The Urban Forest Foundation Fun Run, Walk, or Watch
took place in downtown Cleveland on the delightfully
balmy evening of November 18, 2019. The enthusiastic
crowd gathered on Public Square, then took a lap to
FirstEnergy Stadium, past the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,
and then over towards Progressive Field (the baseball
park), finishing under the holiday lights at the Soldiers'
and Sailors' Monument. There was plenty to see and
discuss along the way, and our apologies to anyone who
had to hose the ginkgo fruit off their shoes afterwards.
This was a decidedly team-oriented event, with several dead
heats at the finish as runners and walkers displayed inspi-
rational etiquette and respect. The largest group of walkers
stuck together for the entire route, leaving a palpable trail
of erudition and camaraderie in their sizable wake, and
coming across the finish line in an amorphous fashion.
Our thanks to all who participated or helped, including
our custom rock and roll t-shirt designer and incoming
SMA President Darren Green. The money raised by
this annual event supports worthy programs of the
SMA, and your support is greatly appreciated!
2019 Fun Run Winners at
the Cleveland Conference
Men Runners
1. David Lefcourt
2. Owen Croy
3. Matt Clinton
Men Walkers
1. Eric Hendrickson
2. Stephen Harris
Women Runners
Tie for First: Erica
Smith Fichman &
Sara Fitzsimmons
Women Walkers
Tie for First:
Emily Okallau &
Melissa Custic
Finish Line Officials:
Keith Cline, Darren Green, and Ralph Sievert
Setting Out from the Public Square: 2019 Fun
Run, Walk, or Watch at Cleveland Conference
By Steve Cothrel, Fun Run Coordinator
Fun Runners, Walkers, Watchers, and Officials assemble
before the big event. Photo by Michelle Sutton
Erica Smith Fichman (left) and Sara Fitzsimmons tied for first
as women runners in the Fun Run. Photo by Steve Cothrel
Top men runners included (l to r) Owen Croy, Scott Altenhoff,
Matt Clinton, and David Lefcourt. Photo by Keith Cline
www.urban-forestry.com 17
