8/3/2024

Dresden Melon Festival 5K

Dresden, Ohio

Kris Engstrom

Finish Time:  24:44

Overall Place:  9th Place / 44

Division Place:  3rd Place / 3

Race Recap By Kris Engstrom:

I ran the Dresden Melon festival 5K last Saturday. I finished 3rd in age and 9th overall. I started along the Muskingum river and ran out on a paved trail. My daughter finished 2nd overall female. I enjoyed the race and look forward to running it again next year.

8/2/2024

Royal Docks Backyard Crusher 5K

Canton, Ohio

Lisa Keane

Finish Time:  29:45

Overall Place:  124th Place / 309

Division Place:  4th Place / 18

Cleopatra Sirnic Clifford

Finish Time:  30:50

Overall Place:  140th Place / 309

Division Place:  5th Place / 18

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

7/28/2024

Millersburg Food Run 10K

Millersburg, Ohio

Nancy Wardell

Finish Time:  1:02:24

Overall Place:  10th Place / 18

Division Place:  4th Place Overall Female And 1st Place In Division

Race Recap By Nancy Wardell:

I completed the Millersburg Food Run 10k this morning in Millersburg, Ohio and can’t praise this race enough! I’ve done the 5k and 10k here for several years and they always give out tons of goodies, free raffles, awesome gift cards for placing, and the volunteers are so amazing and kind! I placed 4th female overall and 1st in my age group with a time of 1:02:24 and pace of 10:03 which I’m absolutely happy with! The course was flat but some of the long stretches had no shade so I just wanted to pace myself! I got a $10 gift card to subway and way too many other goodies! Very fun race!

7/27/2024

The Burning River 100 Mile Relay

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Team What’s In A Name:

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  18:32:10

Overall Place:  27th Place / 73

Division Place:  15th Place / 48

Team Run Like A Mother

Asad Khan
Renee Buckus

Finish Time:  18:55:00

Overall Place:  28th Place / 73

Division Place:  16th Place / 48

Team Hot Mess Express 2

Kristi Quesenberry Gunyula

Finish Time:  20:40:21

Overall Place:  45th Place / 73

Division Place:  5th Place / 10

Team ER

Brittany Kiehl
George McFall
Josh Keane
Lisa Keane
Mike Williams
Roy Miller
Terri Bendar
Veronica Neubert

Finish Time:  20:55:24

Overall Place:  49th Place / 73

Division Place:  29th Place / 48

Volunteers

Russ Neubert Provided course support and took pictures for Team ER.
Christine Churpek and Stephani Orwick helped at the NWB Run Club aid station.

Race Recap By Asad Khan:

The Burning River 100 Relay does not disappoint! I had a fun time running Leg 5 of the relay for my RLAM team and slogged through 10.4 miles (more running miles than I am really equipped to handle)! Our team did awesome with an under 19 hour finish!!

Race Recap By Lisa Keane:

The Burning River 2024 100 mile – 8 Person Relay was super organized & well supported endurance race on a well marked course w/ a variety of distances & terrain!  This was the 1st year that anyone on our team has participated in this race and while we all had our challenges (from heat to horses to roots), we all agreed that we are absolutely going to do this again next year!
What an amazing day with this amazing team!  Congratulations TEAM ER!  WE DID IT!

Race Recap By George McFall:

