Runner Spotlight - John Diennio

I first started running for my high school cross country team in the mid-80's because I had a lot of energy at that age, and wasn't particularly adept at other team sports. My school had a large program, a great coach, and after school practices were a blast. I've stopped and started running several times since then, but I guess I've been running for about 20 years combined.

 There is so much to love about the Polar Bear Grand Prix races! They're close to home, on a great course, and the relatively small fields really lend a sense of community to the events. They also provide something to look forward to, and inspiration to keep training, during a time of year when not a lot of events are happening. Also, the weather! I've always loved being active outdoors when the weather is less than ideal. My partner ran one of these events many years ago when the temperature was, like, 6 degrees. She finished and her eyebrows were literally caked with ice. No way was I going to let her have all the fun! I've been doing them with her ever since.

 My favorite distance so far is the half-marathon. I enjoy the challenge of finding and maintaining a proper pace that longer distances provide. I'm looking forward to challenging myself in my first full marathon this Fall in Indianapolis.

 There are so many great places to run in and around Louisville. But honestly, my favorite place to run is around home. I like being able to lace up at the kitchen table and just head out the back door. I measure most of my runs by time rather than miles, so following a specific course isn't that important. I usually take a different route each time out. It's fun, and a great way to get to know the neighborhood a little better.

 One of the most fun races I've done was a very small 5k in Danville called the Monster Dash. It was a fundraiser for a local high school swim and dive team. Fewer than 100 runners, but everyone was dressed in Halloween costumes and having a great time. To date, it's the only race I've done wearing a shirt and tie!

 My favorite thing about running is its simplicity. You just need a pair of shoes, shorts, and a t-shirt. Also, when your muscles have warmed up and you settle into a comfortable pace where your breath and your stride - everything - is working together, it really clears your mind to go wherever it wants to. At these times running is so peaceful, and provides an opportunity to connect with ourselves, physically and mentally, in ways nothing else can.

 I guess the only advice I would offer is to always listen to your body. This has become increasingly important for me as I've gotten older. Running is healthy and good for us, but sometimes our body needs a break at times when our heart wants to run. If something is aching or you're just feeling off, call it an early day, be thankful for what you were able to do, and get back out there tomorrow or whenever it feels right.

 I like running River City Races events because they are local and well organized, and everyone involved with putting them on is friendly and enthusiastic! After running the same event a couple of times, it becomes an anticipated tradition each year.

 To everyone involved with making sure these events happen year after year - Thank you! And thank you for the opportunity to share a little about myself. Happy running!

Runner Spotlight - Max Oesterling

2nd Overall 2023 Polar Bear Grand Prix

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

"I was originally a soccer player, but always enjoyed any sport that involved running. But then my family moved to a small town when I was in high school that didn't have a soccer team at the school, and some people I knew suggested I try cross country, so I gave it a try my freshman year of high school! That would have been in 2014. And while I still play soccer and other sports, I have fallen in love with running and have been doing it and coaching it ever since :)

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

Even though I have limited training time due to my work and coaching schedules, I am always looking for races to be part of. The Polar Grand Prix always has a fun community turnout, is well-organized, and is affordable! Every year I've done it, people are so friendly and are having a great time, despite the cold :) I also try to get a few friends or kids that I coach to join me on a team for the series!

Favorite distance?

My favorite distance is probably the 5k, since it is a relatable distance for everyone, and is something you can train for short notice (well, more short notice than a marathon for example). But I do enjoy the mile as well on the rare occasions I get to race it, and 10ks are starting to grow on me :)

Favorite place to run?

The mountains in general...a stunning view makes a run 10 times more worth it :) But in Louisville, I'd say my favorite place is the Parklands. It's peaceful, quiet, and has a variety of path types and places to explore!

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

Way back in 9th grade I ran a cross country race in South Dakota that was 1.5 miles of uphill, then you do a loop at the top, and come back down. And before the finish line there was a decent creek you had to splash through, haha...not every day you get to do a race like that! It had a similar feel to the 10k that has sometimes been raced up Iroquois overlook and back down. Brutal but unique and fun!

Favorite thing about running?

The community that running builds is beyond most sports. I love how you can have a conversation during a run, and build camaraderie with fellow runners very quickly. Coaching it in particular has been amazing! Seeing kids loving being on a team, getting fit together, and improving from week to week is something that I feel blessed to experience.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Be joyful, enjoy the process, and don't get down when a race goes bad! God has blessed us with the gift of being able to run, and the community that it brings...if we get too wrapped up in chasing that PR, or put all our effort into racing well, we'll be devastated when it doesn't go to plan, which it often can :) Running is so much more than just getting faster or fit. It is a way to learn discipline and perseverance, and to do so in a very bonding way with others, enjoying the amazing people and places that the Lord has given us here in Louisville!

Why do you like running River City Races events?

They are well-organized, affordable and are usually at fun locations around town too!

Anything else you'd like to share?

