Health & Fitness
Lace Up for the 2011 Summer Road Racing Season
Northeast Ohio has a bevy of racing opportunities for its large and passionate throng of runners who will welcome summer running after an especially harsh winter and an unseasonably nippy spring.
As an abnormally long school year finally reaches its proverbial finish line, runners young and old will lace up their shoes and flock to the starting lines of road races in the Greater Mentor region.
Northeast Ohio has a bevy of racing opportunities for its large and passionate throng of runners who will welcome summer running with open arms following an especially harsh winter and an unseasonably nippy spring.
Inundating Veterans Park, Penitentiary Glen, and seemingly every street in between, these valiant competitors are sure to make the next few months unforgettable. What follows is my gift to you— a preview of the 2011 summer road racing season.
Find out what's happening in Mentorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Race: Ohio Teamsters/Medical Mutual Flag Day Race
Find out what's happening in Mentorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
When: June 15, 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Deepwood Center
Reigning Champs: Nick Glavac and Jessica Odorcic
The Skinny: Considered by many to be the unofficial start to summer road racing, the Flag Day Race also doubles as part of the Northeast Running Club’s Grand Prix Series. To commemorate the day, all participants receive an American flag. The race boasts impressive course records of 14:46 for men and 16:48 for women and offers $150 for breaking them. Lauded by the masses for being efficiently managed, the Flag Day Race is undoubtedly something you’ll want to add to your personal racing calendar.
Entry Form: http://northeastrunningclub.org/EntryForms/FlagDay5K2011.pdf
Race: Captains Charities 5K
When: June 18, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Classic Park
Reigning Champs: Michael Siringer and Amanda Garlak
The Skinny: The primary appeal of the Captains Charities 5k is finishing around the warning track and at home plate. Being the center of attention at Classic Park in front of a historically rowdy crowd has caused many runners to kick early and hard, making this race spectator-friendly. The fans for this race are renowned as some of the best in all of sports, no incident involving bottles being thrown at race officials after a controversial call has occurred— yet.
Entry Form: https://secure.minorleaguebaseball.com/tickets/form.jsp?formid=5k&formcode=purchase&sid=t437
Race: Run for the Hills 10K
When: June 26, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Roemisch Field
Reigning Champs: Reza Mohammedpour and Janna Miuim
The Skinny: As one of “Northeast Ohio’s few remaining 10ks”, Run for the Hills, managed by the Willoughby Hills Lions Club, is a fairly low-key race. Reminiscent of a simpler time, the race does not infiltrate media outlets with flashy advertisements and bold proclamations; rather, it allows the course to do the talking. Do not enter the race expecting to set a personal record or enjoy a refreshing Sunday morning stroll— Run for the Hills is anything but a walk in the park. Nevertheless, anticipate a rewarding racing experience that will take you through the picturesque (and shaded) North Chagrin Reservation.
Entry Form: http://northeastrunningclub.org/EntryForms/hills_form_2011.pdf
Race: The Johnnycake Jog 5 Miler
When: July 17, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds
Reigning Champs: Ryan Kienzle and Jessica Odorcic
The Skinny: The Jog is to Lake County road racing as the Kentucky Derby is to thoroughbred racing. As the pinnacle and crown jewel of the summer running season, The Jog is where many of the area’s finest prove themselves to the general public. Fans pack Mentor Avenue to witness a homestretch that lasts for over a mile. With the sun shining radiantly on the asphalt of Route 20, it can be said that this is where champions are made. Furthermore, because of Johnnycake’s association with The News-Herald, Ohio’s Finest 5 Miler receives more publicity than every other area road race combined.
Entry Form: http://www.johnnycakejog.com/id2.html
Race: Friday Night Lights 5K
When: July 22, 9:00 pm.
Where: Jerome T. Osborne Stadium
Reigning Champs: Aaron Rowe and Jessica Odorcic
The Skinny: In its inaugural run last year, the Friday Night Lights 5k exceeded the expectations of many race goers. After a lightning delay which saw even the fiercest athletes retreat to the bowels of the JTO, the race began and went on flawlessly. There is a certain grandeur to racing at night and finishing on the track that allows numerous runners to relive their competitive glory days. Proceeds from the race go to Mentor High School Cross Country program.
Entry Form: http://www.greaterclevelandxc.com/uploads/FriNightFlyer.pdf
Race: It’s Better in Mentor Run
When: September 18, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Mentor City Hall
Reigning Champs: Nick Glavac and Jackie Sanzo
The Skinny: Some runners will shed a tear or two when the I.B.I.M. 5 Miler comes around, knowing all too well that cold and icy runs are approaching. However, as the premier attraction of the I.B.I.M. Festival, this race does not fail to impress. Including a trek through Veterans Park— where most experts believe the race is won or lost— the It’s Better in Mentor Run does well to highlight the features of America’s 37th best place to live, according to CNNMoney.com.
Entry Form: http://greaterclevelandxc.com/uploads/ibim_2010_reg_form.pdf
Check out this link for a complete view of all of this summer’s upcoming road races: http://northeastrunningclub.org/RaceCalendar_table.aspx