The Chronicles of Cincinnati's Heart Mini Marathon
- Kyle Klingler
- 23 hours ago
- 14 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Heart Mini 1
On Sunday, March 12th 1978, wearing the #1 bib across his chest, America’s premier distance runner at the time, Bill Rodgers stood at the start line of the inaugural Heart Mini Marathon. Jerry Springer (the race's official starter) commenced the race and Bill, along with 3000+ people, would take off from Fountain Square and make their way down Central Parkway and out to Cincinnati Technical College (what's now known as Cincinnati State) before looping Tretcher Stadium and heading back to the finish on Walnut.
A transformative event was taking place beyond the wildest expectations of race director, Jack Kirschner MD, the staff, and the volunteers. Tim Schilling, AHA regional director and Heart Mini founder, initially had the idea for a spring race/fundraiser and it was finally here. Pre-race registration numbers far surpassed projections and floods of more runners were showing up to sign up on race day. So many, in fact, that the staff did not have the capacity to officially register everyone before the race began, leaving many "bandits" on the course. The running boom of the 1970s proved larger than Cincinnati had ever envisioned, and on that day, it arrived in full force on the streets of the Queen City. Despite the crowds and the madness, the race was underway. "No sharp-looking Adidas sweat suits or prestigious Nike shoes could help the runners failing bodies now." (1978 Enquirer)
Bill Rodgers, the 1975 Boston Marathon winner and record holder, was the favorite to win. Yet Jack Fultz, Boston’s 1976 champion, matched him stride for stride in a fierce duel along Central Parkway. As they reached the near halfway point hill by Cincinnati Technical College, Bill pulled ahead and never looked back. "The road was a little rough in some places with all the potholes and ice." said Bill to the Enquirer after the race. Despite that, he cruised to the finish winning in 46:34.1.
On the women's side, Kim Merritt (women's international AAU champion and American marathon record holder) claimed victory in 56:32.0. And Bob Hall, national wheelchair marathon champion, won the wheelchair division. Completing a star-studded display of champions for the race's inaugural event.
As runners continued crossing the finish line, officials and volunteers scrambled to match finish cards with the IDs on their bibs. Once paired, the cards were stapled and set aside to later be sent to the processing center. This new system—introduced with the area’s first computerized results and long before today's seamless chip timing—proved slower than expected. The line quickly backed up well beyond the finish line, stretching down the street, and mismatches became common. This resulted in many runners recording no finish times. Yet despite all of the chaos, racing was still a novelty, and most runners enjoyed their experience at the very first Heart Mini nonetheless.
“There was enough human energy on the streets to heat all of downtown Cincinnati during these energy-short times” - Ernestine Yeomans
A new era for running had just begun in Cincinnati.
A Greater Cause
Despite showing up on the scene as the largest race the city had ever seen, the race's success measured well beyond the running that was done. The Heart Mini represented a greater mission, bringing widespread attention to the importance of living a healthy lifestyle for heart health. It not only raised awareness but also educated the community with vital statistics and personal stories about heart disease. Plus, the AHA hosted a running clinic on the Saturday before the race at the YMCA.
Most importantly, it honored those most deeply impacted - the survivors. Each year, they are recognized through the symbolic white and red ball caps, shining a spotlight on their strength and resilience in the face of heart disease.
Despite the many logistical challenges of its inaugural year, the growing enthusiasm for running was only the beginning. The event proved to be a resounding success, raising nearly $20,000 for the American Heart Association in Year 1. This partnership with the AHA remains at the core of what makes the Heart Mini so meaningful to this day.
Early Growth and Transformation
The Heart Mini would make it's return for year 2 with a doubled field size and more-than-doubled preparation for the affair. Also, a major change to the race as the course would now be on Columbia Parkway. Olympic 5000M gold medalist, Bob Schul, would act as the honorary chairman and official starter and the race would be ran in 3 separate heats. This new strategy for dealing with the crowds wouldn't come without it's own problems though as Tom Burridge won the race, but Martyn Brewer recorded the fastest time. However, Martyn did not register for the first open heat. An early example of gun time deciding winners, not chip time. On the women's side, Patti (Catalano) Lyons claimed victory. She held the marathon world record at one point as well as multiple American road records.
Despite the ironing out of early race logistics, runners enjoyed the experience yet again. Most runners are out here to "beat themselves" and not to win. The early conceptualization of what it means to run for personal achievement and not just about winning the whole race. Prior to the running boom of the 70's, racing was a foreign concept to all those except elite athletes.
