Many thanks to Asante Physician Partners

Mercy Flights Ambulance

Oregon State Police

Jackson County Sheriffs

Medford Parks & Recreation

Oregon Dept. of Transportation

Oak Grove School

Medford Public Works Dept.

Medford Police

Medford City Council

Pacific Electrical Contractors

Cantel of Medford

Knife River

Look for the feather flag mile markers along

the course!

Appreciation A very special thank you to all

of our dedicated Pear Blossom Run committee members and

volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you!

Oregon’s 1st Running Club

Upcoming Races Check out the calendar of running races

with Southern Oregon Runners.

www.southernoregonrunners.com

Join us next year! The 43rd YMCA Pear Blossom Run

presented by Asante will be held

Saturday, April 13, 2019. Learn more

at www.pearblossomrun.com.

Saturday, April 14, 2018 10 Mile ● 5K ● Fun Runs

Medford, Oregon

presented by

THE PEAR

42nd Annual

Schedule

Saturday, April 14, 2018

7:00 am - 5K Start - Medford City Hall

7:30 am - Mayor's Cup Awards - Justice Building

7:50 am - Mayor's Cup 1 Mile - Justice Building

8:00 am - Scholarships Awarded - Medford City Hall

8:10 am - Wheelchair Start - Medford City Hall

8:20 am - 10 Mile Start - Medford City Hall

8:30 am - Mayor's Cup 2 Mile - Justice Building

8:00 am to 10:00 am - YMCA Open House

11:00 am - 10 Mile course closes

11:00 am - Parade starts

2017 Runner Statistics

10 Mile: 901 runners, 51% Female, 49% Male 5K: 1,263 runners, 66% Female, 34% Male

Runners were from 17 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan,

Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Media Partners

Cooking for Wellness

2018 Pear Blossom Run Sponsors Welcome to the Pear Blossom Run The Rogue Valley’s #1 Athletic Event

Important instructions REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ONLY. Permits and insurance require participants to be registered. No animals, skateboards, bikes, skates or other wheeled devices permitted. Baby strollers allowed in all races. CHIP ON THE RACE NUMBER. Your timing chip is affixed to the race bib. All you need

to do is wear your bib. Please follow these rules: 1. Wear the bib on the front of your shirt. This is important for identification purposes

during the race. 2. Participants must wear the race bib assigned to them, run in the event signed-up

for, and start at the designated time in order to receive a finish time. 3. Do NOT crumple or fold your bib as this will damage the timing chip resulting in no

time. 4. Do NOT remove the timing chip from your bib. 5. Do NOT hug anyone up against your bib immediately as you are finishing. This

results in preventing the timing chip from sending its signal. 6. You can keep or throw away your bib and timing chip. If you choose to recycle

your chip you MUST leave it affixed to the bib thereby recycling the bib as well. RESTROOMS. Restrooms are available near the start/finish line, in the lower floor of the Justice building and at intervals along the course. WATER STATIONS. Every 2.5 miles or less. START/FINISH LINE. All timing systems will be reset one minute prior to the start. Remain behind the line until the start so your chip does not trigger an early starting time. Your time starts when your chip crosses line so no reason to crowd. The first person to cross the line is the winner in case of ties. Faster runners line-up first. The finish line is the same place for the 5K and 10 Mile. PROBLEMS. If you experience difficulties of any kind, please stop; go to one of the aide stations or patrol units and indicate you need assistance. TIME RESTRICTIONS. All course monitoring, support services, and finish line timing will cease at the designated times in order to facilitate other Pear Blossom activities. This is a big day for our community; the run is one of many activities for you to enjoy. TIME LIMITS. 10 mile - 2 hours and 40 minutes (16:00 mile pace) 5K - 60 minutes (19:18 mile pace)

From the Mayor of Medford:

“Thanks for allowing me to

participate in a wonderful event.

I cannot imagine how much effort

goes into making things run as

smoothly as they do.”

