Jack's tree has been planted and the boulder placed. The mulch was not yet spread, but Deb reported that Jack's family was given the opportunity to do that.

His tree is in an awesome location in Olentangy Parklands (new name) off of Wilson Bridge Road! It is fairly close to the start of the trail near the tennis courts. We will be able to see it and say hi to Jack anytime we walk at this park. I hope that the many local runners and walkers who knew Jack will enjoy remembering him whenever they go by.

Once we feel comfortable getting together again, let's schedule our group walk here and have a "picnic" breakfast with Jack. Maybe we can toast him with green tea and grapefruit juice.

A special thanks goes to Deb for doing all of the work planning and arranging this fantastic tribute to Jack. We could not have found a more fitting place or more appropriate tree.

This memorial is possible because of generous donations made to the Buckeye Striders in Jack's name. The remaining donated funds were used to set up a scholarship for Ohio Senior Olympics racewalkers.

With the COVID-19 pandemic canceling in person races, the Buckeye Striders couldn't sit still.  We have been doing virtual races - Zoom into Spring (1 mile, 5k, and 10k), the Bigfoot Social Distancing races to benefit food banks, the ChooChoo races.  Aside from virtual races, many of us are going out for walks since walking is NOT cancelled.  

With races being canceled, we had a large group of Striders for our weekly group walk at Whetstone today.  There are no plans to cancel our group walks.  We agree it's important to get outside and maintain our fitness. Anyone with concerns or who is ill is asked to use his or her best judgement. 

The Buckeye Striders continued the tradition of doing a New Year's Day race -- First on the First!

A special treat was seeing Jack Shuter's family donning their own Buckeye Strider shirts. We think about Jack often,but especially today. The last race Jack completed was the 2019 First on the First.

Due to construction at the Westerville Community Center, this year's race started at Otterbein University and most of the course was new. We were luck it turned out to be a relatively mild, sunny day.

The Buckeye Striders are staying busy during the holidays. We had walkers in several races during the Thanksgiving long weekend. On Thursday 12/5, a festive group gathered for our Christmas Party and White Elephant Gift Exchange. This past weekend, we had Laura & Sharon at the Hot Chocolate/Eggnog walk while Cheryl & Jim were at the Christmas Story race in Cleveland.  There were 4 of us who enjoyed a brisk walk on Saturday 12/7 at Whetstone Park! 

Members of the Buckeye Striders participated in 3 different races last Saturday:  The Great Pumpkin 5K, The Hot Cider Hustle 5K, and the Run United Quarter Marathon.  Sharon A carried a pumpkin in her 5K and earned a "Tough Pumpkin" medal.

Members of the Buckeye Striders celebrated the weekend in a sweet way by participating the in Columbus Donut Run. Donuts & friends - what could be better?

Sharon A, Cindi, and Jodi represented the Buckeye Striders at the Columbus Marathon, each completing the half marathon. We had a great time walking together and interacting with the patient champions along the course. Jodi shaved 1 minute, 6 seconds off her previous half time (Cap City in April) and got to hit the PR Gong. Laura M and Sharon's husband Paul met us at the end to celebrate! 

The football Buckeyes might have had a bye week last weekend but the Shoe and Brutus were busy with thousands of walkers and runners at the OSU 4 Miler including several of our Buckeye Striders.

Cindi, Laura, Jodi, and Sharon represented the Buckeye Striders at the Halloween Candy Run in Miamisburg.  Jodi did the 10K while Cindi, Laura, and Sharon conquered the Beast:  1 mile + 5K + 10K.  It was very well done race. There was rain on the drive there and back but no rain during the race.