Do more races, and join a running group! Races are one of the best ways to connect with new people, find training partners, etc. Just look for one of the many different shirts or jerseys that there are a lot of that you'll see at a River City Race - those groups don't bite! And races don't always need to have an intense training regimen beforehand. Just getting out there and having fun will motivate you to keep running. It can be easy to lose motivation to run - it's not an easy thing to force yourself to do. But the more community you build with it the easier it is! And having upcoming races helps remind you and whoever you're running with to keep it up :) So get out there and sign up for some races!

Runner Spotlight - Alexandria Salois

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I have been running in some capacity since high school. I used it at first for cross-training because I used to be a dancer. Over time, it came to be my main "sport" around 2012 when my husband decided that he would train for a marathon and I decided that I would train for a half marathon since I was only half crazy. That is actually the year I started to do the Polar Bear series.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

It was a nice series in the winter season where there is not much racing happening to stay in quasi race shape for the Spring races. This past year the distances were just right for my son to run with me.

Favorite distance?

I have grown to love the marathon, I have been away from the distance the past few years because I am finishing up my doctorate but I hope to be back at it soon. I am the type that loves to try and figure out a "formula" of what works and does not work in races. However, if any of ya'll have run a marathon, your plans might quickly go out the window, but I think that is the factor that draws me to the distance.

Favorite place to run?

I really do not like any sort of elevation, which is a bit difficult around here so I would have to go with a season, I love running in fall and winter, I am a big cold runner.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

My most favorite race to run was the Chicago marathon. My eventual goal is Boston so that might replace it, but for now it is definitely Chicago.

Favorite thing about running?

I think I most like the fact that running includes everyone no matter their skill level. On a personal level, I enjoy the stress release that it gives me.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

I am learning as I am getting older the importance of cross-training to keep the injuries away (weight training, swimming, bike etc).

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I think now that I can share them with my son they are more special to me.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Really just to go out there and have fun, running is the best sport that can support many different goals for many different people. Happy Running!

Runner Spotlight - Sidney Chumbler

I was not always a runner, but I’ve always been an athlete. I started running 5 years ago after I retired from playing college softball . I needed a competitive and athletic outlet to compete in and running stuck.

I decided to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix after running in my first few run the 502 races in August. My friends and I have been running these races together. We love the challenge of the hills on the courses and the beautiful routes that are chosen for each race. The trail portion of the longer races are always a highlight. I look forward to meeting new friends and seeing all the cute dogs.

My favorite distance to compete in is the 10k. I also run a lot of 5ks and some mini marathons.

My favorite race that I run in every year is called Dave’s Jingle Dash in Calvert City Kentucky. My uncle organizes it every year in efforts to raise money for Christmas presents for the  Marshall County Family Resource Center. It’s so fun to run with my family for such a good cause.

My favorite running advice someone has given me is to vary your running training. Run sprints, hills, and slow runs. It changes up your routine and brings some excitement to your training. It makes every run different and can improve your overall pace.

I enjoy River City Race events because they are well planned. They also have great locations like Cherokee park (who doesn’t love those hills?!) and the Louisville Bats Stadium.

Runner Spotlight - Marianne Hopewell

3rd place 55-59 Age Group 2023 Polar Bear Grand Prix

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I started running with consistency about 33 years ago at the age of 25. I had been "forced" to run as an age-group swimmer as a teenager and hated it, mostly because it was in the middle of the afternoon on hot asphalt when I wanted to be in the pool. Since starting as an adult there have been very few times when I have not run consistently. My start was on a treadmill, but now I run outside unless the weather is extreme.



Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

We moved back to Louisville last April after 20 years away. I remembered it was a great place to find local races, so I googled. I wanted some races close by that would be fun and easy to train for. I signed up for most of the races of the Run the 502 series and thought the Polar Bear Grand Prix sounded like a fun winter time challenge. It didn't hurt that it was about a mile from my home.

Favorite distance?

My favorite distance for a daily run is 5 miles -- enough to be a good challenge, but not too much of a time commitment. My favorite race distance right now is the half-marathon because it's a demand but still doable. I do love a good fast 5k though!

Favorite place to run?

Without a doubt my favorite place to run is Cherokee Park. I'm lucky to live in the neighborhood and never tire of running through the beauty that we've been blessed with here. It's easy to add on miles with Seneca Park and Lexington & Bardstown Roads nearby. Plus, running those hills all the time kind of makes me fearless.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

It's hard to say what my favorite race is! I loved running the Chicago Marathon for its continuous crowd support through the entire (flat!) course, but nothing beats the spirit of the Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathon and the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon.

Favorite thing about running?

The best thing about running is the sense of accomplishment and empowerment I get every single time I lace up my shoes. It's absolutely my therapy.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Anyone who wants to run/walk can. My advice is just start! Do it for a few minutes and increase that when you can. Keep going!

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I love the River City Races because they are fun, local, and open to everyone. It's always great to see the familiar faces young and old. I also love seeing all the great dogs.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I'm so happy and grateful to be running 33 years later, especially after a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic melanoma in 2019. I run with 2/3 of my right lung now, but I run!