Our Runners

Get to know some of our members through their answers to these questions:

1. Why do you run? 
2. What do you like to do in your free time when you aren’t running? 
3. List one random fun fact about yourself. 
4. What is your favorite race, and why? 
5. Optional – List up to 3 personal bests at various distances.

Women’s Team

Isabel Bentz

Bentz (1)
  1. Having discovered my running passion at age 64, I have found there is nothing like the exhilarating feeling after a good workout and race. I love the feel of my body while running. Running suits my personality: setting goals and striving/training to achieve them.
  2. Reading/listening to books(currently British Police Procedural), walking, biking, eating French cooking (yummy), communicating and learning French, excursions with friends.
  3. I studied ballet, tap, and en pointe for 7 years from age 8 to age 15; I could probably solely exist on almond butter and vegetables.
  4. Lancaster Race Against Racism because it is a wonderful community event that attracts good runners.
  5. Ben and Tim Day 5K (2018): 25:08
    Age graded 86%
    York White Rose 5 mile (2018): 41:53
    Age graded 82%
    VA Beach Shamrock Half-Marathon
    (2018): 1.55:15. Age graded 85%

Emma Crossen

E. Rissinger
  1. My dad had been running since I can remember. After finishing up my field hockey career he got me into it. Also, I love ice cream!
  2. I love to cook and bake, so I’m usually in the kitchen!
  3. I can ride a unicycle.
  4. Pittsburgh Marathon… It was the first marathon I saw my dad run in when I was very young and it was my first marathon two years ago. It’s the race that got me hooked!
  5. 5k – 19:54, Half-Marathon – 1:28:42, Marathon – 3:09:35

Sarah Delia

delia.jpg
  1. I run to blow off stress and stay healthy, and because I love the personal challenges and victories associated with training over time. Also cookies.
  2. Travel, sing karaoke, drink wine, organize stuff.
  3. I never got a high school diploma (or a GED). Made it to the next level anyway.
  4. The Johnson City TN Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. The crowds are great and Krispy Kreme is a sponsor. I love holiday races in general. Just something in the air.
  5. Marathon – Mohawk Hudson River Marathon (2016) 2:53:50
    Half Marathon – Rock N Roll DC Half (2016) 1:24:17
    10 Mile – Cherry Blossom (2015) 1:02:06

Katie O’Regan

O_Regan
  1. I love both the competitive side and meditative aspect of being outside exploring by yourself. I like challenging myself.
  2. I’m usually architecting, but I also draw a lot, and drink coffee and eat snacks with my cat.
  3. I have an extra bone in my ankle.
  4. Escarpment Trail Run. Good, wholesome, extremely questionable fun in the mountains.
  5. Cherry Blossom 10 Miler – 56:36, Penn Relays OD 5k – 17:22 (WAS NOT DEAD LAST!!), Chambersburg Christmas Dash 10k – 35:05

Becca Shertzer

Shertzer
  1. The reason I run is to continue to challenge myself and strive for my highest potential. This is accompanied by amazing friendships and being part of an outstanding community.
  2. When I am not running, I like to bike and swim – mostly to prepare for the triathlon season. Outside of athletics, I enjoy spending time with my two rescue puppies, trying new IPAs, reading memoirs and sipping on a delicious latte, an americano, or an espresso. I also dabble with some German literature, music, and films.
  3. I only began my running career in 2014. My first athletic engagement was with Rugby, starting in 2007 at Millersville University. I continued to play with the Lancaster Thorns Women’s team until 2014.
  4. The obvious answer would have to be the Boston Marathon, but I have an adoration for the Red Rose 5 Miler and of course the Beer Mile!
  5. Rehoboth Marathon: 3:24:58, Amos Herr Honey Run 5k: 20:48, F and M Beer Mile: 8:28 (record)