The following year, for the third installment, the infamous Torrence Hill was added and the course was officially certified at the 15 kilometer distance by the AAU. This is the course that we still see today. Also, a kids fun run was added to the agenda the next year.
"The Turkey Day Run, as it has come to be known, is the second oldest footrace in America. Only the Boston Marathon is older. It now seems another race, the Cincinnati Heart Mini-Marathon is enriching the tradition of long distance running in our city." -Cincinnati Post (1981)
The overwhelming success of the first few years had now established the Heart Mini as one of the exclusive racing events in the Midwest. This stage ushered in a platform to showcase many of the area's local stars and some top national runners.
Trailblazing Ladies of the 80's
On the women's side, Julie Isphording was cementing her name as one of the area's greatest runners, winning many of Cincinnati's races and qualifying for the US Olympic marathon team in 1984. She would make her mark on the Heart Mini as well, winning 5 times (1981, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1992) throughout this decade and the next.
Other names to etch their names to the winners circle of this era such as:
Karen Doppes Cosgrove in 1980 (inaugural Columbus marathon champion and 7th at 1979 Boston Marathon)
Diane Bussa in 1982 (first Indiana girl to break 5:00 in the mile)
Laura Craven in 1987 (World high school record holder for indoor 3000M)
Laura Craven Judy Bogenschutz in 1989-1990 (Indiana University legend)
Judy Bogenschutz
Ultimately, it would be Connie (CJ) Robinson, of nearby Reading High school, who would make the biggest mark on the race's history. In the 1982 race, 17 year old Connie would run a course record time of 53:29. However, due to her competing in the age group division and starting later, she would not be credited with the CR or the victory. In the end, this wouldn't matter as she would return the following year and smash her previous time and finish in 51:11. This incredible 1983 record stands to this day.
The Heart Mini would not be the only accolades that Connie would acquire. In her high school senior year, she was the Kinney Shoe National XC Champion (aka Footlocker Nationals) and national record holder for 5k in 16:40. She would go on to to compete for NC State and collect all-American status there.
The Decade's Pioneering Men
While the race's inaugural featuring of two Boston marathon champs set a precedent of men's running eminence that would be hard to continue, the race would find more greatness showing up to take on the Columbia Parkway roads. Bill Rodgers would actually make a return to victory in 1987. And two more of America's greatest runners in history would make appearances in their masters years. Frank Shorter, age 40, finished 10th in 1988 and Jim Ryun, age 41, finished 4th in his age group in 1989.
In the midst of appearances from some of the greatest distance runners the U.S. had ever seen, some top Midwest elites claimed titles as well. Here's a few:
Duane Gaston in 1980 and 1982 (Olympic Trials Qualifier and now Dayton Running HOF
Duane Gaston Bryan Pownall in 1984 (Fastest Ohioan marathoner ever at the time in 2:14)
Gordon Sanders in 1990 (1992 Olympic Trials qualifier in 10K/Marathon)
But the standout performance ahead of them all would again be from the same year as Connie's record breaking year in 1983. When 25 year old aerospace engineer and former OSU Buckeye, John Glidewell, would smash the course record in 44:03. A record that also has stood to this day.
More National Prowess at the Heart
Throughout the 90's, the Heart Mini continued it's trend of seeing America's greatest running legends on the scene. Whether participating in the event and winning or attending the race clinic. Some of the race clinic speakers were: Bruce Jenner, Roger Bannister, and Marty Liquori.
Here's a look at some more of America's best who took down Columbia Parkway:
Grete Waitz finished 5th in 1990 (NYC Marathon Champion)
Joan Benoit Samuelson won in 1991 (1984 Olympic Marathon Champion)
Billy Mills ran for fun at age 53 in 1992 (1964 Olympic 10k Champion)
Mary Decker Slaney ran the race as a workout in 1993 (Multiple time WR Holder and World Champion)
Transformation through the Years
As the years went on, the Heart Mini only continued to grow and extend it's reach. This meant evolving race logistics and offerings. Continuing to keep heart health and living an active lifestyle at the core of the event's mission, a walking event was added in 1987 to expand the reach to more participants. Also, the race was ran in multiple heats for 14 years before consolidating to one mass start in 1993. During those years, they even mixed it up and had the women's open heat start 10 minutes ahead.
The 1992 year saw a course re-design due to construction. And in classic Heart Mini fashion, hills would not be left out as the race would go up Gilbert instead. This change lasted only one year.
