245-mile run for camp

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Brian Polen, left, of Wooster, takes a break in Dalton on May 24 with supporters and fellow runners Chrissy and Bob Fratena and their children, Luci and Dominic.

Brian Polen and some of his “crew” in downtown East Liverpool, just moments after finishing his 245-mile Run Across Ohio. From back left, Josh Vanderzyden and Sadie Vanderzyden, and Beau Polen; in front, Polen, and Blake Doty.

 

WOOSTER  Brian Polen has done the legwork for other runners who would like to follow in his footsteps to support a good cause and to scratch their running itch.

With blisters healing and muscles still sore late last week, the 40-year-old Wooster runner said it was still sinking in that he had completed a 245-mile run across the state of Ohio in less than three full days.

Polen, who owns Vertical Runner in Wooster with his wife and fellow runner, Tammy, said it was earlier this spring that the idea for Run Across Ohio was hatched.

After actually running across Ohio – west to east from the Indiana border to the West Virginia border – the Polens are now inviting anyone to join them.

Participants can stick to their treadmills, run around their neighborhood or on trails, or venture to sections of Old Lincoln Way themselves as they work to meet the goal of 245 miles by July 31 – which amounts to about 27 miles each week. A link to register is available at “Run Across Ohio” on Facebook and https://registration.verticalrunnerrm.com/events/run-across-ohio-old-lincoln-hwy-05062020229. Registration is open through June 7. The $50 registration fee benefits Nuhop, an outdoor education center and residential summer camp for children with special needs.

Medals, shirts and other items will be given to participants. Runners also are welcome to share photos and posts of their experiences and can join a private Run Across Ohio Facebook group.

Read the complete story in the June 3, 2020 edition.