Jerry Huber crosses the line in the 2022 Johnnycake Jog. (Paul DiCicco – For The News-Herald)
Weather is an element runners can plan for extensively but not know what the conditions are until they get to the starting line.
The Johnnycake Jog is no exception. Runners are preparing for not just a race against the other competitors but also against the humidity.
The Jog begins at 8 a.m. July 9 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Painesville Township. This is the 47th iteration of Ohio’s Finest 5-Miler.
The current forecast for July 9 at the start of the Jog is for high 60s to low 70s and calls for 67% humidity. Co-race director Brian McCloskey said it is important for runners to have taken their time to train in the lead-up to the Jog.
“The main thing is that the runners need to listen to their bodies and be smart,” McCloskey said. “You look at the weather and there isn’t a big chance of rain. The runners should try to get runs in as close to possible conditions of the event and use that as a marker for how to attack the Jog.”
As with every race, it’s important for the runners to be well-hydrated. Even before the runners take to the course, they should remember to hydrate the night before and morning of.
There will be water stations and training staff on hand provided by title sponsor University Hospitals from the Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute. University Hospitals is once again the title sponsor for the Jog.
Having the best possible training staff at the event and having them be prepared for any possible situation is of the utmost importance, McCloskey said. If called upon, they know everything for any situation presented to them.
“They’re very well-prepared and will have plenty of ice, pools and water available for everyone,” McCloskey said. “It’s not a brand-new situation, as they’ve had to use them in the past. The Jog is usually a really warm event in the middle of the summer, so this year initially seems like it will be a cooler one. But it’s still something that they’re prepared for and ready to tackle if needed.”
While long-term preparation is important for the runners, the day-of preparation is equally important. Improvement in running gear is an example. In the early days of the Jog, many runners would use the complementary shirt for their race attire, almost becoming an unofficial uniform. But the cotton style shirts are counter-productive with the humidity.
The rise of the dry-fit shirts has been a benefit to the runners as the lighter material allows for runners’ bodies to cool faster by wicking away moisture during the event.
Preparing for the event is one thing, but also preparing the proper attire on race day is just as important.
“Clothing is more important than some may think when it comes to running,” McCloskey said. “With the humidity, we recommend runners wear a dry-fit or moisture absorbing attire and listen to their bodies. It’s important that they don’t try to push themselves more than they need to. Runners go to the stores and find what they feel the most comfortable running in and that is going to be very important for all the runners of the event.“
JOHNNYCAKE JOG
What: Ohio’s Finest 5-Miler and 5K run/walk
When: July 9
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds (beginning and end)
Schedule: 8 a.m., five-mile run and 8:15 a.m., 5K run and walk
Registration: Visit gcxcracing.com/eventsoh and follow the Johnnycake Jog link.
Packet pickup: July 8 at Second Sole in Mentor from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and July 9 from 7-8 a.m. at the Fairgrounds before the race.