COMING HOME
by Rick Hart
This past Spring Linda and I became aware of the opportunity to buy a house next to our daughter’s family in the Cleveland area. There’s a saying that for real estate the most important 3 things are location, location, location. Next to our daughter, next to our 4-year-old granddaughter and next to our very handy son-in-law. Check, check and check!
We sold our Columbiana home of almost 32 years, it was custom built for us, and we had always felt like it would be our forever home. This caused a lot of anxiety for us and there were many days I had doubts about whether we were making the right decision.
After moving on June 8th, I almost immediately became a member of the Cleveland Road Runners Club and received a warm welcome and I’ve become a regular at CRRC’s Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning runs. There are also Wednesday evening and Sunday morning runs. At the CRRC group runs, post run coffee seems to be as important as the run, so I fit right in there too! I won my age group (by default) at my 1st Cleveland race. I also have volunteered at 2 races.
The 2025 Youngstown Peace Race was put on my training calendar about a year ago because I would be entering a new age group (70-74) and would have a chance at an age group award. I had no idea that the race would turn into a home coming. The race went well; my goal times were 1. Break 1 hour or be disappointed, 2. 59:00 happy 3. 58:00 very happy. My official time was 58:26 and I placed 2nd in the age group, so I was very happy!
Despite currently residing in a new location, I was born, raised and spent my first 38 years in the City of Youngstown and worked 33 years for the Youngstown Police Department. I will always say I’m from Youngstown.
I’m a longtime season ticket holder at YSU football and plan to continue that tradition. Also, I will continue my YRRC membership and hope to attend approximately once per month. I’ve put the 2026 Mill Creek Distance Classic on my training schedule. So, my point is I won’t be a stranger and I’m looking forward to many more home comings!
Rick Hart
FEATURED IN RUNOHIO – YRRC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
by Rick Hart
It was May 5th, 1975, when many of the most avid runners in the Youngstown area were gathered at the Tri-State Classic, a popular mile race, held at the Austintown Fitch track. That day Jack Cessna approached many of the runners and expressed interest in starting a running club. Jack received enough positive responses that he scheduled a group meeting. After the meeting, the Youngtown Road Runners Club joined the Road Runner Clubs of America. The newly formed YRRC held its first race on June 1st, 1975 – a 6-miler out of Slippery Rock Pavilion. Races were held almost every Sunday, except for a 3-week break in July because of other local races being scheduled.
On November 22nd, 1975, the YRRC held the Youngstown 20K. With the help of RRCA President Ted Corbitt, we were able to attract many of the top runners from the East Coast, and Ted started calling it “The Youngstown Shootout!” In 1976 the YRRC hosted the 15K AAU Championship. In 1977 the race changed to The Youngstown Peace Race and became its own entity. The YRRC was no longer the “official race owner”. Jack Cessna actively recruited international runners, and the Peace Race quickly turned into one of the top races in the country. Despite the legal separation, the YRRC and the Peace Race are still going strong after 50 years. In July 2025, the YRRC celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Themed Runs, Events & Other Happenings
