Memorial Day Race 37 Preregistration Ends Today

Today is the last day to to register for Memorial Day Race 37, Cincinnati's second oldest race behind the Thanksgiving Day race. The deadline for Mail entries ended yesterday. Online Registration is available through midnight tonight. Register now before the price goes up. Visit the club website for more information about the race.

Spirit of the Marathon II in Theaters June 12

Spirit of A Marathon II will be showing in over 600 theaters nationwide through fathomevents.com for one night only on Wednesday June 12^th at 7pm (local time).

In this highly anticipated sequel (Click here to view trailer) to the 2008 award winning documentary, “Spirit of the Marathon II” focuses on seven inspiring individuals whose lives will forever be transformed by the experience of running 26.2 miles through the historic streets of Rome, Italy.  The audience will get an “up close and personal” look into the runners’ lives and the challenges they face - both physical and emotional - on an epic journey where finishing the Rome Marathon is anything but certain.

For more information, go to fathomevents.com to learn more and find the theater nearest you. Tickets are going fast so purchase your ticket in the next few days as many theaters are close to selling out.

GoOTR 5k Race Recap

The GoOtr 5k is one of the races that I like to do year after year due to running on the streets in Over-the-Rhine which I like doing, the late start compared to other races in the spring, touring through the summer celebration festival held in conjunction with the race, and the low race day registration price that includes a shirt which is much lower than many other races done in downtown Cincinnati. I have run every one of the previous 6 races except for 2011 when I was hurt so I volunteered. The first six started near 13th and Vine in Over-the-Rhine. With the completed renovation of Washington Park, they moved it to Washington Park for 2013 which meant a new course and new issues and logistics to consider.

Since I am a night owl, I have a tendency to be late for the start of many races which is why I like the late start. I got there about 15 minutes (rather than the usual 5 minutes) before they were closing registration. Race Day Registration was $25 which included a shirt. They were out of this year's shirt so they gave me last year's shirt. I should have asked for the volunteer shirt since I thought that they were much nicer than the shirt that runners got but I did not see them until after I ran. They were burnt red and people tell me that I look good in burnt red. I have so many shirts so it was not a big deal to me. Conditions were warm and overcast with temperatures in the mid 60's for the 1000 runners and walkers who decided to do the race.

The course started near 14th and Elm. There was nothing noting a start like balloons or a banner saying start just runners and walkers mulling about which gave me no idea whether I was running up or down Elm Street. We ran down Elm Street by Washington Park and took a left on 12th Street and the course afterward seemed to follow the old course. The mile markers were posted but nobody was reading times. Usually not a big deal except when the battery in your watch dies the day before and you have no idea how fast you are running. The waterstop was a little farther than expected as it was close to the two mile marker. It caused a bottleneck as it was undermanned and runners had to stop if they wanted water. I skipped it, hoping for another table slightly further down. The race finished near 12th and Race. I ran it in about 28.5 minutes but I have to check the results to be sure. Post race was water, and bananas which was all that I saw. The awards at this race are unique in that you get a medal from Rookwood Pottery for being one the top runners overall or in your age group. They only go one deep in the age groups which may disappoint some of the faster runners.

This is still one of my favorite races due to the start time and the course through Over-the-Rhine. I will probably be back in 2014 for the 8th Annual GoOtr5k. Race Results.

Cinci Runners' Updates - May 2013

Click here to access the Cinci Runners' Updates - May 2013. Cinci Runners' Updates is a periodic e-newsletter sent by the Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati. You can sign up for it to the right or at the newsletter itself.

Daniel Boone's Run For Statehood - June 8

Daniel Boone's Run For Statehood is a fast flat half marathon and 5k in Falmouth KY. $500 Cash Purse if 100 pre-register by May 26 and 200 for race day. Cost is $25 for those who sign up by May 26 and $35 after. Visit www.danielboonerun.com, get the race flier or contact Craig Chaplin at 859-781-9101 for more information.

Race Details

• DATE: Saturday, June 8, 2013
• TIME: 8:00 AM
• PLACE: Shelby and Main Street, Falmouth KY
• COURSE: Fast, flat course around the city of Falmouth Kentucky
• AWARDS: TROPHIES 1st, 2nd, 3rd overall male and female in 5K and Half-marathon
  132 TROPHIES IN TEN AGE GROUPS IN 5K AND HALF-MARATHON
  CERTIFICATES TO ALL FINISHERS (Above design imprinted on certificates)
  1st PLACE PLAQUES To First Male and Female PENDLETON COUNTY RESIDENTS (in both races)
  $500.00 CASH PURSE (If 100 pre-registered or 200 by race day) 1st, 2nd, 3rd overall male and female in Half-Marathon
• RACE INFORMATION: Visit www.danielboonerun.com or contact Craig Chaplin at 859-781-9101 for more information.

Upcoming Club Volunteer Opportunities May 2013

Here are some upcoming opportunities where you can help out the Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati. If you can help out with any of these events, we would greatly appreciate it:

1. Memorial Day Race 37 - The Memorial Day Race needs 5-6 more volunteers to help out with registration, course sentries,and post race. It would take 2-3 hours of your time. The jobs are easy and you will get the Memorial Day Race 37 technical shirt for your efforts. Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to get to know other club members. Let us know whether you can help by emailing us at cincinnatirunning@gmail.com or sign-up using the club's online volunteer form and checking Memorial Day Race 37.
2. Midsummer Trail Run Race Committee - Have you ever wondered what it takes to put together a race? Get in on the action! The club is forming a Race Committee for the club's Midsummer Trail Run  to be held on August 8th in Mount Airy Forest. We need assistance with pre-race and race-day organization, promotion, sponsorship, and volunteer coordination. We will have at least three meetings - one in June, July, and August. Please email us at cincinnatirunning@gmail.com.
3. Ongoing Openings - Currently we have few openings for keeping the club running on an ongoing basis:  Social Chair, Membership Chair, Program Chair, Newsletter Editor and Database Manager. Most positions take 1-2 hours a week of your time. If you can or would like to fulfill one of these positions, please send an email to cincinnatirunning@gmail.com or attend the next board meeting.

Poll Question For May: What Races Are You Doing This Weekend?

Since there are so many races in the month of May(including ones not listed on our calendar), we have decided to make it a weekly poll question for the month of May with the races for that particular week.  This week are the May 12-13 Races. Voting ends Monday May 13.

Races in May 2013

There are more races in May than just the Flying Pig Marathon including the Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati Memorial Day Race.  We listed a few below but there are several more on the club calendar.
Some May Races

• Saturday May 11, Branching Out 5k, 9:00 AM, Blessed Sacrament Church, Ft. Mitchell KY. Race information available at www.runningtime.net.
• Saturday May 11, Girls on The Run 5k, 10:00 AM, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati OH. Race information available at www.gotrcincinnati.org.
• Saturday May 11, Block The Sun Run 5k, 5:30 PM, Glendale Square, Glendale OH. Race information available at www.andycaress.org.
• Sunday May 12, Mother's Day 5k Run & Walk, 8:30 AM, Woodside Cemetery and Arboretum, Middletown OH. Visit www.speedy-feet.com for more information.
• Saturday May 18, Paige's Princess Run, 9:00 AM, Wyandot Elementary School, Liberty Township OH. Race information available at http://paigesprincessrun.com.
• Saturday May 18, Haiti to Home 5k, 9:30 AM, England-Idlewild Park, Burlington, KY. Race information available at www.haititohome5k.org.
• Saturday May 18, GoOTR 5k, 10:00 AM, Washington Park, Cincinnati OH. Race information available at www.otrchamber.com.
• Sunday May 19, Mt. Airy Ridge Run, 9:00 AM, Mt. Airy Forest, Cincinnati OH. Visit www.runningtime.net for more information.
• Saturday May 25, TRI for JOE Triathlon/Duathlon and 5k Run / Walk, 7:30 AM, Coney Island, Cincinnati OH. Information available at www.dsagc.com.
• Saturday May 25, RGI River Run & Walk 5k benefiting Kicks for Kids, 9:30 AM, Newport on the Levee, Newport KY. Visit www.racedmc.com for more information. 
• Sunday May 26, Mariemont 5k, 9:00 AM, Mariemont High School, Mariemont OH. Visit www.racedmc.com for more information. 
• Monday May 27, Memorial Day Race 37, 9:00 AM, Otto Armleder Park, Cincinnati OH, Cincinnati OH. Race information available at www.cincinnatirunning.com.

For more races in Cincinnati and the surrounding area, do not forget to check out our race calendar.

No Club Group Runs this Weekend

There will be no club Weekend Group Runs from either Lunken on Saturday or Miami Whitewater Forest on Sunday as everyone is either running or volunteering for the Flying Pig Marathon. If we are able to move our legs by Friday evening, the runs will return next weekend.
Check the club website or the blog for the latest information.

Weekly Group Run Details:
 

• Saturday Run at Lunken at 8:15 AM - Begins this Saturday March 2. Meet on the trail next to the farmer's market behind the UDF. For more information, call or text Gina Meyers at 513-706-1454.  No run this weekend. See you on May 11.
• Miami Whitewater Group Run on Sundays at 8:30 am - Club runs from Miami Whitewater Forest. Check-in is at 8:15 AM at the Visitor Center. Runs start at 8:30 AM. Contact Gina Meyers at 513-706-1454 or email her at meyersgm@rprunning.com for more information.
  No run this weekend. See you on May 12.
  

Late Online Registration Open For Flying Pig Marathon

From the Flying Pig Marathon Website: Because of the tremendous outpouring of registration questions since online registration closed on April 19, the Flying Pig Marathon is opening Late Online Registration. From Noon Wednesday, April 24 through 4 p.m. Friday, May 3, for Saturday events, or 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4 for Sunday events. Registrants will receive a confirmation email following registration. They will need to print it and bring it to the Late Online Registration table at the Expo to pick up their bib packet. You will need the confirmation email to finish registration. For more information, visit www.flyingpigmarathon.com.

Legends In Black - May 2

On May 2nd at 6:30pm, South Point High School is hosting a special event called "Legends in Black". It will feature distance running legends, who will be speaking, showing video clips, answering questions, etc. about distance training and racing. At the event will be:

• Nick Willis, Olympic silver medalist from New Zealand in the 1500 at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and currently training for the World Championships in Moscow.
• Barry Magee, Olympic bronze medalist from New Zealand in the marathon at 1960 Olympics in Rome, and one of the top distance coaches in New Zealand.
• Bill Baillie, Olympian and national champion of New Zealand in events as varied at the 800 to the 10,000. Bill was also former world record holder of the one hour run and the 20,000.
• Bob Schul, the only American to win the Olympic gold medal in the 5,000.

Host for the evening will be Nobby Hashizumi, president of the Lydiard Foundation, and former coach of the Hitachi Ltd. running team of Japan. The event is free, and will feature entertainment by Kahurangi, from Hastings, New Zealand. For more information, please contact Randy Smith at rsmith@southpoint.k12.oh.us.
DETAILS

• DATE: Thursday, May 2, 2013
  
• TIME: 6:30 PM
  
• PLACE: South Point High School, South Point OH
• COST: Free
• INFORMATION: A special event featuring distance running legends from New Zealand and United States. For more information, please contact Randy Smith at rsmith@southpoint.k12.oh.us.

Cinci Runners' Updates - April 2013

Click here to access the Cinci Runners' Updates - April 2013. Cinci Runners' Updates is a periodic e-newsletter sent by the Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati. You can sign up for it to the right or at the newsletter itself.

Piggest Raffle Ever Update

The Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati is part of the Piggest Raffle ever with the Flying Pig Marathon for 2013. Adopt a pig for $5 for a chance to to win a 2013 Toyota Prius and help the Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati raise funds. If you wish to adopt a Pig(s) on behalf of the Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati, you can do so online at www.piggestraffle.com through Thursday, May 2. Just select Runners' Club of Greater Cincinnati as the charity. The official "Pig Drop" to determine the contest winners will take place on Saturday, May 4 around 7:00pm at the Schmidlapp Event Lawn, which is next to the Christian Moerlein Lager House.

34th Annual Red Brick Run Recap

The Red Brick Run is about 35 years old and held on the beautiful Miami of Ohio Campus in Oxford Ohio. Although it is only an hour away from Cincinnati, it has the feel of a long drive for a 5K race and one of the few races that I will make the drive. I first ran this race in 1996, ran it in every even year(1996, 1998, 2000, 2002) until 2010. I wish that I could give a reason to do it in 2013 but I can not except for the fact that it has been 3 years since I ran it. The race originally raised money for the Miami Recreation Department, but now it raises money for the Amber Volk Scholarship Fund established in 2008 to remember one of Miami's own in addition to the Miami Recreation Department.

When I started doing this race, it was held at 1:30 PM but about 7-8 years ago they changed the time to 10:30 AM due to the warm April weather. The warmer weather caused the local college male and female spectators to tan themselves on the lawns along the course forcing much leering by passing male and female runners. Leering during a race does not lead to fast race times so they moved it to 10:30 AM.

Since they moved it to 10:30 AM, I have a tendency to be late for the start(remember the hour drive from Cincinnati and it seems like they keep adding more things on US 27 slowing down my drive time even more. I got there 5 minutes before they were closing registration. Race Day Registration was a back breaking price of $12. If you wanted a shirt, you could get one for $12. It was a long sleeve shirt but I opted out of the shirt since I have so many of them. Conditions were sunny but cool with temperatures maybe in the high 40's for the 300 runners and walkers who decided to run this morning. If the students decided to try to tan themselves on the lawn this morning, it definitely would lead to much leering by male and female runners.

The course changed from 2010 in that they took out part of the uphill start. Originally, the start was on a street to the left of Millett Hall on a nice incline but now you start in front of Millett Hall which is flat for the first .05 mile(hey, every little bit of flatness helps). It then runs up Talawanda Street and goes onto the sidewalks around the Miami of Ohio Campus. The nice part is the downhill finish in front of Millett Hall. I ran it in about 28 minutes but I have to check the results to be sure. Post race was nice as you had nutrition bars, sport jelly beans, bananas, water, cookies, protein drinks and sports drinks. The awards at this race are unique in that you get a red brick for being one the top runners overall or in your age group. The bricks make a great paperweight and why some runners come back year after year.

Overall, this is still one of my favorite races due to the price, the course and they have really added to the post race experience. I will probably be back in 2014 for the 35th Annual Red Brick Run. Race Results.

Covington Rotary Club's 5K 4 KIDS! Race Recap

Covington Rotary Club's5K 4 KIDS! is a race that raises funds for two Northern Kentucky Organizations - Notre Dame Urban Education Center - an after-school and summer mentoring program and Northern Kentucky Special Olympics.  The race is held at Devou Park in Covington Kentucky and 2013 was the 3rd year for the race.  I had a choice of almost 12 races to do this weekend and there were two more that I did not know about until later. I decided to do this race since it was a short drive from home and they had a t-shirt option. I am swimming in shirts and I do not need another shirt even though the shirts were technical. The race had over 100 runners and walkers. Also on hand was Jay Cruz from Rewind 94.9. Race Day Registration was $22 with no shirt which may be a little high but races are getting more expensive to do with all the frills to attract runners and walkers.

With only about 100 runners and walkers, there was no need for chip timing. Course was scenic as it was on the roads of Devou Park. It started about 100 yards from the Picnic Pavilion and looped around the Devou Park overlook with its scenic view of the Cincinnati Skyline. It came back to the main road, to a left downhill turn between Rotary Grove and the band shell, and up Montague Road which was the only hill on the course. Some runners thought the hill was tough, but you only needed to run half of it so it could have been worse. Took a right at the top of the hill and then a left to take you by the Behringer Crawford Museum and slight right to the turnaround near the Children's Home of Northern Kentucky and then came straight back to the finish on the main road. Conditions for the race were cold for April with some wind but it was comfortable to run in a long sleeve shirt and shorts. Post race featured water, bananas, granola bars, and Pizza. Awards were medals to the top male and top female in 5 year age groups and trophies to the top male and female runner. After the awards they had door prizes which included a gym bag and T-shirts courtesy of 94.9.

I may do it again due to the challenging and scenic course, but I have at least10 other races to get to on that weekend for 2014. Race Results.