‘Run for Caitlin’ honors Yager’s memory

July 20, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

CANFIELD

The second annual “Run for Caitlin” is scheduled for Saturday with more than 500 runners again expected to take part in its 8K and 3K walk, run and virtual fundraiser at Canfield High School.

The event honors the memory of Cardinal Mooney High graduate and Marietta College student, Caitlin Yager, who was killed in an automobile accident in December 2013.

The coordinators of the event are Dr. Greg and Mike Delost, lifelong friends of Caitlin and Caitlin’s brother, Matt.

“This is a very special, yet emotional time for our family while an event like this just doesn’t happen without Greg, Mike and the efforts of their parents, Maria and Ray, and Matt,” Rich Yager, Caitlin’s father said. “Caitlin ran cross country at Marietta College, accumulated enough credits in a year and a half to earn an associate degree and her quote, ‘Steeplechase Your Dreams’ still resonates with us daily.”

At this time last year and with a barely two months to pull everything together, Caitlin’s sorority sisters from Marietta College (Sigma Kappa) took part to show their support while a multitude of friends, acquaintances and those touched by her story accepted the participation challenge.

Her sorority sisters are expected to return in greater numbers while virtual participation is also up.

“Our race is novel in that it is a different distance than the majority of races offered in our area,” said Dr. Greg, who is serving his residency at University Hospital in Cleveland. “About 95 percent are 5K so an 8K provides the opportunity for those taking part the challenge of a collegiate distance.”

The Yagers will welcome 15 family members from out of town, having drawn interest from relatives in Virginia, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Las Vegas.

The 8K race, which begins and ends at Canfield High School, is also scheduled to wind around the Yager homestead.

Special awards will be presented to the top three male and female overall finishers with awards also earmarked for the top three finishers in 12 age-class divisions.

“This time we had 12 months of planning so we’re hoping to exceed last year’s participation numbers. That, to me, is a realistic expectation,” added Mike, who will pursue his Ph.D in chemistry this fall at the University of Arizona.

The organization is also set to recognize its first six scholarship recipients, each of whom will receive a $1,500 stipend toward their yearly tuition at Cardinal Mooney.

“Caitlin was a peer mentor, member of the Marietta College student senate, was instrumental in starting an interfaith group and leadership program and was inducted posthumously into the national history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta,” Caitlin’s mother Carol added. “There were 45 students that submitted a 500-word essay and we wanted to make sure that those chosen emulated her Christian beliefs, academic values, love of life and service for others. It’s a bittersweet time because we’re able to help others out through the loss of our daughter.”

Honorees, ranging from freshman to senior and representing five area parishes, include Keyton Graff, Haley Mitchell, Quentin Rice, Anna Mshar, Kara Okular and Andrew Neider.

“We want to keep this event going and remain so appreciative of all of the volunteers and donors, and their willingness to help out,” said Caitlin’s brother, Matt, who is the organization’s secretary/treasurer. “We didn’t want this to be a one-and-done event.”

WKBN meteorologist Rich Morgan, his son Richard and wife Marcy will also take part.

“It’s just a great feeling that all three of us will be at the event. When you know Caitlin’s story, you come to realize what a special person she really was,” Morgan said. “It has been quite an undertaking for Greg, Mike and Matt. They are to be commended for not only have they made the event special for family, but the runners and walkers as well. The course remains the real challenge, yet one that I am looking forward to.”

Race fees include $35 for 8K with a shirt; $25 for 3K with shirt; $20 for 8K without shirt and $10 for its 3K event without a shirt.

Registration forms are available at www.runforcaitlin.org or at Second Sole, 755 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman.

The 3K race begins at 9 a.m. with the 8K at 9:20. For more details, call 330-720-4259; 330-881-7797 or 330-718-3903.