43
Race organizer Maureen Horvath presented a medal to James Stanger of Canfield for taking 3rd place in the 30-34 age group. Immediately, Stanger offered Horvath a peace sign.
Jenn Quinlan of Boardman pushed daughters Adrianna, 4, left, and Genevieve, 3, the entire five mile with flags that must have decreased aerodynamics. Both girls made it clear that the concept of drag does not bother them.
Kristen Etherly came in first in her age group. The five on her medal actually stands for the number of miles she ran and has nothing to do with her competitive standing. Etherly made it clear that the five did not bother her.
Time-keeper Tom Gretonic of Boardman helped by reminding them that even the kids' race was on the clock.
Elizabeth Galla, 6, and her sister Lillian, 4, of Poland needed a gentle push from their father, Bill, to start running.
Wilma DiPiore (#122) of Youngstown was just a face in the crowd until she blew by just about everyone and their mom. DiPiore, at 32 minutes and 47 seconds was the second woman to finish the race.
Steve Eurbick of Columbiana successfully finished as well, experiencing only minor fluid loss.
Bruce Maher of Salem kept hydrated throughout the race with a bottle of water.
L-R: Linda Rein, Dan Rein, Katie Rein and Karl Rein of Austintown. According to Linda, Katie, who has not yet turned 12, is the family's most sought after and experienced runner. Linda said Katie got local media attention after breezing through the Smokey Hallow race at age 3.
Laughing out loud, Jean McConnell of Pinacle Health Concepts went to work on Murray and many others.
While others ate, Beth Murray of Boardman laid face-down on one of the outdoor massage tables. "This is how I've always wanted to be photographed," she said.
Grill master and YMCA volunteer Van Bates of Youngstown offers up another hot dog -- a gesture Jason Schilling had become all too familiar with.
There was nothing calm about the way Jason Shilling, 13, of Boardman, devoured a burger after the race.
While resting, Pasvanis calmly replenished himself with a banana.
Coming in first place overall with a time of 29 minutes and 15 seconds was 16-year-old Brandon Pasvanis of Boardman. "I was by myself most of the time," he said. "It just makes it that much tougher."
Now in their late 50s, Cindy (#302) and Curt (#303) Grimm started racing in 1983 both qualifying for the Boston marathon several times since. "Running keeps us young," Curt Grimm said, "my wife looks like she's 30."
Amun Rigstad, 34, of Youngstown takes a deep breath after finishing the race in just over 32 minutes. With over 300 people in attendance, the finish line at the YMCA's annual five-mile run offered a look at the people who jog these valley walls.