The 5k event was introduced in 1994, and much like the 15k, its course records were set early and have remained untouched ever since. On the men's side, two‑time Olympian Steve Scott tore through the challenging course in 14:45. Widely regarded as one of the greatest milers in history, Scott set a standard so high that no Heart 5k champion since has finished within a minute of his time. For the women, Mary Toohill established the course record the following year with a 17:24. Her mark has been threatened on a few occasions but continues to stand firm.
And in the following year of 1995, yet another event was added. In-line skating had risen to popularity and the HeartSkate event was added to the Heart Mini's schedule. It would be discontinued after 1999.
1998 saw another course change for construction and would feature Gilbert avenue again. The course went to Eden Park and down Martin drive to Columbia Parkway. Besides 1978, 1992, and 1998, the course has remained at the tried and true Columbia Parkway route with some minor changes here and there.
I also wanted to include the photo above (circa 2000) to prove that it is, in fact, possible to see warm weather for the Heart Mini.
Iconic Race Posters
A defining tradition of the Heart Mini throughout its long history has been the race poster. To help promote the inaugural event, the idea of creating posters was introduced. The very first was designed by Ward Mulroy of Cato Johnson, whose striking use of runner silhouettes quickly became the race’s signature look. By the second year, Cato Johnson was no longer able to continue the work, and local artist John Maggard stepped in to design the poster. From that point forward, Maggard became the official poster designer—and his artistic vision endures, as he continues creating inspiring posters year after year.
Early 2000's Dominance
As the new millennium approached, the running landscape was shifting. The sport was no longer up‑and‑coming—it had fully arrived. For local races like the Heart Mini, this meant fewer appearances from the nation’s most elite athletes. By the late ’90s, the Heart Mini winners’ circle had begun to transition from some national professionals to primarily standout local talent. Yet as one of Cincinnati’s marquee events, the Heart Mini continued to serve as a showcase for the region’s best runners.
On the men’s side, this became especially clear in the early 2000s, a decade defined by two of Cincinnati’s greatest: John Sence and Christopher Reis. John captured five titles in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2004. Chris then took over, matching that feat with victories in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011.
The women’s race saw a similar pattern, dominated by two remarkable athletes: Kelly Keeler and Jill Tranter. Kelly won four consecutive titles from 1996 through 1999. Jill followed with her own four‑year streak from 2000 to 2003, adding a fifth win in 2005.
Outside of these dominant stints of victory, many other great runners have lent their names to the champions circle from 2000-2010. Also, a brief shout out to a few kids race champions I noticed in the results. Jackson Neff won the 2k in 2004 and Sam Wharton won in 2008. Jackson Neff is now an Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier and Sam went on to win Nike Nationals and reach All-American status at Stanford. The event has even held a place for the youngest rising stars of the sport!
See more 15k winner photos from that era in the photo gallery below:
Onward and Upward
The final major change to the event came in 2011 with the addition of the Half Marathon. As the distance continued to grow in popularity, organizers extended the 15K course with an additional four miles through the downtown area. Course records were later set by Nick End (1:08:59 in 2014) and Brooke Wildermuth (1:18:23 in 2024).
Outside of the two‑year pause during the pandemic, the Heart Mini hasn’t missed a beat (pun fully intended). Local talent has continued to shine, with winners from Cincinnati and the surrounding region remaining a familiar sight atop the podium. Names like Tommy Kauffmann, Amy Robillard, Becky Clark, Eric Gruenbacher and David Bea were frequent atop results around the city and claimed multiple titles at the Heart as well.
Some more champ photos:
The enduring 15K records of Connie Robinson and John Glidewell, along with Steve Scott’s formidable 5K mark, haven't come close to being challenged in a long time, signifying the race’s prominence and the exceptional athletes it drew during a pivotal period in U.S. distance running.
I want to give a well‑deserved shoutout to the race directors over the years—Jack Kirschner, Bob MacVeigh, Melany Stinson, Roy Gerber, John Lonneman, and Don Connolly. (If there are others I’ve missed, please comment below—my sources are limited!) Also, Tim Schilling, the regional director of the AHA, who had the idea for a spring race to kickoff everything. And of course, a huge thank‑you to the staff, the volunteers, and the AHA for their dedication in making this event exceptional year after year.
Also, a shoutout to the "streakers" who have ran every single Heart Mini to date. David Nelson, Dave Lenahan, and Tim Kling. Also, Dennis Geiger, an old friend of mine! Who I believe only missed one.
A Lasting Legacy
Putting into numbers how many lives this event has touched is impossible. From remarkable donations to the AHA, to partnerships with companies across the city, to educating and inspiring active, healthy living for people in Cincinnati and beyond—its impact is everywhere. And all the while, it has remained a place to honor the legends of the sport and the local stars who have represented this city with pride.