Mallory Weiss-Gunzenhauser

Mallory-Gunzenhauser-F&MTrackClub (1)
  1. I run for fitness, to manage anxiety, for the social aspect and because I’m competitive.
  2. In my free time, I like to explore new places with my husband or just walk around downtown Lancaster dropping into our favorite spots.
  3. I have never seen a Rocky Movie.
  4. My favorite race is definitely the Boston Marathon. The energy and excitement from runners and spectators are unlike anything I’ve experienced in any other race.
  5. 5k – 18:57 Race Against Racism
    10 Mile – 1:05:55 Broad Street Run
    Marathon – 3:10:43 Tucson Marathon

 

Men’s Team

Chris Addis

Addis
  1. As I reached middle age, I found myself in need of setting some import personal goals. In order to lead others, I found it important to lead myself. I am greatly inspired by F and M track club members who reward commitment as much as performance!
  2. My family and I love Maine. We have a little log cabin in Boothbay Harbor that is one bedroom but sleeps 12! We love to sail, paddle and hike.
  3. I grew up as a horse person and collected antique carriages. Lancaster was a resource for wheelwrights, harness makers, and horse traders.
  4. My favorite race was the LOVE RUN 2018 when I crossed the line with my three kids. It was a super fun Dad moment!
  5. Best Half-Marathon: 1:57:14

Bob Bergmann

Bergmann
  1. I run for fun and fitness.
  2. Throwing axes.
  3. I have lived with double vision my entire life. Double the fun.
  4. Bull Run 50 Miler: 8-time finisher – Nice scenery and an easy course for a trail 50.
  5. 100 miles (23:38:10), Marathon (2:54:22), 10k (35:02)

Bill Boben

BobenB
  1. I run to release energy and have an interactive relationship in the outdoors with my body and soul.
  2. I enjoy downhill and Nordic skiing in the winter. Enjoy cycling and swimming as a compliment to running. All types of yard work: raking leaves, gardening, cutting grass, and landscaping when I have the time. Reading; American history (colonial, civil war era and the gilded age) spy mysteries, and inspirational stories.
  3. I played rugby for twenty years before realizing that my continued participation in the sport could be damaging to my health and family momentum.
  4. Red Rose Run – history, heat and the hill followed by the NYC Marathon “because it’s New York” as I was once told by Polish runner on the course once told me when asked this question.
  5. I’m so old I can’t remember back that far.

Will Charles

Will_Charles
  1. I enjoy the out of doors in top gear, relaxation, achievement, to stay in shape, for competition and so I don’t have to watch the calories of what I eat.
  2. Piloting a plane, snowboarding, traveling, learning new things, reading.
  3. I lived 1 year in France and can still hold simple conversations in French.
  4. There are a lot but maybe being on the F and M’s Hood to Coast (198-mile relay) super- masters team and winning 1st place as a team.
  5. I’ll list age-graded times as I didn’t run a lot of races until my mid-50s. 10k (34:27), 10 miles (54:29), Half-Marathon (1:12)

Sam Dever

Dever
  1. I run to better myself each day, and to win races.
  2. I like to spend time at the beach or in the mountains.
  3. The Strokes are my favorite band.
  4. Paul Short Run – It’s hard to find that many fit runners in one location.
  5. 4:54 mile, 1:18:00 half-marathon, 10:23:51 100k.

Ryan Gehman

  1. I run for my life, quite literally. At a young age I was diagnosed with Autism, that obviously comes with many challenges, one of the hardest being severe anxiety. I run because when I am out on the road or trail I have freedom from all that. I have peace, joy, and can be the best version of myself.
  2. I enjoy reading anything on running. Outdoor activities such as slack-lining and frisbee. I love a good TV show and am a sucker for Marvel Movies.
  3. I did my Senior internship with the Mammoth Track Club and have gone out the Mammoth Lakes four Summers in a row now for altitude training, this Summer will be #5.
  4. Hands down the Boston Marathon. I love how much history it has and the courage / strength of the people there. The support the of the runners is amazing and I can’t wait to go back! It also has a personal meaning to me because it renewed my love and passion for running after a long hard stretch of injuries.
  5. 8k (XC) 24:15, 5k (road) 15:09, Marathon 2:38