Regards,

Gary Wheeler

Results Results are posted on-line at www.pearblossomrun.com

WINNERS: 1977: Frank Shorter, Colorado Heather Tolford, Eugene

1978: Kelly Jensen, Medford Susan Rossiter, Washington

1979: Leonard Hill, Phoenix Teresa Barrios, California

1980: Leonard Hill, Phoenix JoAnn Dahlkoetter, Montana

1981: Bill McChesney, Eugene Tina Moran, Corvallis

1982: Ric Sayre, Ashland Gail Volk, Washington

1983: Bill McChesney, Eugene Marilyn Mathews, Eugene

1984: Jon Anderson, Eugene Terry Kern, Bend

1985: Paul Raether, Portland Kristen Haeckler, Corvallis

1986: Ken Hunter, Eugene Susan Long, Eugene

1987: Ken Hunter, Eugene Mary Alecio, Virginia

1988: Matt Cato, Portland Karen Rayle, Eugene

1989: Peter Fitch, Portland Heather Tolford, Eugene

1990: Matt Cato, Portland Debra Myra, Portland

1991: Tracy Garrison, Medford Deanna Schiedler, Mt. Angel

1992: Roger Dix, Chico, CA Deanna Schiedler, Mt. Angel

1993: Matt Cato, Portland Deanna Schiedler-O’Neil, Canby

1994: Matt Messner, Coos Bay Deanna Schiedler-O’Neil, Canby

1995: Tim Julian, Ashland Deanna Schiedler-O’Neil, Canby

1996: Matt Messner, North Bend Deanna Schiedler-O’Neil, Canby

1997: Rich Brown, Tumwater, WA Kathy Herrmann, Eugene

1998: Tim Julian, Ashland Cheryl Tronson, Bend

1999: Michael Dudley, Bend Rosa Gutierrez, San Jose, CA

2000 & 2001: Ian Solof, Portland Deanna Schiedler-O’Neil, Canby

2002: Damian Baldovino, Lakeview Rose Gutierrez, Glendale

2003: Max King, Bend Deanna Schiedler-O’Neil, Canby

2004: Max King, Bend Rosa Gutierrez, Glendale

2005 & 2006: Max King, Bend Sopagna Eap, Eugene

2007: Matt Barnhart, Eugene Melody Fairchild, Eugene

2008: John Lucas, Eugene Kalin Ritzenhein, Eugene

2009: Max King, Bend Alanna Steinert Garcia, Grants Pass

2010: Aaron Rono, Sante Fe, NM Jenn Shelton, Ashland

2011 & 2012: Max King, Bend Marci Klimek, Caldwell, ID

2013: David Laney, Ashland Marci Klimek, Bend

2014: Trevor Palmer, Medford Marci Klimek, Bend

2015: Trevor Palmer, Medford Marci Klimek, Bend

2016: Cole Watson, Rogue River Carrie Fleskes, Medford

2017: Cole Watson, Rogue River Marci Klimek, Cambridge, MA

Note: 1977 to 1980 was 13 miles, 1981 to 1989 was 20K (12.4 miles),

1990 to present is 10 miles.

Pear Blossom Scholarships 10 years of winners

2008 • Riley Swanson, Crater • Aria Hemphill, Ashland • Josh Paul, North Medford

2009 • Kayleigh Tyerman, Crater • Piper Delany, South Medford • Zach Elliot, Crater • Elliot Jantzer, Phoenix

2010 • Mary Bennion, St. Mary's • Camelia Mayfield, Ashland • Andrew Jordan, North Medford • Josh Elliott, Crater • Morgan Martin, St Mary's • Cole Watson, Rogue River

2011 • Ryan Perry, South Medford • Jennifer Zhu, North Medford • Jessica Vig, Crater • Max Runia, Crater

2012 • Lauren Morgan, South Medford • Neil Seibert, Crater

2013 • Niko Tutland, South Medford • Carmen Mejia, South Medford

• Camden Stemple, South Medford

2014 • Ethan Cannon, South Medford • Gracie Tostenson, Crater

• Raymond Schireman, North Medford

2015 • Devon Rodman, Crater • Timothy McPherson, Cascade Christian

• Nevina DeLuca, Phoenix • Lela Stemple, South Medford

2016 • Jordon Monroe, Crater • Amy Watson, South Medford • Marissa Dobry, St. Mary’s

2017 • Tyler Blind, Illinois Valley • Mathan Edwards, Crater • Griffin Hokanson, Crater • Margaret Faliano, Crater

2017 Scholarship Winners

Tyler Blind (Illinois Valley High School),

Nathan Edwards, Griffin Hokanson, and Margaret Faliano (all from Crater High School)

Over $100,000 awarded since 1985 to graduating Jackson County

High School seniors who have been active in cross-country or long

distance running. Winners are selected for running ability and

academic standing plus recommendations of teachers and coaches.