But beyond the champions and top finishers, countless others have discovered their own greatness on these roads. Anyone who chooses to take on the hills of Columbia Parkway and Torrence does so with courage and resilience. These characteristics are truly at the core of what this race represents and what the survivors and all those affected by heart disease embody. Time and again, the people of this city prove they are all champions in their own right.
On that note, I want to highlight William Weathers’ comments in the Enquirer from the race’s very first year. He wrote about “the comradery between this strange breed of people who regard ourselves as serious runners and joggers,” recalling the frequent encouragements of “How do you feel?” and “You can make it.” along the course. It’s a reminder that even in the early days of community racing, running has always been a welcoming, uplifting space. Runners have goals and ambitions, but there’s always been a shared desire to see everyone around them reach theirs too.
So now that the memory of how painful Torrence has faded since last year, it’s about time to sign up again. What do you say, Cincinnati?
Afterword
It's an honor to say I've won the same race as many of my running heroes, and although nowhere close to breaking the tape in a majority of the race's early years (in fact, I would've finished 26th in 1978 with my winning time), I figured the least I could do is attempt to shine a light on the many great names and memories of this incredible race's history. I hope you enjoyed!
If there are any corrections to be made, please feel free to comment. Also, if you have any stories or memories from the Heart Mini, please also share in the comments!
More Heart Mini Photos:
15K Winners
1978 | Bill Rodgers | 46:34.1 | Kim Merritt | 56:32.0 |
1979 | Tom Burridge | 46:13 | Patti Lyons | 53:48 |
1980 | Duane Gaston | 46:11 | Karen Doppes Cosgrove | 55:37 |
1981 | David Long | 44:51 | Julie Isphording | 54:46 |
1982 | Duane Gaston | 45:28 | Diane Bussa | 54:22 |
1983 | John Glidewell | 44:03 | Connie Robinson | 51:11 |
1984 | Bryan Pownall | 45:08 | Julie Isphording | 52:02 |
1985 | William Haviland | 46:45 | Julie Isphording | 52:12 |
1986 | John Wellerding | 46:15 | Cyndie Brown-Welte | 53:27 |
1987 | Bill Rodgers | 45:10 | Laura Craven | 53:26 |
1988 | John Wellerding | 45:50 | Julie Isphording | 53:20 |
1989 | Andrew Shepherd | 46:10 | Judy Bogenschutz | 52:06 |
1990 | Gordon Sanders | 45:44 | Judy Bogenschutz | 53:42 |
1991 | Noel Hallinan | 47:21 | Joan Benoit Samuelson | 52:46 |
1992 | Andrew Shepherd | 47:00 | Julie Isphording | 54:25 |
1993 | Allan Severude | 48:01 | Michelle Kitze | 55:36 |
1994 | Noel Hallinan | 46:12 | Becky Reinhold | 55:26 |
1995 | Noel Hallinan | 47:02 | Alicia Wollmering | 54:49 |
1996 | Chris Fox | 47:16 | Kelly Keeler | 55:24 |
1997 | Keith Stopen | 48:12 | Kelly Keeler | 55:22 |
1998 | John Sence | 47:25 | Kelly Keeler | 55:24 |
1999 | John Sence | 46:28 | Kelly Keeler | 54:22 |
2000 | Tim Menoher | 48:45 | Jill Tranter | 56:32 |
2001 | John Sence | 46:07 | Jill Tranter | 55:12 |
2002 | John Sence | 46:53 | Jill Tranter | 57:05 |
2003 | TJ Lentz | 47:39 | Jill Tranter | 56:58 |
2004 | John Sence | 47:21 | PJ Ball | 1:00:05 |
2005 | Christopher Reis | 47:31 | Jill Tranter | 58:35 |
2006 | Christopher Reis | 46:40 | Tania Jones | 54:53 |
2007 | Christopher Reis | 46:51 | Leah Peelman | 57:42 |
2008 | Brian List | 48:21 | Karen Berling | 57:24 |
2009 | Christopher Reis | 49:03 | Oksana Khokhlova | 57:30 |
2010 | Levi Fox | 48:45 | Carrie Birth | 57:17 |
