Article: Caveman Crawl

This article was printed in the Maple Leaf, June 16, 2016

Caveman Crawl Brings Families Naturally Together June 16, 2016 by Rose Nemunaitis

Some ran to beat a personal record, others for the sheer excitement of participation, and one to continue a special initiative established in the memory of his dad.

“I’m very honored, there are no words to describe,” said Adam Henry, son of the late Geauga County Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Charles “Chip” Henry. “My dad was a friend and a mentor who really cared about his community. This race is something that he would have loved to participate in because it brings the community together and gets people outside.”

After the previous day’s high humidity, ideal conditions welcomed runners and walkers to Sunday morning’s sixth annual Geauga Park District’s Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run, with proceeds benefiting The Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure, held at The West Woods.

The Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure was established in memory of the late judge, who died in 2011. His life’s work and passion was to make a lasting impact on young people and he believed adventures in nature are critical to healthy development.

“For those participating for the first time, we hope they will discover a beautiful park they can visit again with family and friends,” said Teresa Runion, park district special event coordinator. “For those who have participated in past years, we hope that the fun and fitness they experience as part of the event will encourage them to come back.”

The 3.1-mile, off-road course on portions of Ansel’s Cave Trail and the entire Pioneer Bridle Trail invited the tap-tap-tapping of woodpeckers and occasional crossings of butterflies, among many other of nature’s delights.

“Trail races tend to be less stressful as there is not traffic and participants can enjoy the spring wildflowers and greenery,” said Kate Pophal, who was running with daughter Evelyn, 7. “Running (in general) builds confidence and is a natural stress reliever and anti-depressant year round.”

According to “Runner’s World,” “Escaping into the woods or meadows gives you a nature experience that a road run cannot, and a trail’s softer surface gives your body a break, too. The benefits of trail running span the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of your life.”

A new addition to this year’s event was the 1-Mile Fun Walk. “It makes the event more accessible to a wider audience,” Runion added.

Many of the 346 total participants arrived early, filling out morning race registration forms, conversing with other runners and admiring those who dressed in themed gear.

“I love the themes,” said Bainbridge Township’s Mark Menary, readying his phone for what YouTube songs he’d be playing during his run, finally settling on a “Rocky” workout video. “It’ll be a great Sunday morning fun run for the scenery.”

Sounds of “You could go the distance, you could run the mile” pulsated loudly from starting line speakers as the all-level athletes paced around taking starting positions after prizes were awarded for best youth and adult costumes.

“The best part of the Caveman Crawl is the music and the dancing Caveman,” said Hartsgrove’s Terri Steimle, who ran with her husband, Bill, and children, Tim, 17, Grace, 16, John, 14, David, 11, Anna, 9, and Samuel, 7. “It is wonderful to have the Geauga parks system so close to home,” Steimle added. “Having a large family, it is at times difficult to find things to do together that everyone can enjoy. The Geauga parks system never fails to meet our needs and help us spend time to grow closer as a family.”

That same family bond was strengthened by nature in the Henry family as well. “The race reminds me of running with my dad around our house growing up and in the ‘Blossom Time’ run every year,” said Adam, adding his dad was an avid-outdoorsman who also loved camping, fishing and Alaska.

The late Gov. George Voinovich selected Chip in 1993 as Geauga County’s judge and was re-elected numerous times until his death, also serving as a Big Brother for the Big Brother program and a Peace Corp volunteer.

“This was my fifth year volunteering and running the Caveman Crawl,” Adam said, alongside his grandma, Jeanne, also a volunteer. He thanked park district Chief Naturalist John Kolar for his Caveman garb.

“My dad grew up loving the outdoors, the whole preservation of it,” he said. “It was always near and dear to his heart.”

Nearby, Civia Wiesner, a Geauga Lyric Theater Guild board member, and first-time event participant, adjusted the Flintstone-like bows in her hair she said she stayed up making the night before. “The best part of the day is watching all the friends and families making a day of this together,” Wiesner said. “Embracing our great Geauga park system, being a supportive community, and keeping healthy together.”

Caveman Crawl Brings Families Naturally Together

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