Jeff Kirchner

  1. I run for enjoyment, challenge, relationships in my life – and the benefits to my mental and physical health. It has been about 32 years of running – and hoping at least 10 more – Justin Geissinger says 15!? Time will tell.
  2. Reading and trying new craft beers.
  3. Tracy and I are the parents of several eastern box turtles (none of whom are very fast) who reside at our city home.
  4. Boston – for its legacy, history, supportive crowds, and the motivational goal it has become for many of our runners. My first was in 1999 (after 4 attempts) and last was in 2014. Sometimes I feel I overstate the significance of this race but when our F and M Track Club members come back with their stories–and desire to run it again (and again) it validates my beliefs.
  5. Millersville Mile (4:38), Hadassah 5k (16:28), Run for Peace 10k (36:26)

Justin Krebs

Justin Krebs (1)
  1. I run to stay healthy, challenge myself and spend time with Christine and Naomi.
  2. With my free time, I like to spend it outside with our dog Sawyer.
  3. I once raced a marathon and a mile on the same day.
  4. My favorite race is Boston. It is so amazing having spectators along the whole course (or pretty much the whole way).
  5. The PR’s that I am most proud of are 5k (15:01), 10k (31:24) and 10 miles (51:23).

Nick Lachman

  1. Why do I run? I’ve been asking myself that for a long time.
  2. Cooking and reading.
  3. I’m actually pretty lame to be honest. Just kidding.
  4. 3000m, it’s the perfect blend of speed and endurance.
  5. 3k: 8:21, 5k: 14:42, Half-Marathon: 1:10:41

Jay McMillan

  1. I always tell people I run to live. There are so many reasons to run, from the physical and mental benefits to the support circle that grows and grows the more you run. I could not begin to count the days that started bad but were fixed with a run. Or all the friends I have made on the road. To me, the road is a gift and it should be visited everyday!
  2. Everything. 😂. Spending time with my kids and travel, reading and video games. When not doing those things I do projects around my house. I have finished my basement, remodeled my kitchen and bathroom. Built a bathroom and bar into my basement. I also put in a 56×25 foot stone paver patio with a fire pit in my back yard with wireless speaker lighting that ties into a movie projector for outdoor movies. Then built a removable frame that holds a 9′ x 15′ movie screen. Then finished by building a shed that looks like a barn in my back yard. Trying to come up with a new project now.
  3. When I was 14 years old, I drove a large panel truck from Winston Salem NC to Philadelphia PA.
  4. Last year while speaking at a high school cross country camp, they asked me my favorite running story and the flood of memories from 30 years of running as I thought about it just froze my brain and I could not give an answer. Afterwards while I was sitting at the campfire and I had my answer it was that moment right then. With running every moment is great if you stay in it and not compare it. And my race experience has been the same. I could say Ragnar because being stuck in a van with 6 other friends for 34 hours straight leads to some very zany experiences, or Boston because the crowds and excitement, or even just this year when the F and M track club rocked the Red Rose and everyone noticed and talked about it… A LOT. But the fact of the matter is, my next race will be a great experience too because of the friends and community that running gives you.
  5. I have only truly been racing for the last 5 years so giving you what I got. And all of these were within the last year: 5k – 18:08, Half-Marathon – 1:23:05, and Marathon 26.2 – 3:15:45.

Drew Nesbitt

Drew Nesbitt
  1. “The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials” -John L Parker.
  2. Spending time playing and watching my children Dathan and Dakota.
  3. The Gary Gagliardi Memorial Beer Mile wins are some of my most prestigious athletic accomplishments…
  4. Red Rose Run, it was where I ran my first (kids) road race.
  5. 5000m: 14:44.40, Penn Relays Carnival, 4/26/2007
    15k: 51:11, Utica Boilermaker, 7/9/2017
    1/2 Marathon: 1:12:15, 1/14/2018

Scott Pendleton

Pendleton
  1. I run to jump-start my day, connect with people and push my limits.
  2. In my free time, I enjoy reading autobiographies, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
  3. I write with my right hand, but employ my left hand for almost every other one-handed activity, including using utensils and cutting with scissors.
  4. My favorite race is the Red Rose Run since I have been running it since I was thirteen. Itʼs fun to run in the streets of the downtown area I grew up in and bring together, in one of many occasions, the running community of Lancaster. Of course, many also participate to simply support the city and county of Lancaster and see its success. The Red Rose continues to grow annually and I am more than happy to participate in it if I am in Lancaster at the time.

