Chasing the cheese in Sugarcreek

“My goal here today is to just finish!” exclaimed Ohio Swiss Festival Cheese Chase competitor Scott Gerber, as he adjusted the paper ‘cheese hat’ on his head. “I’m a Clydesdale, not a sprinter, but I try to run two or three times a week, and I’ve also done a half marathon, so I think I can finish the race.” Gerber was running the 10K portion of the Cheese Chase, along with several hundred other runners taking on the 10K, 5K, and Run/Walk challenges. “I’m not here to win, just to finish. Plus, we get a pound of cheese, so I’m going for the cheese,” he said, grinning.Gerber did, indeed, finish his race. He came in second in the 45 to 49 year old men’s category.“This is the sixth year for the races,” explained volunteer organizer Sam Beachy. “The largest number of racers we have had before this was 170. This year we have at least 350 runners, which is huge.”Racers at the Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m. contest gathered at the Main Street stage to hear Beachy’s instructions. “Look for the cheese symbols painted on the roads, and remember that this is not a closed course. There may be cars, horses, buggies – and some stuff on the road, too. After all, this is Amish Country.” The organizer noted that the race was made possible because of the hard work of dozens of volunteers, as well as local donations of food, drink, and door prizes. “We wish you your personal best, and a great race,” said Beachy as he directed runners to the starting line.When the starting horn sounded, the spectators lining the course gave a cheer. “Go Mommy!” came the shout from 8-year-old Cameron Welch of Zanesville, as he and his dad, Nick, rooted for mom Heather Welch.“Heather just started running again. She ran before she had the kids, and she is getting back into it now,” explained Nick. “It’s great that she’s doing this, and it’s good stress relief, too.”Chris Corra brought several friends to the race, after recruiting them to start a 30-day fitness program several months ago. Friend Courtney Spillman admitted she was nervous about taking on the 5K race. “I guess I’m going from couch potato to race ready in 30 days…actually, it’s been longer than that, but I wish I still had a few more weeks to prepare. I hope I can do this!” Later, Spillman crossed the finish line, her friend Chris running alongside as encouragement. For the Doll family of Sugarcreek, the race was a family event. Josh Doll pushed a running stroller as he ran the 5K, his 2-year-old son Trey grinning at spectators as they whizzed along the route. Doll took second place in the 25 to 29 year old men’s category, while wife Ella took third in the 20 to 24 women’s group. The three reunited at the end of the race, definitely weary but exhilarated with the accomplishment, as were a number of other families and parent/child duos. Overall top 5K winners for women were Anna Havranek, Kenzie Widder, and Erica Muschelknauss, while top men were Matt Hizer, Alex Schrock, and Dakota Thomas. Winners for the 10K were Kerri Curry, Kendra Ganett, Rebecca Grove, Brady Yoder, Kevin Miller, and Lucas Immel.Brenda Kimble and Jennifer Kohler took first and second place, respectively, in the 5K 44 to 49 age group. Kohler has been running for almost two years, while Kimble has been running since high school. “I kind of started running after my mom had some health problems. Now, every time I run, I think of Mom and that motivates me,” Kohler noted.Kimble, the mother of four, said that running is a crucial part of her everyday life, and encouraged others to get out and get moving, saying, “Running keeps you young, it relieves stress, and it keeps you happy.”