CTC Newsletter Ep. X

Kyle Klingler
Oct 1
7 min read

Updated: Oct 2

Quote:

“Let everything happen to you

Beauty and terror

Just keep going

No feeling is final”

- Rainer Maria Rilke

Intro:

That quote, to me, captures the essence of racing—especially the marathon. With October now here, many runners have their goal race in sight. The taper is approaching, and race day is just around the corner. Let this be your reminder to soak it all in: every moment, every emotion. The highs and lows, the nerves and excitement, the pain and the triumph—it’s all part of the journey. Embrace it.

Still waiting for fall to fully settle in. We had a brief stretch of cooler days, but the heat hasn’t quite let go. October ushers in peak cross country season and marathon weekends, and hopefully, the hard work from summer training will start to pay off as the temperatures drop. Stay focused, stay cool, and lock in as taper time approaches. Scroll down to see what’s happening this month.

Cincinnati Running News:

The historic Thanksgiving Day Race is back for it's 116th running! Join in for a holiday tradition in the 10k or 5k and be a part of one of America's oldest races!
Also, a big addition to the Thanksgiving Day Race this year is the Elite program! Elite runners, find the info and application at the following link and let's make bring the race back to one of the fastest in the nation! Elite Program Info
American distance running legend, Jenny Simpson, announced she is making her return to Cincinnati this month at the Queen Bee Half Marathon! She ran the Flying Pig Half this past spring and is excited to be back! The Queen Bee is one of Cincy's best running events and features both a half and 4 mile race. Hop in a race or come out and support both Jenny and the rest of the amazing women out there!

Brew Ash at Summit Park is Saturday, 10/4 from 2:00-8:00PM. Live music, food trucks, and craft beer from local breweries! Kicking off the event is a 5k fun run/walk with beers!

Sprints running gear just dropped their big Fall collection! Check out their awesome hats, hoodies, and more at https://getsprints.com/
Heart Mini registration is officially open for the 2026 race on 3/15. The first 200 registrants get a Fleet Feet gift card. Info and registration can be found here: Heart Mini
Fleet Feet is hiring! Multiple openings at multiple locations. Check out more info here: Fleet Feet Cincy Careers
A personal favorite 5k of mine is at the beginning of next month on 11/1 at the Gem of the Highlands 5k! Funds go towards supporting Norwood public parks! Come out for a great community event and fundraiser! Register here: Gem of the Highlands
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/
Shout out to the Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 7k/14k winners:
7k - Nick Dehaven (21:13) and Krista Gustavsson-Bronz (28:01)
14k - Zachariah Zimmerman (45:11) and Danielle Rinn (52:09)

Runner Spotlight: Bob Roncker

It’s tough to name a more influential figure in Cincinnati’s running scene than Bob Roncker. Widely recognized for founding Bob Roncker’s Running Spot in O’Bryonville, his impact stretches far beyond the storefront. From coaching to community building, his contributions have shaped the sport locally for decades. To offer a glimpse into his remarkable journey, Bob shared a personal timeline highlighting key milestones and achievements throughout his running life.

Bob married Mary Ann Foy in 1971. They have two children, Neil and Jessica.

1958 - Began running cross-country during his sophomore year for basketball conditioning.

1960 - Finished 2nd in the Ohio State Cross-Country Championship meet.

1961 - Participated in the Labor Day weekend 15 mile race in Reder, West Virginia. While leading, he passed out due to heat exhaustion and was unable to finish. Two individuals died in the race from heat stroke. Also, began attending the University of Cincinnati on athletic scholarship.

1965 - Captain of the first UC cross-country team to win a conference championship.

Bob Roncker and Bob Schul — Bob (right) racing against Bob Schul (left)

1966 - Established the 6-mile track school record at UC. Later that year, he began teaching and coaching cross-country at Elder High School. Prior to his arrival, Elder was near the bottom of their league. During the 3 seasons Bob was coach, the team placed 20th, 7th, and 2nd at the state meet.

1969 - Elder's 4 mile relay team set a new meet record at the prestigious Mansfield Relays. This mark was also the 5th best time in the country that year. That year, he stepped down from coaching to pursue a Master's degree.

1972 - Bob and Mary Ann moved to Mountain View, California where he began working for Runner's World magazine. Also, he coached the Palo Alto track club.

1973 - Returned to Cincinnati and began teaching/coaching at Walnut Hills High School.

1977 - Walnut Hills set the Ohio high school record for the Runner's World 24-Hour Relay event.