2011 | Christopher Reis | 47:13 | Amy Robillard | 56:18 |
2012 | Derrick Butler | 47:47 | Amy Robillard | 56:29 |
2013 | Tommy Kauffmann | 47:41 | Becky Clark | 55:42 |
2014 | Tommy Kauffmann | 47:36 | Becky Clark | 55:54 |
2015 | David Bea | 50:14 | Amy Robillard | 55:18 |
2016 | William McManus | 50:37 | Katie Lenahan | 58:24 |
2017 | David Bea | 52:08 | Lara Crofford | 58:03 |
2018 | Eric Gruenbacher | 51:25 | Christina Johnston | 1:00:20 |
2019 | David Bea | 50:55 | Cristina McKnight | 56:39 |
2020 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
2021 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
2022 | Patrick Johnson | 50:57 | Melissa Surman | 1:00:44 |
2023 | Zac Holtkamp | 49:46 | Christina Johnston | 57:45 |
2024 | Kyle Klingler | 52:03 | Emily Zimmerman | 57:54 |
2025 | Kyle Klingler | 51:17 | Emily Zimmerman | 58:07 |
5k Winners
1994 | Steve Scott | 14:45 | Gayle Gajus | 19:39 |
1995 | Mike Griffis | 16:11 | Mary Toohill | 17:24 |
1996 | Mike Griffis | 16:01 | Nicole Laselle | 17:34 |
1997 | John Devitt | 16:44 | Suzanne Klapheke | 19:27 |
1998 | Ron Wofford | 16:40 | Michelle Kitze | 18:26 |
1999 | Eric McBride | 16:04 | Michelle Kitze | 18:14 |
2000 | Barrett Hopper | 16:11 | Carrie Crofford | 19:50 |
2001 | Nathan Hauke | 16:05 | Michelle Kitze | 18:30 |
2002 | Rob Grote | 16:33 | Elaine Koenig | 19:20 |
2003 | Rob Grote | 16:15 | Peggy Doerger | 19:23 |
2004 | Rob Grote | 15:52 | Karen Crowe | 19:41 |
2005 | Holden Marsh | 16:50 | Brooklyne Ridder | 18:57 |
2006 | TJ Doherty | 15:46 | Brooklyne Ridder | 18:44 |
2007 | Jeremiah Vaughan | 16:21 | Amanda McCracken | 19:44 |
2008 | Jeremiah Vaughan | 16:18 | Leslie Kraus | 18:39 |
2009 | Denis Voronin | 17:19 | Tatyana Mironova | 17:53 |
2010 | Jeff Branhan | 17:19 | Christina Johnston | 18:52 |
2011 | Matthew Frondorf | 17:30 | Becky Clark | 18:18 |
2012 | Brett Frondorf | 16:04 | Brittany Wise | 19:26 |
2013 | Eric Baugh | 22:22 | Kristine Durand | 24:59 |
2014 | Eric Baugh | 17:34 | Katie King | 22:00 |
2015 | Geoffrey Mearns Jr. | 17:17 | Susannah Shelley | 20:14 |
2016 | Ross Frondorf | 17:03 | Lara Crofford | 18:34 |
2017 | Brett Pierce | 16:08 | Emmy Sager | 21:20 |
2018 | Christian Leach | 17:13 | Francisco Torres | 18:50 |
2019 | Tristan Tapia | 16:35 | Rachel Slingluff | 18:36 |
2020 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
2021 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
2022 | Christian Leach | 17:02 | Brianna Wolken | 20:39 |
2023 | Christian Leach | 16:53 | Michelle Murray | 18:13 |
2024 | Jonathan Harley | 16:16 | Megan Francus | 18:19 |
2025 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Half Marathon Winners
2011 | Izak Velasquez | 1:15:03 | Carrie Birth | 1:25:06 |
2012 | Blake Whitney | 1:14:09 | Heather Backer | 1:25:37 |
2013 | David Riddle | 1:11:17 | Tina Husted | 1:24:06 |
2014 | Nick End | 1:08:59 | Amy Robillard | 1:23:24 |
2015 | Adam Gloyeske | 1:10:13 | Meghan Nolan | 1:26:49 |
2016 | Tim Kaiser | 1:15:16 | Wendy Marshall | 1:25:44 |
2017 | Eric Gruenbacher | 1:12:13 | Katie Aerni | 1:22:31 |
2018 | Tim Kaiser | 1:12:35 | Cristina McKnight | 1:24:07 |
2019 | Eric Baugh | 1:15:38 | Madeline Britton | 1:18:35 |
2020 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
2021 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
2022 | Zac Holtkamp | 1:10:44 | Madeline Dawson | 1:21:21 |
2023 | Will Cadwell | 1:09:57 | Jules Madzia | 1:23:24 |
2024 | Matt Stump | 1:09:53 | Brooke Wildermuth | 1:18:23 |
2025 | Tanner Williams | 1:09:54 | Gabby Niehauser | 1:25:32 |
