect, the energy was off the charts, and the crowds were amazing from start to finish. There seemed to be support around every corner, and it made a huge difference when the miles started adding up.
It was also awesome seeing so many Team-ER teammates out there today. Whether racing, cheering, or celebrating afterward, it’s always inspiring to be surrounded by so many positive and motivated people.
Most of all, I’m pumped and proud that even as I get older, I’m still finding ways to improve and set new personal bests. It’s proof that growth doesn’t have to stop with age. In fact, sometimes the best accomplishments come after years of patience, consistency, and believing there’s still more in the tank.
And let’s not forget the post-race celebration! Great food, tons of goodies, awesome atmosphere, and plenty of reasons to celebrate a day that I won’t soon forget.
Feeling grateful, inspired, and already looking forward to the next challenge.
Race Recap By Mike Williams:
Saturday was a beautiful day to run a Half Marathon. You couldn’t ask for better weather or friends to run with.
Race Recap By Felicia Neal:
Event #52 was Akron Marathon Birthday Banana Bunch Relay to celebrate our friend Jen’s Birthday! We made a great bunch! This was my 2nd relay, but my 1st road relay. It was so much fun and I decided to really get into the spirit. We got 21st place for our coed team! This race was so much fun, well organized and just a splitting good time. I had the 3rd leg and peeled out and went totally bananas ripe with adventure! I slipped into greatness because of our team! I would definitely do this race again maybe 1st leg relay and complete the half or full. The weather was perfect, it was very a peeling!
Race Recap By Lisa Keane:
I am generally not a road runner but Akron knows how to put on an event!
From expo to race day, this race is organized, professional, & fun!
I joined a relay team to celebrate our friends birthday and took advantage of the 1st leg / half marathon combo!
It was a beautiful morning and I had the best time!
I ran my relay leg by myself and then teamed up with my BFF and ran the 2nd leg with her to get my half marathon.
So much spectator and community involvement with music, friendly faces and even a quick beer station!
The course is challenging with police for safety. The best after party hanging with friends and enjoying the food trucks, beverages, & live music! Nice swag!
Race Recap By Gretchen Snyder:
I ran the fourth leg in the Akron Marathon team relay this morning. While the race was well organized, per usual, I do miss two things: the team finish into the Rubber Ducks stadium, and the race timing app.
I appreciated the very clear announcing of the incoming bib numbers (hasn’t always been the case)!
Running through Sand Run Metropark was completely uphill (almost 300’ incline in 4.5 miles). Major props to the full marathoners who hit this at mile 17, FOR REAL
While running through the Metropark was bereft of any cheering spectators, at around mile 20-21, the Wiltshire neighborhood was packed with cheering crowds, fuel stations, and live music.
After I finished, of course I felt like I could have run faster, but while I ran, not so much.
The finish line viewing area was way too crowded and difficult to navigate, especially for a shortie. The after-race food and drinks, live music were great. I enjoyed seeing so many other Team ER members out there.
Overall, loved the relay and will be back next year, different leg….someone else can take the hills.
Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:
It was a beautiful day. Leg 2 of the relay started on the University of Akron campus and ended in downtown Akron. It was roughly 5.5 miles. This leg allows you to be able to cross the All America Bridge. There was little crowd support on the bridge. We finished on Main Street and had just over a half mile walk to the finisher’s area at Lock 3. Parking was easy and was close to the starting point of leg 2. However, it was over a half mile back from the finish almost completely uphill. It would have been a nice option to have a shuttle back to the Exchange parking deck.
The finishers area this year was at Lock 3. They had a few different food trucks to choose from which was a nice variety. The Akron Marathon continues to be one of the best days of the year in Akron. They put on a fantastic expo on Friday before the race. I already can’t wait to complete series again next year.

 

9/26/2026 Nancy Wardell Pumpkin Festival 5K Barnesville, Ohio

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9/26/2026

Pumpkin Festival 5K

Barnesville, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  23:13

Overall Place:  41st Place / 504

Division Place:  1st Place Female Masters Division

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I ran the Pumpkin Festival 5K in Barnesville, Ohio yesterday morning and had a great time! The weather was perfect and this race was a lot bigger than I expected with around 500 runners/walkers participating. I loved the course with clear markings at each turn and the post race activities were fantastic! Runners that placed received a beautiful trophy with a ceramic pumpkin attached on the top and a real pumpkin to take home and enjoy! They also provided food for everyone! Pasta salad, pizza, soda, and cookies!! I placed first in my age group with a time of 23:13 and pace of 7:29. I wasn’t feeling the greatest with my allergies jumping, so I’m pretty happy with that!