1977/78 - Co-directed the summer Colorado Adventuring running camp in Westcliffe, Colorado.

1979 - Resigned from Walnut Hills High School to embark on a running specialty shop retail career.

1980 - Directed the Phidippides Marathon, a certified Boston qualifying race. Due to an unexpected March snowstorm, it had to be held on two consecutive weekends.

1981 - Bob Roncker's Running Spot opened in March.

1989-93 - Head cross-country coach for Xavier University.

1994 - Started a high school summer cross-country camp, which was held for many years, at the Milford Retreat Center.

1998 - Asked to serve on the initial Flying Pig Marathon Board of Directors. Continued on this board for 15 years.

2007 - Inducted into the Running Specialty Group Hall of Fame.

2008 - Bob Roncker's Running Spot received the National Independent Running Specialty Store of the Year award.

2011 - Inducted into the inaugural class of the Greater Cincinnati Running Hall of Fame.

2013 - Bob and Mary Ann sell the Running Spot.

2015 - Retires and leaves the Running Spot.

2016 - Created a running blog highlighting many local individuals and events from the 20th century.

2019 - Was asked by Reggie McAfee, the first African-American to run a sub four minute mile, to help conduct his Cross Country for Youth events in Cincinnati, which still continues to this day.

2024 - Hosted Jack Daniels, Olympic medalist and renowned coach and sports scientist, for an evening seminar named "An Evening with Jack Daniels"

2025 - Working with the Cincinnati Public Library to help digitize 30 years of the Runner's Spotlite newspaper and helping preserve of oral history of local running. Also, a recipient of the Outstanding University of Cincinnati alumni award. And most recently, won the Tokyo World's prediction contest.

Individuals that appeared at the Running Spot: Frank Shorter, Grete Waitz, Dave Johnson, Jim Ryun, Bob Schul, Jeff Galloway, Joe Henderson.

Individuals who stayed at the Roncker household: Arthur Lyrdiard, Henry Rono, Arnulfo Quimare.

What an amazing lifetime of achievement so far! Bob has pushed the running scene here forward for decades and continues to do say today. His efforts lately to preserve the history here are extremely important. Shout out to Bob for all he's done for Cincinnati running!

Cincy Running Historical Moment: Dog paces the Thanksgiving Day Race

A quick, fun story from Cincinnati's oldest race, the Thanksgiving Day Race. Below is an excerpt from another article I have in the works on the history of this historic race. Stay tuned for that soon and be sure to sign up for the race if you'll be in Cincy on Thanksgiving Day!

In 1988, the usual Thanksgiving morning calm gave way to a memorable dash across the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge. Eric Fillinger was cruising toward victory when a friendly German Shepherd bounded alongside him. “He was just running around my feet,” Fillinger laughed later, “and getting in front of me.” The dog crossed the finish unofficially, but his impromptu pacing reminded everyone that on this day, anything can happen.

Strava Segment Highlight: Spring Grove Green/Yellow

I can't think of a better place to run in Cincinnati during the fall than Spring Grove Cemetery. The winding paths and vibrant fall colors create some of the best views around. While the terrain is pretty hilly, it's ideal for cruising and taking in the scenery. The paths are endless—but the White, Green, and Yellow path markers make navigating a breeze. Definitely worth checking out.

Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/2246186?filter=overall

Training Tip:

Set A, B, and C goals for your peak race—especially for the marathon, where so many variables can come into play, with weather being one of the biggest. Having a range of goals helps ease the pressure if things don’t go perfectly early on, whether your pace slips or your legs just aren’t cooperating. Stay flexible, respond to what the day gives you, and keep moving forward.

For me, the A goal is what I’m chasing if everything clicks. The B goal is the most realistic target based on training and conditions. And the C goal is my fallback—something I can be proud of if the day throws me a curveball.

October Local Races:

10/4 - Brew Ash 5k - Blue Ash

10/4 - Angel Dash - Anderson

10/4 - Captain Seth Mitchell HERO 5k - Loveland

10/4 - Halo Hustle- Anderson

10/4 - Lakota Optimist Club's Run for Youth - Liberty Township

10/4 - Thrive Empowerment Center 5k - Covington, KY

10/4 - Walt Sweeney Ford 5k - Delhi

10/4 - Warrior Run - Mariemont

10/11 - Get Your Rear in Gear - Blue Ash

10/11 - Queen Bee Half Marathon Weekend - Downtown

10/12 - Dirt Days Trail Series - West Side Best Side 5k - North Bend