CTC Newsletter Ep. IX

Kyle Klingler
Sep 2
7 min read

Updated: Sep 30

Quote:

"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in." - Haruki Murakami

Intro:

Kicked off this episode with an intense quote to more or less summarize the feeling of summer training coming to an end. How about the weather the last 10 days or so though? Are we actually getting a fall season that lasts more than 2 weeks this year? Hopefully, I didn't jinx it. Either way, September is here! Cross country season is underway for the high school and college teams, and the longer road races begin to make their return to the schedule.

I'm a few days late to this article (as usual), but the Aruna Run kicked off the month for the city this past Monday! Always an amazing event. Lots of races and events in the next few weeks, highlighted with the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 7k/14k. Looking forward to hopefully more great weather this month! Check out what else is happening below.

Cincinnati Running News:

Fleet Feet Cincy is now hosting Newport Run Club runs from their Newport location on Thursdays at 6PM. Join in for 3-4 miles through out the year with giveaways, activations, and more!
Cincy Run Club has their Summer Send-0ff on 9/27. Close out the summer season with them!
Cross-Country For Youth is looking for more volunteer coaches to help kids at schools in the area! All workouts are already developed and set up for you to follow. It requires you to be present 2 days per week for approximately 1 hour each day. To learn more about this amazing program and how to get involved, click the following link: https://www.crosscountryforyouth.org/
Close out the summer with the "Tropics Like It's Hot" Running Block Party at Fleet Feet Newport on Saturday, 9/13 at 6PM! Good vibes, a hot run, and community fun all in one!
The 2026 Flying Pig Community Scholarship application is live! If you or someone you know is a current high school senior and a member of the cross country or track team from the Greater Cincinnati area, you could be eligible! See the full list of requirements and apply here: https://flyingpigmarathon.com/get-involved/high-school-scholarship
The Hamilton Run Club @ Fitton Family YMCA is free and open to all runners! Come check out this awesome group! (Shout out the comment on the last episode recommending them)
Cincitucky Trail Runners is a new group offering community to those interested in the amazing trails of Cincy and Northern Kentucky. They kick off with a group run on 9/2. Find them @cincituckytrailrunners on IG. Also, check out the site: https://cincituckytrails.com/ for some great info on local trails. First time seeing this site! What a great resource!
School is back in session at UC and Xavier. If you're a student and looking for a great running community while in school, check out UC Running Club and Xavier Running Club!
Queen Athletic Collective is hosting "Back to the River Run" for all paces at Friendship Park on Sunday, 9/21 at 9AM.
Wear your favorite NFL team's gear to the Running Is Player run this Sunday at 9AM at 3716 Montgomery Rd!

Runner Spotlight: Derrick Braziel

In 2024, a few runners donning alien masks hit the streets with a simple message: "We Run In Peace." What began as a small, quirky gathering has since evolved into one of Cincinnati’s largest and most vibrant running communities—Area 513 Run Club. Every other Friday at 6PM, they host a free 5K run through downtown Cincinnati, welcoming runners of all paces. Their launch point? The beloved Pata Roja Taqueria, home to some of the city’s most delicious tacos.

Derrick Braziel founded Area 513 Run Club with Lauren Hayes. Derrick is also the founder and owner of Pata Roja Taqueria. In just over a year, Derrick’s influence on Cincinnati’s running culture has been nothing short of remarkable. As he puts it, Area 513 was created “as a way to build a community where people could connect, stay active, and enjoy running together.” Not only has the club fulfilled that mission—it’s far exceeded it.

While he is certainly busy hosting group runs and serving up tacos, Derrick has also developed his own personal relationship with running. He started running when he realized the importance of staying fit while managing the demands of his restaurant. Since then, he has completed four marathons, ranging from Cincinnati to Mexico City, and is preparing for his fifth in October at the Columbus Marathon. With his eyes set on the future, Derrick’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

"Running to me is simple. It clears my head, pushes me, keeps me grounded, and reminds me how strong I can be while giving space to breathe and dream at the same time." Derrick's words resonate big time and he's now created a space for others to enjoy this same experience.

Check out @area513runclub and @patarojatacos on IG! Swing by a group run or stop by for dinner some time. And shout out to Derrick for all the great things he's doing for this community!

Cincy Running Historical Moment: The Roger Bacon Spartan Marathon

Long before the Flying Pig Marathon stood as the premier marathon in Cincinnati, there was a marathon that took place from 1970-1972 called the Roger Bacon Spartan Marathon. It's common practice for high school cross country teams to have 500 mile or even 1000 mile clubs to encourage runners to get in the miles in the offseason. Mike Boylan, English teach and head coach for track and cross country at Roger Bacon High School, had his runners aim for these goals and even a bit more.

On December 8th, 1970, Mike had his runners complete the first ever marathon in Cincinnati. That day, school was closed for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mike thought this day was ideal for a race, so he mapped out an 8 mile course. Starting on Mitchell Ave across from the football stadium, runners headed downhill to Spring Grove Ave. Eventually they would merge into Vine street and go up to Seymour Ave before turning right on Reading. They stayed on Reading until they hit Clinton Springs to go back down Mitchell. They completed this loop 3 times total and finished the rest out on the track.

A blurry photo of the Spartan Marathon course

Russ McMahon won the race in about 3:07 with Dave Clark following in second. Mike Boylan held the race for two more years before heading off to law school. Although this races time was short, it was the first ever marathon held here in Cincinnati.

A couple side notes here: this course sounds incredibly hilly. Also, Russ was one of my professors while I was at UC. Awesome guy who never mentioned his championship marathon during lectures. And shout out Bob Roncker as always for the wealth of historical records that allow me to shout out some incredible moments in Cincy running history!

Strava Segment Highlight: Fernbank Loop CCW

Where are my west-siders at? Fernbank Park is a underrated little spot out by the river. Perfect for some easy, scenic miles or maybe a tempo run. Check it out if you're looking for something different!

Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/12542687

Training Tip:

Struggling with motivation some days? Same. One of the best ways to shake that off is to sign up for a race that challenges you a bit. Before my first marathon, I spent a year running inconsistently and skipping a lot of workouts. Sometimes, a phase like that is great for you mentally. But eventually, I needed something to reignite my purpose. After some friendly peer pressure (shoutout to Kevin), I signed up for the 2019 Flying Pig—and once it was on the calendar, the motivation kicked in. I knew I couldn't fake my way through 26.2 miles, and that challenge gave me the spark I needed. So if you're struggling to get out there, find a new challenge and commit. It might be just the boost you're looking for.

September Local Races:

9/1 - Cincinnati Aruna Run - Smale Park

9/6 - Cere-bration Walk, Roll, Run Cincinnati - Glenwood Gardens

9/6 - Freddie's 5k - Fifty West (Wooster Pike)

9/6 - Iron Rig 5k - Florence, KY

9/6 - The Tri-State Running Company 513 Beer Mile - Short Park

9/6-7 - Loveland Frogman Race - Loveland

9/7 - Sunflower REV IT UP for Parkinson's - Downtown Cincinnati

9/13 - The East Fork Challenge Adventure Races - East Fork State Park

9/13 - Glenwood Gardens Night Lights Run - Glenwood Gardens

9/13 - Jurassic Races at Belterra Park - Belterra Park

9/13 - RAPTOR 5k - Milford