Although gusty winds and dark clouds prevailed, more than 850 competitors enjoyed the scenery, fun, competition and challenges along the course at Mill Creek Park for the first time in the fall. The event was held in June in each of its first two years.

“We moved from it from June to October to take advantage of the weather and the beautiful scenery with the changing colors of the leaves and the cooler temperatures,” race director Mark Lipinsky said. “We’ve got five countries represented and competitors from 25 states. They’re coming from all over to run in the Youngstown Marathon.

“We’ve got more runners than last year. We’re excited by that and looking forward to continuing to grow the event for the good of the community. In the past two years, we’ve donated $24,000 to four local charity partners. This year’s recipients are Youngstown Blue Coats and Beatitude House. Our mission is to spread health, wellness and community support in the Mahoning Valley.”

The event got a boost this year be becoming a certified Boston Marathon qualifying race.

Staff photo / Brad Emerine Tim McBride, of Monroe, North Carolina, dressed up as Santa.

“Part of our growth is the change in time from June to October. Another big change is because it became a qualifier for the Boston Marathon,” Lipinsky said. “That’s the gold standard for marathons, and it adds a big layer of legitimacy to this event.”

Whatever the reasoning is, the event drew rave reviews from many participants Sunday at the finish line across from Second Sole on U.S. Route 224 in Boardman.

“It’s definitely cooler this time, but a lot windier, too,” laughed Jennifer Krueger. “The course was so beautiful. It was like snowing leaves the whole time.”

Krueger, an assistant cross country coach at Westminster College and a resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, placed sixth overall in the half marathon race. She finished in 1 hour, 23 minutes and 26 seconds. Competing in the 25-29 age group, she was the first female to finish.

“This was my second time running here and my time was a lot faster than I thought it was going to be,” she said. “In the future, I might considering training for marathons.”

Staff photo / Brad Emerine Sam Garver, resident of Vienna, dressed up as Mr. Incredible, during Sunday’s Youngstown Marathon.

Ryan Budnik (20-24 age group) of Grove City was the overall winner of the race in 1:11:44, with Youngtown’s Mark Hadley taking second in 1:12:07 and Ty Reeher of Kinsman finishing third in 1:17:16.

In the full marathon, Taylor Sowers represented the area strong. The McDonald High School product who currently resides in Canton, was the overall winner. Competing in the 30-34 age group, he finished in 3:00:08. Michah Bookman of New York, New York, was second (3:00.41) and Adam Wytko of Columbia, Maryland, was third (3:04.46).

“It was a beautiful day, beautiful course and I was running with 60 of my closest buddies,” Sowers said. “You can’t beat that. Everything about running in the fall is awesome to me. It does remind you of running in high school.

“This was my first Youngstown Marathon, and I was an ambassador for the event. I already qualified for the Boston Marathon last April, but I wanted to do this because this is home to me. It’s where I grew up loving to run. I’ll take about a month off and then ramp things up again.”

Sowers’ twin sister, Kyrsti Davis, was also an ambassador for the event but did not compete Sunday. Davis, a McDonald product who now resides in Clarksburg, Maryland, will run the Boston Marathon with her brother.

Corrin Tanking of Holton, Kansas, was the top female finisher in the marathon. She placed eighth overall in 3:27:17. Andre Travis of Akron won the wheel chair marathon (3:17:04).

Canfield’s Mackenzie Mettille won the 5K race in 15:59, with Austintown’s Jonathan Bolha taking second (17:46) and Girard’s Jonathan Richmond placing third (18:30). Warren’s Brandon Null (14-and-under age group) was fourth overall (18:54) and Renee Harden of Medina was the top female (sixth overall, 19:33).

While runners are serious about their sport, they can also provide fun along the way.

In the half-marathon race, there were some recognizable competitors.

Sam Garver (30-34 age group) dressed up as Mr. Incredible. He finished 37th in 1:42:30.

“Halloween is right around the corner, so I decided to have some fun with it,” said Garver, who recently moved to Vienna from Basking Ridge, New Jersey. “I got a lot of cheers along the rout and that really helped, honestly. It was really great running weather. I’m glad the rain stopped because it is so beautiful and stunning here with the leaves falling and changing colors.”

Another crowd favorite was Tim McBride of Monroe, North Carolina. Suited up as Santa Claus and competing in the 60-64 age group with his real facial hair flapping in the wind, he finished 346th in 2:33:30.

“I run on a team and three of my teammates live in Youngtown and they invited to this race,” McBride said. “I run for cancer research and my No. 1 fundraiser is being Santa. The kids love it. But I told all the adults who passed me during the race that they weren’t getting anything for Christmas.”

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