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Peace (Race) in the Valley
Youngstown Peace Race
Gallery
Canfield’s Roush provides
Kosger run for his money
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
A late kick by Ezekiel Kosger and a steady pace by Mary Wangui lifted both Kenyan runners to victory Sunday at the 43rd Youngstown Peace Race.
The two winners were among a group of 20 elite runners who competed in the field of 1,100. Four hundred of them were registered for the two-mile “Move the Mission” run to benefit the area’s Rescue Mission, while 700 more took part in the 10K event.
Photo Gallery: Youngstown Peace Race
Kosger crossed the finish line in 30:07, nine seconds ahead of Canfield native Ryan Roush (33:16) and 36 seconds in front of fellow countryman Kiptoo Julius Kibet (30:43) for his first victory in the highly respected international race.
Wangui was the top woman, finishing 16th overall in 33:16 and 33 seconds ahead of teammate Margaret Wanjru (33:49), who closed in 17th place.
“I didn’t run the course ahead of time, but knew that it would be a challenge because of the many hills,” Kosger said. “I like to be out in front and the three of us [Roush and Kibet] just set the pace. I was a little tired when I got to the bridge and before the final straightaway, but I just kept going and kicked as hard as I could.”
Roush, a Canfield native and South Range High School graduate, ran at both Malone College and Youngstown State.
He is pursuing his Ph.D in physical therapy at YSU.
Roush’s 15:03 clocking at the halfway point was actually a second better than Kosger.
“We all started off slow, but about the two-mile mark we seemed to take off,” Roush said. “For the next two miles the three of us went at it and for the last mile or so I ran with Ezekiel. I wanted to break 30 minutes today and while I fell a little short, I’m still pleased with my effort.”
Kibet, who was running in his fifth event, is also a past winner.
“The course is very challenging and the runners that the organization is able to attract is the reason I come back,” he said. “The spectators are great and all I did was try my best. Whoever was the best today was going to win.”
Owen Anderson is the manager and coach of the Kenyan women who copped four of the top six places.
His East Lansing, Mich., facility, Lansing Sports management, is home to Wangui, Joan Aiyabei (last year’s winner) Margaret Wanjru and Caren Maiyo when they train in the United States.
“This is a well-known race and my job is to build their resume and profile in order to get them recognized,” Anderson said. “In order to do that, we look for high-quality races, good competition and a well-organized event, of which the Peace Race is. Al George and his staff do a great job and Jonathan Bolha is excellent as the elite athlete coordinator.”
Wangui was 57 seconds off her qualifying time of 32:19, which she recorded at the Crescent City Classic in New Orleans.
“I’m in the process of building up my resume and career and this was a very important race for me,” Wangui said. “Winning will definitely help me build up my profile.”
Wanjru (33:49) was second in the female division and 17th overall, Maiyo (35:08) third and 23rd overall while Aiyabei (38:42) finished sixth in the women’s division and 39th overall.
Kelsie Nutter (36:00) was fourth in the women’s division and 27th overall with Elizabeth Herndon (36:31) rounding out the top five women finishers, ending 32nd.
“The course reminds me of the forests that we have back home,” said Aiyabei, who was taking part for a second straight year. “It’s tough to repeat, so all I was looking for is to finish strong and do my best.”
At 63, Richard Wyant graduated from The Rayen School in 1972 and was taking part in his 10th straight event.
“I quit smoking 10 years ago and that was the first time that I took part in this great event,” Wyant said. “I’ve been running it ever since. My best finish is a 1:04:00 so I was hoping to break the hour mark this year.”
Canfield’s Renee Bodden, a Boardman High School alum, is a nurse. She was participating in her 21st event.
She turns 60 years old in January and her t-shirt, “Fight for It,” serves as her inspiration.
“The t-shirt is just a message to me,” Bodden said. “There’s a lot of wrong going on in the world today, but there are a lot of good things as well and the Peace Race is one of those good things. By running, I get to celebrate my good heart and lungs.”
Bodden (57:16) was 308th overall and 105th on the women’s side of the ledger while Wyant (1:28.29) placed 618 overall.
Phil Kidd (43:05), associate director of Youngstown Cityscape, finished 68th.
“This race showcases our fine city, there are elite runners that take part and is run through the crown jewel, Mill Creek Metroparks,” Kidd said.
George is in his 23rd year with the Peace Race.
“I need to thank all of the sponsors and volunteers because they make this the great event that it has become,” he said. “We also had a kids’ race this morning with proceeds from the two-mile ‘Move the Mission’ race earmarked for the area Rescue Mission. It was a beautiful day, the competition was great and turnout absolutely fantastic.”
In addition to funds that were earmarked for the Rescue Mission, other organizations that will reap a monetary donation include St. Vincent DePaul Society, Fairhaven Special Olympics, Beatitude House and YMCA’s Partner of Youth.