RUNNING SHORTS WINTER 2024

YRRC – 50 YEARS RUNNING

by Rick Hart

It was May 5, 1975 when many of the most avid runners in the Youngstown area were gathered at the Tri-State Classic a popular mile race, held at the Austintown Fitch track. That day Jack Cessna approached many of the runners and expressed interest in starting a running club. Jack received enough positive responses that he scheduled a group meeting. Some of Founding members that attended were Jack Cessna, Pat Malandra, Don Smaltz, Jim Fox, Ray West and Sam Fasline. After the meeting the Youngstown Road Runners Club joined the Road Runner Clubs of America. The newly formed YRRC held its first race June 1, 1975, a 6 miler out of Slippery Rock Pavilion, Sam Fasline was the winner. Races were held almost every Sunday, except for a 3 week break in July due to other local races being scheduled. November 22, 1975 YRRC held the Youngstown 20K. With the help of RRCA President Ted Corbitt we were able to attract many of the tops runners from East Coast and Ted started calling it “The Youngstown Shootout”! In 1976 YRRC hosted the 25K AAU Championship!

In 1977 the race changed to The Youngstown Peace Race and became its’ own entity, YRRC was no longer the “official race owner”. Jack Cessna actively recruited international runners and the Peace Race quickly turned into one of the top races in the country!

Despite the legal separation both the YRRC and the Peace Race are still going strong after 50 years. In May 2025 the YRRC will have its 50th anniversary! How we will celebrate is still in the planning stage. Watch for updates as the club runs full speed into our 51st year!

YRRC Holiday Party and Awards Presentation

At this year’s holiday party the YRRC inducted members into the club Hall of Fame, Bruce McIntosh received a Pat Malandra Volunteer Award, and several members received Attendance Awards. Below are photos and videos of the events. This event will also be featured on channel 27 WKBN and Fox on Tuesday, December 24th during their news broadcasts.

Jack Cessna

Jack could not be present for the ceremony, but member and fellow Hall of Famer Wilma DePiore gave a speech in his honor. Jack Cessna is one of the founding members of the Youngstown Road Runners Club and creator of the Peace Race.

Wilma brought many photos and articles to display of Jack and his innumerable accomplishments and contributions to running in the Mahoning Valley.

Sam Fasline Jr

Sam was inducted after a speech by member and fellow Hall of Famer Corky Pike. Sam is one of the founding members of the Youngstown Road Runners Club.

Sam and member Larry Jensen
Sam and Corky

Emily Huston-Pounds

Emily was inducted after a speech by club president Michelle Hirschl.

Emily and Michelle

Pat Malandra Volunteer of the Year Award

Bruce McIntosh received the Pat Malandra Award recognizing outstanding volunteerism for the Youngstown Road Runners Club.

Bruce and Michelle

RUN SCHEDULE JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH

  • WEDNESDAYS – Evening Runs

    6PM @ Second Sole of Boardman, to hike/bike and back. Mileage varieS.

  • Sunday, January 5th, 12th & 26th

    8:30AM @ Old Log Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.4, 4.2 & 6.5 mile runs.

  • Sunday, January 19th – Chili Run

    8:30AM @ Old Log Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.4, 4.2 & 6.5 mile runs, followed by chili and cornbread. Bring a dish to share.

  • Sunday, February 2nd, 9th

    8:30AM @ Old Log Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.4, 4.2 & 6.5 mile runs.

  • Sunday, February 16th – Valentine Run

    8:30AM @ Birch Hill Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2, 3.5 & 5.7 mile runs. Bring a dish to share.

  • Sunday, February 23rd – Club Meeting

    Club Meeting & Run, 8:30AM @ Old Log Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. Quick club meeting followed by 2.4, 4.2 & 6.5 mile runs.

  • Sunday, March 2nd, 16th

    Club Run, 8:30AM @ Old Log Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.4, 4.2 & 6.5 mile runs.

  • Sunday, March 9th – Pancake Run

    Club Pancake Run, 8:30AM @ Old Log Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. 2.4, 4.2 & 6.5 mile runs, followed by pancakes and sausage.

  • Sunday, March 23rd – NO CLUB RUN

    MILL CREEK DISTANCE CLASSIC

  • Sunday, March 30th – Club Meeting

    Club Meeting & Run, 8:30AM @ Old Log Cabin in Mill Creek Metroparks. Quick club meeting followed by 2.4, 4.2 & 6.5 mile runs.

WINTER RACE SCHEDULE