George and Weaver Win Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon on Humid Morning

By Clay Shaw

September 9, 2023 Bird-in-Hand, PA—James Weaver of Adamstown, PA won by four and a half minutes after a third-place finish in 2022.  Weaver, who won in 1:16:37, left no doubt. Two runners who ran with Weaver for the first two miles fell back and barely made the top ten.  John Locke of Catonsville, MD moved up throughout the race to take second place in 1:21:03. Tyler Newhook of Lititz was third in 1:21:26. Eric Rowits of New Holland was fourth in 1:22:38.  Blayde Eberly of Lancaster was fifth in 1:23:54.  The first master was Jason Rimmer of Dillsburg who ran 1:27:24 and was eleventh overall.

Sara George of Oakwood, Ohio had nearly a four-minute win with a solid time of 1:27:46 on the undulating course.  Mariana Folco of Philadelphia was second in 1:31:29, moving up from her fourth places in 2021 and 2022.  Erin Bladel-Gebelin of Kings Park, NY was third overall and top master in 1:33:50.  Vicky Schandevel of Ashburn, VA was fourth in 1:35:59.  Ryann Hall of Downingtown was fifth in 1:38:07.

1561 total runners finished the half marathon; the final finisher was Mickey “The Lightning Bolt” Kelley, age 69, from New York City.  Her time was 4:39:08.  You can’t make this stuff up.

The event is well organized and staffed by members of the Bird-in-Hand and Amish Community.  It has become a destination half marathon due to its uniqueness and beautiful countryside, with community involvement adding to its attractiveness. 

Top Women

  1. 1:27:46 Sara George, 36, Oakwood, OH
  2. 1:31:29 Mariana Folco, 36, Philadelphia
  3. 1:33:50 Erin Blasdel-Gebelin, 41, Kings Park, NY
  4. 1:35:59 Vicky Schandevel, 37, Ashburn, VA
  5. 1:38:07 Ryann Hall, 35, Downingtown
  6. 1:38:28 Emily Schmidt, 35, Sterling, VA
  7. 1:39:11 Katie Bicksler, 42, Boiling Springs
  8. 1:40:59 Miranda Wenger, 23, Denver
  9. 1:42:37 Jenna Ronrer, 38,
  10. 1:42:32 Falon Doutrich, 34, Gap
  11. 1:42:43 Jennifer Northup, 41, Ashburn, VA

Top Men

  1. 1:16:37 James Weaver, 31, Adamstown
  2. 1:21:03 John Locke, 31, Catonsville, MD
  3. 1:21:26 Tyler Newhook, 34, Lititz
  4. 1:22:38 Eric Rowits, 33, New Holland
  5. 1:23:54 Blayde Eberly, 31, Lancaster
  6. 1:24:50 David Helms, 23,
  7. 1:25:49 Michael Norek, 28, Elkton, MD
  8. 1:26:00 Raymond Stotzfus, 32, Paradise
  9. 1:27:24 Daniel K Stotzfus, 19, Leola
  10. 1:27:18 Spencer Shaak, 35, Lancaster
  11. 1:27:24 Jason Rimmer, 46, Dillsburg
Natasha Nolt #4152 of Myerstown, PA and Sophie Shi #4425 of Baltimore, MD racing toward the finish with local traffic.
Sara George of Oakwood, Ohio leads at 2 miles and runs on to win in 1:27:46.
James Weaver of Adamstown at mile 13 has a big lead and won in 1:16:37.
Mile 13 game faces for these three women. Elizabeth Depew #3310 of Lancaster, Chantal Clemens #3232 of Lancaster, and Hannah King #3832 of Coatesville (who won the 13-18 age group in 1:57:48).
Go neighbor! Shawn Godack of York runs 1:57:32, earning yet another coveted Road Apple Award.
Emily Spalding of Souderton, PA ran 1:53:36. Do you think she might have noticed the photographer?
Samuel Lapp of New Holland was 54th in 1:36:25.
Erin Blasdel-Gebelin of Kings Park, NY was third overall and top master in 1:33:50.
Mariana Folco of Philadelphia, who placed fourth in both 2021 and 2022, moves up to second in 2023 with a 1:31:29.
Tyler Newhook of Lititz, PA finishes third overall in 1:21:26.
Anabelle Broadbent of Perkasie, PA says hello at mile two. She went on to place third in her age group in 1:54:45.
Katie Bicksler of Boiling Springs was seventh overall and second master in 1:39:11.
Kenneth Bell #3076 of Lancaster won the 55-59 group in 1:38:01. He was the only F & M clad runner I saw in the race.
Nathan Stoltzfus of Bird-in-Hand says hello on his way to running 1:46:43. Elam Allgyer #3017 of Lititz placed 41st in 1:34:24.
Emily Schmidt of Sterling, VA enjoys the beautiful farmland on her way to sixth place overall in 1:38:28.


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