9/19/2026 John Fabianich McCLay, Christine Churpek, Rachel Turner, Josh Keane, Terri Bednar, Lisa Keane, And Lynett McClay Best Of The West Trail Race Ravenna, Ohio

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9/19/2026

Best Of The West Trail Race

Ravenna, Ohio

Trail Marathon

John Fabianich McCLay

Finish Time:  4:41:13

Overall Place:  14th Place / 60

Division Place:  1st Place / 60

Christine Churpek

Finish Time: 5:01:51

Overall Place:  19th Place / 60

Division Place:  1st Place Overall Female Finisher

Trail Half Marathon

Rachel Turner

Finish Time:  1:59:00

Overall Place:  9th Place / 126

Division Place:  1st Place Overall Female Finisher

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  2:26:39

Overall Place:  40th Place / 126

Division Place:  2nd Place / 4

Terri Bednar

Finish Time:  2:42:41

Overall Place:  58th Place / 126

Division Place:  1st Place / 1

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  2:47:35

Overall Place:  63rd Place / 126

Division Place:  1st Place / 4

Lynett McClay

Finish Time:  3:51:14

Overall Place:  110 / 126

Division Place:  3rd Place / 5

Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:

On Saturday I ran the BEST OF THE WEST MARATHON hosted by Western Reserve Racing. This race is one of my favorite marathons and it always falls on my Birthday Day weekend. The course was well marked but this year i got off course got loss totally my fault for not paying attention. The aid stations were well-stocked. I finished 14th overall and 1st in my age group. Good job to everyone that finished.

Race Recap By Christine Churpek:

Yesterday I ran the Best of the West Trail Marathon by Western Reserve Racing! I somehow managed to finish as the 1st overall female!
The weather was perfect, and even the light rain felt good. The course was absolutely beautiful, with a great mix of wooded trails and a few miles of paved running. The muddy, swampy section right before the half turnaround was definitely the toughest part!
After the 13.1-mile turnaround, I knew I was in first because everyone running toward me was yelling, “1st place female! You got this!”
And then… I got lost around mile 14.5.  I ended up about a mile behind and didn’t think I had a chance, but I finally caught the 1st place female with about a mile to go.
I knew I had to go for it, so I sprinted as hard as I could to get around her… and then I did NOT look back. I just kept sprinting all the way to the finish.
My final 0.33 miles was a 7:39 pace!
And because I got lost twice, I ended up running 27.33 miles instead of 26.2. Definitely not the most direct route, but somehow it worked out!
Celebrated afterward at Belltower and then Beware of the Leopard with some great people! 🍻
Most importantly, I’m so proud of all my athletes and friends who earned awards, finished the race, tackled their own goals, or were out there supporting everyone.
What a day. What a course. What a race.

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

So happy the humidity finally broke! Perfect weather for a run through the woods! We even had a little rain shower to cool us off mid race!
This well marked course is flat and fast with minimal technical areas, minimal elevation, and road sections making it a nice transition for anyone wanting to dip their toe in the trail experience! Lots of road runners joined us this time! The rain also provided a surprise mud section towards the end of the course!
Enjoyed talking to all the new trail runners today and was very happy with my 1st place age group!
Congratulations to all of my fellow Team ER members – everyone placed!

9/19/2026 Nancy Wardell Medal Madness 5K Bradenton, Florida

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9/19/2026

Medal Madness 5K

Bradenton, Florida

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  23:12

Overall Place:  4th Place / 32

Division Place:  1st Place Overall Female Finisher

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I ran the Medal Madness 5k in Bradenton, Florida with the husband. This was a well organized small race that looped Heritage Lake! We loved the different medal options and I went with the cute little hula dancer option. Jack picked the awesome American Eagle one! Great vacation Medals for sure! I finished with a total time of 23:15 giving me a pace of 7:29 which I’m happy with considering the high humidity in Florida!! I scored first female overall and Jack crushed it too with third male overall!

