Upcoming Events June 7 – National Trail Day Volunteer Event (DDoS volunteer opportunity) June 8 – Robin Hood Road 10k June 8 – DDoS Plogging Event (DDoS volunteer opportunity) June 9 – Run Host Appreciation Event (invite only) June 15 – Forest Hills Run June 21 – Summer Adopt A Highway (DDoS volunteer opportunity) June 22 – Joppa River Run 5k June 27 – Beer and Soda Mile (member only event) June 29 – HCC Observatory Run

This past Sunday HCRC and the Bel Air Town Run welcomed over 1000 participants and their family to Shamrock Park. BATR celebrated its 45th year with medals and shirts focusing on the town’s historic landmarks.

Following the run, HCRC presented scholarships to three deserving club members. Ethan Ryan took home a $3000 scholarship. Ethan is a graduate of Aberdeen High School’s SMA program and will be going to the University of Maryland where he will major in Chemical Engineering. Ethan joined the running club as a freshman in high school and has participated, volunteered, co-hosted races with his mother, and cheered on many of us through the years. Ethan wrote “Everyone in the club is immensely supportive of each other, makes sure every person has someone to run with, and is such a close group of runners that I love being a part of. And even with me being one of the youngest people at most of the runs and events, they still have all been so amazingly kind to me and reminded me how fun running can be.”

The scholarship committee had a tie for second place and decided to award to recipients with a $1500 scholarship each. The first recipient, Jack Baker, is a graduate of Patterson Mill High School and will be attending Shenandoah University where he will be majoring in Physical Therapy. Jack has overcome adversity in his running career and earned a spot on the Shenandoah University Cross Country team. Jack wrote that “Running has been and is a catalyst that has changed my life for the better.”

Olivia Rotella was also awarded with a $1500 scholarship. Olivia is a graduate of Fallston High School and will be attending Mt. Saint Mary’s University in the Fall. Olivia and her mom and have been club members since 2020. Olivia wrote “The members consistently give back to the local community, creating an environment of support and camaraderie. Being part of this group has not only improved my physical fitness but also provided me with a network of like-minded individuals who have supported me through my personal challenges.”

We wish Ethan, Jack, and Olivia all the best as they venture off to college to change the world for the better and we hope to see them at club runs when they come home for the holidays.

HCRC members also mopped up at the podium stand. Kelly McCullough earned herself second place female overall with a time of 19:35:54 after finishing third female overall in the Rock Hall Triathlon Olympic Distance the day before. Karen Smith nabbed first female overall masters and Jennye Young finished in third female overall masters. Members Dara Ford, April Plaisted, Kirstin Sylvester, and Germain Dementhon all took home first place in their age group. Placing second in their respective age group were Phil Anderson, Nina Smeltzer, Philip Watts, Jennifer Perkovich, Juda McGannon, and Karen Henry. Lisa Gesualdo, Mary Johnson, John Dittus, Tommy Engram, and Dave Stevenson all earned a podium spot with their third place age group finish.

The 45th running of the Bel Air Town Run was a huge success thanks to our generous sponsors and donors. First time BATR sponsor Mountain Spring Podiatry was our medal and course sponsor. Not only were they the race’s biggest sponsor but they also raffled off twenty $100 gift cards! Returning sponsor Jones Junction was a course sponsor as well. We would like to thank our other sponsors WBEL-Air TV News, NEMS Lacrosse, Independent Brewing Company, Coppermine Bel Air, Gold Medal Physical Therapy, Family Dental of Bel Air, Charm City Run, The Highlands School, RBJ Wealth Management, Orange Theory Fitness Bel Air South, Ivy Hill Construction Services, Bike Doctor, Ed Assist 365, Das Bierhalle, ATI Forest Hill, The Rein Team at NFM Lending, Lean Kitchen Company, Harford Bank, and Mid-Atlantic Title. Finish line food was provided by Newberry Cafe, Bagel Works, Wegmans, and Klein’s ShopRite. We also received donations from The Grazing Room, Z Vault, Buontempo Brothers, Sunny Day Cafe, Vagabond Sandwich Co., Looney’s Pub, The Nest on Main, Bird’s Nest Barbeque, and Old Line Mercantile.

Last but not least, we would like to thank this year’s committee of race directors. Thomas Moyer, Alicen McCarrick, Bart Rein, Sarah Romano, and Jill Young all put countless hours into making the Bel Air Town Run a huge success and community focused event. Thank you again for all your hard work!

Overall Winners

Fall Races Training Program

Fall races require summer training. But no worries RRCA Certified Running Coach Jackie Monteleone has you covered! Jackie will kickoff a fall race training program July 13th with her five mile club run. She will be offering a shorter route for those seeking a lower mileage option. The training program will conclude with the Susquehanna Running Festival on September 20th. Depending on demand Jackie will be creating free group or individual training plans to help you meet your goals. Whether it is to hit a pr, finish strong, or to stay healthy through training and race day Jackie has a plan for you. If you have any questions you can email Jackie at membership@runharford.com.