Running 13.1 miles takes its toll on runners, both mentally and physically.Chardon Superintendent Michael Hanlon knew as much the morning of May 1, after he…
Running 13.1 miles takes its toll on runners, both mentally and physically.
Chardon Superintendent Michael Hanlon knew as much the morning of May 1, after he completed the Run for Chardon Half Marathon, the area’s first of its kind.
But the race, which also included a 5K, took its toll emotionally on most of the 430 people who showed up, despite the weather.
Conceived to raise money for the Chardon Memorial Living Park, which is dedicated to everyone involved in the 2012 Chardon High School shooting, the finish line was an outpouring of support.
“For me, it kept me focused throughout the race,” said Hanlon, who plans to run his first full marathon this fall. “It was a bit overwhelming to see all the people who were there. It was great representation from our staff and community.”
The event raised about $35,000 toward the project, which included other fundraising activities, like a car raffled donated by Pat Preston of Preston Superstore in Burton.
Steve Turpin is running the fundraising effort. He said about $250,000 of the project’s $350,000 has been raised. Steve’s wife, Ann, also ran in the race, finishing third in her age group.
“In general, I thought the organization for the event was immaculate,” Steve Turpin said. “I couldn’t find anything wrong.”
The race concluded at Chardon High School on Memorial Field, right at the 50-yard line. There were first responders from the day of Feb. 27, 2012, who handed out medals.
If there was a complaint, it was that the course was difficult and challenging, said JT Wittmann of Great Lakes Timing, who charted out the route.
Chardon’s nickname is not the Flat-toppers, after all.
“The last three miles of the course, there were some pretty good rollers,” Wittmann said, referring to the hills of Ravenna Road.
“It was a very challenging course, especially the return trip,” Hanlon said. “I ran the course three times in preparation. They don’t get any easier.”
Hanlon still beat his personal-best time by six minutes.
This week, Wittmann had already met with organizers to debrief the event, while Turpin said the idea is to keep the race and raise money for a new cause each year.
“We are trying to lock in a date for next year,” Wittmann said.
“I’m still recovering,” said Hanlon, not joking.