Luke Peterson

Peterson
  1. I enjoy running for multiple reasons: It relieves stress and is calming. The running community is incredibly welcoming. While it is competitive, the majority of the competition is against yourself and I enjoy that personal struggle to become better and perform to the best of my abilities.
  2. Climbing, biking, and relaxing.
  3. I have been skydiving multiple times but would not want to go bungee jumping.
  4. Ragnar Relay – Lancaster To Poconos. My company sponsored some coworkers and I to run the relay and it was just a lot of fun running with everyone.

Zach Simmons

Zack Simmons
  1. I run because I feel like it makes me a better person; aside from the physical benefits, running helps keep my head clear and anxiety low. I have met some of my best friends through the running community and am drawn to the welcoming and competitive nature of the sport.
  2. Outside of running, I enjoy traveling, playing other sports (mostly soccer and frisbee), and reading.
  3. I can play the cello.
  4. Celtic Solstice 5 Miler (Baltimore, MD) – I grew up in the Baltimore-metro area and try to run this race every year. The course is fair, yet challenging and always attracts good competition. The post-race festivities are also top notch!
  5. 5k – 15:14.96 – Bison Outdoor Classic (2014); 8k – 25:12.4 – Rowan Interregional Border Battle (2015); Half-Marathon – 71:16 – Philadelphia Half-Marathon (2018)

Otis Ubriaco

Ubriaco
  1. Because I’m addicted to it. I’ve been running for so long I don’t feel like myself if I don’t run for more than a few days. I originally got into running because I loved racing/the competition. That still is my favorite part but now it’s more about being competitive with myself.
  2. Organizing with Lancaster Stands Up, reading outside, hanging out/playing games with friends!
  3. I love geography and can name every country/territory capital.
  4. The 3k. It’s short enough to not lose concentration and you still need some speed, but it’s long enough that you need to be a lil strong.
  5. 3k: 7:59, 5k: 14:17, Shotput: 5.20 meters

Peter Weida

Weida
  1. I think the best explanation for running is that it is an antithesis to drugs and alcohol. It is my way of combatting addiction and is a sincerely positive influence in my life. Running rejuvenates me spiritually, and helps me excel mentally and physically. Without running, I would have less motivation to live a life inspired through health and wellness. Running is an excellent way to build community and foster relationships. It helps me engage with the community at large and provides structure. One aspect I love the most about running is that it forces me to step outside of my comfort zone. Often times, I find that the most enjoyable runs I go on are the runs that I initially am uncomfortable with starting out. This can be useful for times when I would rather be complacent and am not wanting to move.
    Another reason why I run is that I naturally gravitate towards others who share my passion. I was a runner in high school and always remember my teammates as being some of the coolest people at school. I like to think that as a runner I am making a (hopefully positive) difference. I also enjoy fantasizing about being the quickest runner out of a field of many talented individuals. Running gives me something to talk about and a way to relate to people.
  2. I enjoy being social when I have time. I also enjoy reading and hope to become a more adept writer. I love to travel, but often I somehow find a way to incorporate running into my travel plans.
  3. I am 26 years young.
  4. It might be the Boston Marathon. The enthusiasm, crowd support, and emotion behind the race is truly spectacular. There is no other race like it.
  5. Turkey Hill Classic Half Marathon (2019) – 1:22:28
    AACR Philadelphia Marathon (2018) – 2:48:05
    Red Rose Run- 5 mile (2009) – 34:56
Hours Running Tuesdays at 6pm ET | Saturdays at 7am ET
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