My first Burning River Endurance Run & Relay is in the books. I was part of the Team-ER 100 mile relay team that included Veronica Judith, Mike Williams, Lisa Keane, Josh Keane, Brittany Kiehl, Terri Bednar, and Roy Miller. The relay started at 7am on Saturday on Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls. Our first runner was Terri followed by Veronica, Josh, Lisa, Brittany, Mike, Roy and me. My exchange point was at Chestnut Lodge (formerly known as as Mingo Lodge). Mile 88.7. It was cool watching Roy come up the last stretch before the lodge, Quick pic then off I went. I started around 2am. I had a goal of finishing my leg in under 2 hours but wasn’t sure what to expect so I took what the course gave me. I walked up the steep inclines and took the downhills and flats as fast as I could without risking a fall. I surprised myself. Embraced the run and had fun. I had a few road sections so I took full advantage of that to pick up the pace. I crossed the finish line at mile 100.55 in 1:55:42. Our total team time was 20:55:42. We did it!!! I had such a great experience and enjoyed supporting my teammates. Even though I only ran 12 of the 100 mile course, I still got emotional as I approached the finish line. Celebrate the wins!!! I loved seeing some of the Team ER crew at the finish line. Thanks for sticking around to watch me finish. The course was well marked. This took some stress out of the run. The two aid stations I ran through were awesome!! Thanks to all of the volunteers. You rock!!! I am already looking forward to doing it again next year — but might do the marathon distance or 50 miler. We’ll see. Congratulations to all the finishers! You inspire me and so many.

Race Recap By Veronica Neubert:

What absolutely awesome day! I was so nervous to do this race and it turns out, I had an absolute blast!
Thank you to Terri for organizing, coordinating and encouraging everyone!  Thank you to Russ Neubert for coordinating and course support!
Great job Terri, Josh, Lisa, Brittany, Mike, Roy, and George l! #ohioteamer  It was an honor to be a part of this team!
Already looking forward to next year!

Race Review By Renee Buckus:

Burning River 2024 – the year Maeve’s mom felt strong as hell and toughed out some not-so-pleasant conditions (otherwise known as 10.5 miles of uphill in 87 degree heat). My third time running this series and hopefully a race that I’ll continue to come back to every year!  (Also, still haven’t seen any rivers on fire so next year… I start my own)

Race Recap By Mike Williams:

What a great time I had last night running the 18th Annual Burning River Endurance Run & Relay. Leg 6 was awesome. I started out at Kendal Lake in twilight and finished up at The valley picnic area in the dark. A lot of tree roots, old wooden steps, and mixed trails.

Race Recap By Roy Miller:

The Burning River 8 person was more of an unknown than any race I have done. I was torn somewhere between super excited and oddly nervous about running a leg of this crazy race. Let me start off by saying this is the first real trail race I have done and probably only the second time running any trails in my life. It should be known that the first time was a few weeks ago with my teammate George. That run was in the morning and had plenty of light to see all the terrain. I only fell twice (remember my first trail run). I started leg 7 of the relay at 11:00 PM. Needless to say there was nothing but pitch black darkness. I met Mike at the transition point and got a great starting picture. I hit the headlamp, started RaceJoy and up the trail I went. The trail isn’t super technical in the beginning and my legs felt fantastic. Within the first mile I realized I didn’t start my watch correctly so I was already behind on knowing where I was mileage wise. Then the 1st root monster grabbed my right foot and down I went. Not exactly what I was hoping for. This was already making me nervous about staying on my feet. I ended up falling 4 times and that was really frustrating. The course is really well marked and I never had a problem navigation so that was a win. I met up with several amazing trail runners and made a few friends in the process. The camaraderie on the course is amazing. I used the road sections to pick up the pace and decided if I could keep my overall pace better than 13:00 per mile I would be satisfied. The best part of the entire race was at about mile 11 (of 14.4 miles) I was in the middle of the trail with no other runners anywhere near me. I decided to stop for a second, turned off my music and my headlamp and just listened to all the nature around me. It was so surreal to be a part of that environment. I used it as a moment to re-center myself and off to meet with George to let him get us to the finish line. Got off the trail and had a new sense of security about being able to stride my way to the end of the leg. I met with George and got a finish picture of my leg and his start.
I think trail racing will become one of those things that I may have to embrace as I am already contemplating the marathon distance next year.

Race Recap By Josh Keane:

What an adventure with Team ER!! Thank you to the most awesome team mates George Mc Fly, Roy Miller, Mike Williams, Brittany Kiehl, Lisa Keane, Veronica Judith, and Terri Bednar! You are the best and put in an outstanding effort! This race was on my list for a very long time and I was happy to be able to get out there with my team and run the relay. The course was fantastic, the aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were great. As always the ultra marathon community shines as the best group of people on the planet and it was fun race. Looking forward to running this again with our team next year and continuing my running journey with shared adventures!! Sorry I missed the expo and pre race dinner! Let’s try to make that happen and get a pic of the whole team next year.

