Josh Rieskamp doesn’t think anyone likes running in heat and humidity.
The Oakley resident did just fine Thursday – he crossed the Ohio River and won the Fort Thomas Firecracker 5K. He covered the 3.1 miles in 16 minutes, 29 seconds.
“It could be hotter,” Rieskamp said. “You know, it’s not that bad, but it does slow times down a little bit.”
Daniella Townsend of East Walnut Hills was the fastest woman with a time of 17:33. “It was a good race,” she said. “It was a hot race; I wouldn’t call it easy.”
Rieskamp and Matt Gray ran together for about a mile before Rieskamp pulled away.
Townsend’s stepson, Jonathan Townsend, lives in Fort Thomas. Daniella, a New York University alumna, wanted to attend the annual Independence Day parade, and the race fit the schedule.
Like Rieskamp, Townsend pulled away early.
Gray finished about 10 seconds behind Rieskamp, and Jen Schmidt of Fort Thomas finished a little more than two minutes behind Townsend.
Donelan’s almost done
Fort Thomas police officer Sean Donelan led the runners in his new cruiser. He’s also 27 days from wrapping up a 28-year law enforcement career that also included stints at Wilder, Newport, Northern Kentucky University, Dayton and Highland Heights.
“I expected to do 20 years and retire,” Donelan, 51, said. “My wife (Amanda) and I were both police officers; my wife’s already retired as Covington Police … This is my hometown. I’ve always tried to get back to Fort Thomas.
Donelan said saving lives by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been the most gratifying part of his job. One person stood out – former Newport Central Catholic High School principal and basketball coach Ron Dawn.
“What a wonderful man,” Donelan said. “I’d like to say we’re now connected forever. I happened to be in the right place at the right time.
“I didn’t do anything special; I did what anybody else would do.”
Donelan said the worst part of the job was telling family members a loved one has passed away. He’s not sure police should deliver the news.
“For some reason it falls on the police; I don’t know why,” Donelan said. “… The coroner, actually, is who is supposed to do it, but for some reason we’re asked to do it a lot.”
Donelan has no immediate post-police plans, though many think he cannot stay away.
“I told people, if you see me in this uniform again, it’s a Halloween costume,” Donelan said. “I’m done, I’m done wearing a police uniform.”
It was easy to spot Doug Guy – the West Chester man was the only one decked out from head to toe as Uncle Sam.
“You’ve got to go with Uncle Sam,” Guy said. “Something different.”
Guy is a member of Team RWB, a national organization that supports veterans; he wanted to serve, but medical issues prevented it.
At races, Guy asks veterans or their loved ones he meets to sign a flag he carries during races. There’s a somber side, too – the names in red are soldiers, sailors, airmen or Marines who’ve passed away.
Guy felt good after the race; his sense of humor likewise seemed intact.
“Second-guessing wearing the hat,” he said.
Expressing herself
Nine-year-old Scarlett Schmidt of Fort Thomas was one of about 80 children who participated in a short fun run. Jen Schmidt is her mom.
“My mom’s a runner, and I really like her,” Scarlett said. “She runs marathons and everything.”
Scarlett Schmidt runs about four miles a week, and she’s on Woodfill Elementary School’s cross country and track teams. And yes, she watched the Olympic Track and Field Trials last month in Eugene, Oregon.
“I feel like I can express myself and get my energy out in a good way,” Scarlett said.
Race director Nick Heiss said 553 runners and walkers signed up. He said it was not a record but more than last year’s 435.
