Weather was just right for LMRCA Loveland Frogman Race Saturday, September 12

By Chuck Gibson 

LOVELAND, OH (September 22, 2020)- The turnout was wonderful and the weather turned out great for the annual Loveland Frogman (Paddle, Pedal, Run) Race organized by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Saturday, September 12. 

Out of the river and onto the road for the Frogman Racer  Saturday, September 12, in Loveland, OH (Chuck Gibson )

And then came Saturday, September 12, a lot of sunshine and fun time in Loveland. The day began at the starting line of the 2020 Loveland Frogman Race organized by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.  Chamber President Cee Cee Collins explained the good fortune of putting together a plan during this pandemic time which was approved by the health department allowing the race to go on while so many others have not, or had to go virtual. The safety and health guidelines caused some restrictions, like limiting the river portion of the race to single person kayaks only instead of canoes. Despite enforcement of health and safety protocols, the event still enjoyed a good turnout of competitors.

Frogman Kayakers coming in off the river with the help of Loveland Canoe & Kayak team (Chuck Gibson)

“We’re at about 155 participants,” said Collins. “We had a little more capacity, but we’re thrilled with 155. Its always been a smaller race, so that works for us just fine. It gets a little more exciting at the end when we get the music going.”

 As Collins spoke, the first competitors were starting to come off the river. Next, they would grab their bicycles and pedal eight (8) miles on the bike trail, before finishing up with a 5K run on the trail and around Miami Riverview Park. Lots of volunteers make it a great event for all involved. Truth be told, the volunteers, like Charlie Mertes, Sue Crane, and Nick Winnenberg, enjoy it too.

Charlie Mertes and Sue Crane were two of the happy Frogman volunteers helping out on race day (Chuck Gibson)

A Frogman Race Day volunteer had the water table all set up for racers coming into Miami Twp. Riverview Park (Chuck Gibson)

“It’s great weather, we couldn’t ask for better weather,” said Winnenberg. “It’s really good to see everyone out here participating. It seems like there’s a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of good vibes, good energy. I think the chamber put on a really good event. I’m happy they were able to do it this year. No complaints at all.”

For more Little Miami River Chamber Alliance news and events: www.lmrchamberalliance.org 

Gary Shields heads out of Miami Riverview Park on his way to finishing the Loveland Frogman Race Saturday, September 12, 2020 (Chuck Gibson)