Race Recap By Brittany Kiehl:

It is a very organized and well supported endurance race with a variety of distances and surfaces. The course was fantastic showcasing many beautiful areas of the CVNP. The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were so friendly.

7/27/2024

USCA Ohio State Canoe, Kayak, And Paddle Board Championships

Fairport Harbor, Ohio

Scott Orlando

5 Mile Race Kayak Race

Finish Time:  54:09

Overall Place:  4th Place Overall Solo Kayak

Division Place:  3rd Place Unlimited Class

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

This was my 5th time competing in the USCA Ohio State Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Board Championships held on the Grand River in Fairport Harbor, Ohio.  I haven’t been able to compete in this race for the last few years do to schedule conflicts so I was excited to get back to this race to compete for a state championship.

This event features a 5 mile and 10 mile race and I once again chose to compete in the 5 mile race.  The race conditions were very good with temperatures in the 70’s with a slight breeze and very calm river conditions.  It did warm up quickly but the the weather was not a factor in the 5 mile race.  The 10 mile race which was an hour or so after the the 5 mile race did have to deal with hot temperatures and increased winds.

I debated heavily between racing my Stellar SR Multisport in the unlimited  class or my Steller S18S Multisport in the 18′ and under class.  The 18′ and under class looked more crowded and included the fastest paddler at the race.  Wanting to paddle for a gold medal I entered the unlimited class.  Just before the race started I learned that the fastest paddler switched to the unlimited class.  I almost switched myself to the 18′ and under class but decided just to race unlimited.  From the start of the race the fastest paddler now in my class and another paddler also in my class shot to the front of the race field and were gone.  A mile into the race I knew there was no chance of catching them and I was paddling for 3rd place.  After a loop through a marina and crossing back across the start / finish area I found myself in a nice position surrounded by several of the 18′ and under class paddlers and a couple of tandem canoes.  We were all drafting off of each other and in a tight pack.  One of the tandem canoes that was directly in front of me kept cutting me off moving into my line wherever I went on the river.  I was getting a little annoyed so I finally passed the canoe.  That same canoe then got directly on my stern and hit my kayak several times which was getting frustrating.  I finally pulled far enough in front that I got free of canoe.

Making it to the half way turnaround point another kayak, canoe, and myself all hit the turn to round the buoy at the same time.  The other kayak had the inside line and verbalized to the canoe who was in the middle that she was going inside on the turn.  I then let the canoe know I was going outside giving them the middle line.  The canoe didn’t turn well and headed straight to the river bank forcing me the same direction.  I had to stop paddling and correct my position which cost me a lot of time.  The kayaks I had been paddling with gained a lot of ground on me thanks to the canoe.  I spent the next mile pushing hard to regain my position and finally caught up to them.  With a mile to go one of the kayaks slowed and I was able to pass it.  Heading to the finish I was able to outsprint another kayak and a tandem canoe to the finish line.

I was well behind the other two kayakers in my class who ended up being the fastest two finishing 1st and 2nd overall in the 5 mile race.  I managed to finish 4th overall placing 3rd in the unlimited division earning a bronze medal with a time of 54:09.  Although I was hoping to win a state title my goal was to leave the race with a medal which I did.  The paddler that won the 5 mile race is a national champion and he went on to win the 10 mile race as well.  The paddler that place 2nd in the 5 mile race also competed in the 10 mile race placing 3rd overall so these guys were extremely fast good paddlers.

The race was well organized.  Paddlers received very nicely designed t-shirts and there were plenty of snacks and food for paddlers refueling between races.  Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with the race.   It was great to see all of my  Performance Kayak teammates and other kayak friends.   I really enjoy this race and look forward to competing in it again next year.