Donations to the Pear Blossom Run Scholarship Foundation led by

Arnie Klott come from:

1. Your donation added to the entry form

2. Southern Oregon Runners Stagecoach Run proceeds

3. Dermatology and Laser Associates of Medford, LLP

Race proceeds also benefit local kids, families and schools through

the YMCA’s Annual Strong Communities Fundraising Campaign.

The YMCA is a charitable, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Tax ID#: 93-0391645.

10 Mile Records

9 & under M Michael Maiorano, Medford 1:29:29 2014

10 - 14: F Lela Stemple, Medford 1:10:55 2011

M Brandon Neville, Medford 1:03:49 2011

15 - 19: F Rhiana Jones, Grants Pass 1:05:14 1995

M Nathan May, Talent 53:26 2004

20 - 24: F Marci Klimek, Phoenix, OR 59:23 2012

M Max King, Bend 51:01 2004

25 - 29: F ★★ Marci Klimek, Bend 57:03 2015

M ★★ Cole Watson, Ashland 49:05 2017

30 - 34: F Deanna O’Neil, Canby 57:07 1995

M Max King, Bend 49:10 2011

35 - 39: F Rosa Gutierrez, Glendale 57:38 2002

M Max King, Bend 50:31 2017

40 - 44: F Cheryl Tronson, Bend 1:00:43 1998

M Damian Baldovino, Lakeview 52:01 2008

45 - 49: F Jill Pettibone, Roseburg 1:02:39 2013

M Mike Heffernam, Portland 53:15 1990

50 - 54: F Rosa Gutierrez, Glendale 57:38 2017

M Leonard Hill, Klamath Falls 56:17 2003

55 - 59: F Pam Turner, Eugene 1:10:10 2001

M Leonard Hill, Klamath Falls 59:05 2008

60 - 64: F Suzanne Ray, Jacksonville 1:12:09 2014

M Doug Winn, Portland 58.38 2010

65 - 69: F Jeanette Groesz, Redmond 1:17:14 2017

M John Keston, McMinnville 1:03:09 1992

70 - 74: F Joann Hall, Redding, CA 1:30:16 2016

M Peter Fish, Gold Hill 1:14:41 2006

75 - 79: F Joann Hall, Redding, CA 1:31:05 2017

M John Keston, McMinnville 1:13:18 2002

80 - 84: F Eleanor Holbrook, Central Point 2:48:47 2010

M John Keston, Sunriver 1:23:39 2006

85 - 89: M Mel Shine, Medford 1:55:35 1994

Wheelchair: F Sylvia Lee, Glendale 1:13:38 1990

M ★★ Corey Hartgrave, Medford 35:39 2014

★★ = Course record holders

Runners who

have finished all 41

Pear Blossom Runs:

Leonard Hill

Tom Glatte

Mike Barrett

Tim Rose

Kenny White

Jerry Swartsley

5K Records 9 & under: F Whitney West, Medford 25:57 2015

M David Brown, Central Point 22:50 2014

10 - 14: F Emma Schmerbach, Medford 19:41 2015

M Eric Olsen, Central Point 17:59 2014

15 - 19: F Stephanie Croy, Medford 20:09 2012

M ★★ Travis Neuman, Bend 15:17 2013

20 - 24: F Sierra Walker, Ashland 19:03 2014

M Max Runia, Medford 15:57 2014

25 - 29: F Desiree Piter, Medford 19:14 2017

M Cameron Kruez, Ashland 16:53 2014

30 - 34: F ★★ Mercy Ray, