Running Shorts Spring 2023

by Rick Hart

The 33rd Edition of the Mill Creek Distance Classic

We recently completed the 33rd Distance Classic. I am avoiding using the term Annual because the 2020 race was forced to be canceled by Covid safety regulations. In the November 2021 make-up race and the March 2022 race we greatly over-anticipated the race participation, causing financial losses. This year we were able to put leftover shirts and finisher medals to use, which lowered the race expenses substantially. Race sign ups were about 280 participants and 253 runners showed up on race day. Despite the park fees going up we will be able to add several thousand dollars into our YSU Foundation Scholarship for a YSU distance runner.


Thank you to the club members that volunteered for the race planning, preparing and race weekend. YRRC Board members Michelle Hirschl, Kevin Guthrie, Carolyn DeChristofaro, Emily Huston-Pounds, Kaytlin Felger, Don Bolger, Diane Downey and Rick Hart. Other volunteers included Beth Hepfner, Bruce McIntosh, Anne Lally, JR and Barb Timcisko, Vic DeChristofaro, Linda Hart, Diana Bolger, Lisa Blair, Janie Crowl, Dale Carrick, Wilma DePiore, Mike Malarky, Bob and Tena Gerdes, Bill Richardson, Jim McKenna, Tim Powers, Anna Bertin and Chuck Miller. Several YSU / Poland High students volunteered at water stops. Also, Jim McNulty for taking race photos. Boardman Subaru employees volunteered at one water stop. Special thanks to the Mahoning Valley Radio Club and Dean DeMain who provided several course volunteers with radio communications in case of course injury or another problem. Second Sole provided low cost help with shirts, timing and the portable toilets.


The race received cash donations from Boardman Subaru $500, CSL Plasma $250. In-kind donations from Culligan water, Panera for (bagels, cups etc.), Furrie Sparkle Markets, (Cornersburg, Western Reserve and Columbiana) for bananas.


A Saturday storm caused a power outage at Second Sole during packet pick up. I had to take 3 detours on my drive home due to powerlines being brought down by trees. We were concerned about the condition of the park roads and the power at the Davis Center. The park had 13 trees or large limbs blocking roads partially or fully. The city street Milton Ave. was closed due to a downed power line across the road. The race course goes down Milton 4 blocks into the run. So, the course had to be reversed and the start went out the back entrance of the Riverside Gardens. The park called out crews, they worked all night, and managed to clean up all the downed trees and large debris from the roads.

Thank you for all the great work!

RUN SCHEDULE APRIL, MAY & JUNE

  • WEDNESDAYS – Evening Runs

    6PM @ Second Sole of Boardman, to hike/bike and back. Mileage varies, average of 4.

  • APRIL 16th

    8:30AM @ Bears Den Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2, 4 & 6.2 mile runs.

  • APRIL 23rd – NO CLUB RUN

    Good luck to all participating in the YTown 5 &10 Miler!

  • APRIL 30th

    8:30AM @ Bears Den Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2, 4 & 6.2 mile runs.

  • MAY 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th

    8:30AM @ Fellow Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Metroparks. 3.3, 5 & 7.3 mile runs.

  • JUNE 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th

    8:30AM @ Lanterman’s Mill in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.3, 4.3 & 6.5 mile runs.

  • JUNE 26th – Annual Club Picnic & Awards Dinner

    5:30PM Option Run from Birch Hill Cabin, 2, 3.5 & 5.7 miles. 6PM @ Birch Hill Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. Annual Club Picnic and Awards Dinner. Please bring your family and a dish to share!

RACE SCHEDULE APRIL, MAY & JUNE