7/27/2024

Elephant Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run

Orville, Ohio

Brittany Kiehl

Brittany volunteered for the 5K and then walked the 1 mile course.

Finish Time:  N/A

Overall Place:  N/A

Division Place:  N/A

7/21/2024

Fairport Harbor Pirate Triathlon

Fairport Harbor, Ohio

Kayak Triathlon

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  1:21:12

Overall Place:  2nd Place / 39

Division Place:  1st Place / 6

Veronica Neubert

Finish Time:  1:29:30

Overall Place:  7th Place / 39

Division Place:  1st Place Overall Female / 13

Russ Neubert provided Team ER members racing course support and took pictures.

Race Recap By Veronica Neubert:

What a beautiful morning for a triathlon!  Thanks to Scott Orlando for the amazing boat! Smooth sailing through the paddle. Felt great on the bike (although it was pretty windy) just felt ok on the run but I remained in first the entire race and I didn’t stop! Proud to say I finished first female overall and 7th place for both genders! Thanks Russ Neubert for all the support!

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

The Fairport Harbor Pirate Triathlon is one of my favorite races that I have competed in many times.  Last year was my best finish at this race placing 3rd overall.  My goal this year was to once again place in the top 3.   The weather conditions were very favorable for racing with temperatures in the high 60’s and low humidity at the start of the race.  The water conditions for the paddlers and swimmers were mostly calm.  Because of the calmer waters I was able to paddle my Stellar S18S Multisport surfski.  I had also brought along with me my Stellar S16 Multisport in case of rougher water conditions.  With the race course heading parallel to the break wall surfskis and other fast unstable kayaks aren’t well suited for the heavy side swell that can easily flip these types of boats.  Luckily that wasn’t an issue this year.  Because I had the extra kayak at the race I was happy to let Team ER member Veronica Neubert burrow it along with a Stellar full carbon mid wing paddle.  The Stellar S16 Multisport that she used ended up being the fastest kayak in the women’s race field which Veronica used to have a dominate performance to win the women’s overall title.

My race started a little slow.  I had a little bit of trouble with my kayak paddle getting into the water.  I had adjusted the angle of my paddle incorrectly and had to stop and reposition it to the proper angle before I could paddle.  This cost me a little time.  Once corrected I made quick work of the plastic kayaks in the race field passing all of them.  Soon I caught up to the 3 leaders ahead of me all in the same Stellar S18 surfskis that I was paddling.  Once outside the break wall the water started to roll and bounce me around.  Several times I caught some fast rolling waves that actually turned my kayak sideways forcing me to corrective paddle.  A few of the rollers were strong enough to pull me over but similar to driving a car on an ice covered road I started turning into the waves before they hit me which kept me from flipping.  Once around the turn buoy I picked up some speed and passed one of the kayaks in front of me.  I was now back with the leaders.  As we made our way to the beach I was about 10 seconds behind the first kayaker to exit the water and hit the beach at about the same time as another kayaker.  I managed to run across the timing mat as the 2nd kayaker to finish the paddle leg and then it was off to the bike leg.

I had one of the fastest bike legs that I have ever clocked at this race averaging 20.5 mph.  I had trained a little bit more on the bike for this race than in the past plus I was using a much faster bike for the first time so I think both of these things contributed to the faster time.

Once off the bike I was headed out for the 3.1 mile run.  The run starts with a steep hill out of the beach park area.  From experience I have learned to take it easy up the hill and for the first half mile of this course.  Going out too fast generally results in feeling winded for about half of the race.  At this point I was soundly in 2nd place with no site of the first place runner in front of me and no one pushing me from behind.  I stayed conservative in the first mile and picked up my pace in the second mile.  I could now see the third place racer behind me but pretty far off.  I knew from past races he was a strong runner so I picked up the pace a little faster in the last mile.  I was happy to finish 2nd overall.  They only present a 1st place overall award and no 2nd or 3rd place overall awards so I was presented with a trophy for 1st place in my division for my efforts.

Thank you to Russ Neubert for the course support, to Lake Metroparks for putting on a great race, and to all of the volunteers that helped keep everyone safe and moving in the right direction along the course.