9/13/2026 Roy Miller And Scott Orlando Portage Lakes Triathlon And Duathlon Portage Lakes, Ohio

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9/13/2026

Portage Lakes Triathlon And Duathlon

Portage Lakes, Ohio

Sprint Triathlon

Roy Miller

Finish Time:  1:49:18

Overall Place:  82nd Place / 187

Division Place 3rd Place / 7

Super Sprint Duathlon

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  1:03:06

Overall Place:  4th Place / 12

Division Place:  2nd Place Overall Male

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

This morning I competed in the Portage Lakes Duathlon. I thought I registered for the sprint distance but apparently I signed up for the super sprint race. Being that it wasn’t my best training cycle I found no good reason to try to switch to the longer sprint race so I just went with it.
When I arrived to the race I wasn’t prepared for the pitch black early morning conditions. It’s not easy preparing your gear for a race in complete darkness. I learned a pro tip this morning which was show up early with a headlamp! Registration was a little slow and there appeared to be a bit of confusion as the volunteers tried to learn the registration protocols and systems. Luckily I was there early and got through registration before the lines got really long. Transition set up was a little better as there were lights in the coral. Once I was set up it was time to stand in line for the porta potties. I was surprised to see just four porta potties for the entire race field! Luckily I found a park outhouse not too far away with no lines. The bike racks weren’t my favorite. They were small racks that fit 2-3 bikes and not secured to the ground. I’m glad I went back to check my transition area before the race started because my rack went from 1 bike (mine) to 3 bikes and my bike had clearly been knocked over with my helmet and glasses laying on on ground. Pretty disrespectful even for beginners not to pick up my bike and gear after they knocked them over.
As start time approached duathlon participants gathered near the run start unsure exactly where to go. They started our pre race instructions so we knew we were in the right place. As soon as the announcements ended they gave us exactly 15 seconds to start the race which caught everyone off guard. We were supposed to have a bike and car escort but they started the race before the bike and and car escorts were in place so we went without them. Just as we started a white van blocked the run route not 100 meters into the course. They seemed to move out of the way just in the nick of time.
The super sprint duathlon was a 2 mile run, 8 mile bike, and 2 mile run. There wasn’t a very big race field. The super sprint, sprint, and Olympic distance duathlon races all started at the same time. Color coded race bibs easily identified which race distance each athlete was competing. The course makers were color coded as well which made navigation easy. The run course for the super sprint was a simple out and back course. I was quickly in the lead group of runners for the first run. I came into transition one in 3rd place. My transition was a little slow. The bike course full of hills and turns. I didn’t have a real strong bike leg. The first hill on the course was very steep and ate me up! When I got back to the transition area after the bike leg I couldn’t get my bike back in the rack. I have no idea what the 2 guys sharing the rack did but the rack was folded up, moved, and about to fall over. I tried to use the rack but it wouldn’t work so I had no choice but to lean my bike between the rack and barrier the best I could. Heading out of transition two and back on the run course I thought I was 3rd overall and in 1st place for the male division but a mile into the second run I saw a male runner ahead of me. I wasn’t sure how he got in front of me. I was pretty much in cruise mode thinking no one was anywhere near me to challenge my position. Looking at the data it appears he passed me in the first transition. He had a fast bike time so he was out of my vision until I saw him on the second run. By then it was too late to attempt to catch him. I ended up finishing as the 2nd place overall male and 4th overall in the race with a time of 1:03:06.
Race swag included optional choice of long or short sleeve shirt (additional shirt fee required) nice finisher medals, fruit, granola bars, and McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches.
There was no awards ceremony. Most likely because of all of the different race options and distances would make it challenging. Awards were delayed for some time due to some glitches with their systems but I did end up receiving a medal that attaches to the finisher medal ribbon. There was a podium to take pictures and a PR / 1st time triathlon gong.
I think that improvements could be made to streamline the registration process and of course provide more than four porta potties, but for the most part HFP racing did a great job.
Thank you to HFP racing, all the volunteers, and the sponsors for putting on a great race. Congratulations to Roy Miller who placed 3rd in his division of the sprint triathlon.

 

9/13/2026 Felicia Neal Crowell Hilaka Trail Run 10K Richfield, Ohio

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9/13/2026

Crowell Hilaka Trail Run 10K

Richfield, Ohio

Felicia Neal

Finish Time:  1:10:36

Overall Place:  3rd Place / 13

Division Place:  1st Place Female Masters

Race Recap By Felicia Neal:

Event #50 was the Crowell Hilaka Trail Run 10k located in Richfield Heritage Preserve also known as a Girl Scout camp that started in 1937. This race was very well organized and marked 6 mile loop of primitive single track, bridle trails, open fields and camp roads. It was very pretty but because of the humidity it felt like the Amazon Jungle. I was first in my age group and 3rd overall, and I got the female masters award.

9/12/2026 Terri Bednar, Josh Keane, Felicia Neal, Lisa Keane, And Lynette McClay The Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic Youngstown, Ohio.

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9/12/2026

The Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic

Youngstown, Ohio.

Terri Bednar

Finish Time:  3:34:40

Overall Place:  50th Place / 94

Division Place:  N/A

Josh Keane

Finish Time:  3:35:42

Overall Place:  51st Place / 94

Division Place:  N/A

Felicia Neal

Finish Time:  3:40:14

Overall Place:  55th Place / 94

Division Place:  N/A

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  3:40:29

Overall Place:  56th Place / 94

Division Place:  N/A

Lynette McClay

Finish Time:  5:05:22

Overall Place:  96th Place / 94

Division Place:  N/A

Race Recap By Terri Bednar:

Saturday I got to run in the Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic (or YUTC)-pronounced YUT’-zee for Lisa Keane’s birthday race! The race was at beautiful Mill Creek Park which I’d never been. There was a 25k option and a 50k option. I chose 25k. The course was so gorgeous and had good vert, roots, rocks, river crossings but was still runnable. Very little road which I loved!! Course markings were perfect! Packet pickup was super easy and the aid stations were fully stocked. As an added bonus there were bathrooms all along the course.  There were no age group awards but participants got a visor, bumper sticker and a great shirt! I really enjoyed this race and I’ll be back!

Race Recap By Felicia Neal:

Event #49 was Yutc 25k for Lisa Keane’s Birthday! This was a fun trail run at Mill Creek Metro Parks in Youngstown Ohio. This race took you around this beautiful park. There was only overall placements and we got a visor at the end folllowed by beer, chili and fajitas! I had a great time with my ER family!

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic Late summer scenic trail race thru beautiful Mill Creek Park – absolutely stunning! Waterfalls, boulders, and mostly single track trail.
Pick your distance, 1 loop or 2 on a well marked course with 2 full aid stations and hot lunch at the finish.
Nice swag and all the best friends!
Congratulations to all of my TEAM ER peeps! It was a great bday race!

Race Recap By Lynett McClay:

YUTC 25K AND 50K. This is a beautiful course at Mills Creek park in Youngstown. The course is mostly single track, with plenty of rocks ,roots, elavation. Plenty of parking for all participants and families to cheer you on. Packet pick up was easy. Each runner receives a long sleeve t-shirt, and visor for your medal. No age group awards. As I was running i ran through a group of very mean wasps? I got stung 3x. Bees 3 Lynett 0. Thank you to my husband John Mark FabianichMcclay who was there to support and cheer us on and he also ran me in during the thunderstorm. Thank you to Team ER Lisa Keane,Josh Keane, Terri Bednar , and Felicia Neal for waiting for me. Congrats to all the finishers!!

9/12/2026 Lori Fritz Berlin Amish Half Marathon Millersburg, Ohio

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9/12/2026

Berlin Amish Half Marathon

Millersburg, Ohio

Lori Fritz

Finish Time:  3:26:57

Overall Place:  347th Place / 353

Division Place:  7th Place / 7

Race Recap By Lori Fritz:

I really do like the course for the Berlin Amish Country Half Marathon. I love the fact that several of the residents will be out on their porches/driveways/front lawns cheering on participants. This race also has a great amount of volunteers, and the course is so well marked! You cannot make a wrong turn! I like the scenery and the farmland. I actually like the hills! The goodie box at packet pickup is chock full of goodies, and the finish line food!! The finish line food is top notch!