The race was as always well organized by Lake Metroparks.  Participants received tech shirts and custom pirate themed finisher medals. The shirts might be coolest design I have ever seen on a race shirt.  Awards for overall winners and age group winners were old school trophies.  Overall winners also received a 2nd trophy for winning their age groups.  Personally I would like to see them offer overall awards for 2nd and 3rd place finishers and not include the overall winners in age group awards.  This is the more traditional way of presenting awards at races.  I can understand giving an overall winner an age group award if they are the only person in the age group otherwise I would like to see them spread the awards out a little more and eliminate the double awards.  They do offer plenty of award divisions which is great.  This is a great race and I can’t wait to do it again next year!

7/20/2024

Christmas In July 5K

Akron, Ohio

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time:  37:04

Overall Place:  187th Place / 282

Division Place:  10th Place / 15

7/14/2024

Market Avenue Mile

Canton, Ohio

Brittany Kiehl

Finish Time:  10:43

Overall Place:  54th Place / 73

Division Place:  2nd Place / 4

7/14/2024

Pan American Masters Games Triathlon

Cleveland, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Volunteer for kayak safety patrol for the swim leg and helping at the finish line.

Race Recap By Scott Orlando:

Seeing as this was the first time that the Pan American Masters Games were being held in the United States and in Cleveland, Ohio none the less I Knew that I wanted to be part of the games.   I decided to volunteer to help keep the swimmers safe and join the kayak water patrol.  I had to get up at 4:30 am and make my way to Cleveland for the 6:30 am start times.  I had a little bit of trouble getting to Edgewater Park because they closed many of the roads around the event area sooner than the publicised times.  My GPS finally got me to Edgewater Park where I found it very easy to get my kayak an equipment down to the beach and find a parking spot.   There where about 8 of us ready to patrol the waters in kayaks plus a crew of Edgewater Park Lifeguards, an inflatable motorized rescue boat, rescue jet ski, and two very intimidating large Police Marine Rescue ships standing by in the the deeper water just outside the course.

One look at my 16′ Stellar Multisport kayak and the person in charge of the kayak patrol assigned me the farthest buoy position from the swim start / finish area.  I didn’t mind and took it as a compliment.   We hit the water around 6:15 am.  The water conditions were extremely calm and flat.  The sun was just rising which made for some beautiful scenery that I was able to capture in some pre race pictures from my kayak.

At 6:30 am the first wave of swimmers hit the water.  It took some time for them to make it to my position located on the first right turn of the Olympic distance swim course.  The sprint distance swimmers turned right well before they got to my location.   As the swimmers reached my location they turned right around a buoy then headed North into deeper water making another right turn creating a large rectangle shaped course.  All of the Olympic swimmers did a great job navigating the calm waters of the course.  After the last Olympic swimmer passed the second right turn of the course I received instructions from the Police Rescue Marine Ship to leave my position and follow the last swimmer to shore.  Each kayaker did the same as the last swimmer passed their assigned location.

As I followed the last swimmers along the back side of the course there were several that requested assistance.  One by one they would grab the front of our kayaks and hold on for a quick break to adjust goggles, lower their heart rates or just ease their nerves.  The last few swimmers received a private escort of our kayaks making sure they got to shore safely.   I am happy to report that all swimmers that entered the water completed the swim course.

After all the swimmers were out of the water and headed to the transition to the bike leg I returned my kayak and gear to my car and headed to the finish line.  Mickey Rzymek put me to work handing out water bottles to the finishers.  I really enjoyed being at the finish line to congratulate the racers and greet them with a cold bottle of water.  It was amazing to see athletes from so many different countries compete as well as local athletes that I know and recognize from other races.

The event was well organized and I thought it was great how many race options and divisions there were including triathlon, duathlon, and aqua bike all offered in sprint and Olympic distances.  As a volunteer I received a t-shirt, water bottle, hat, bag, and plenty of snacks and drinks.   Volunteering for the Pan American Masters Games was a great experience!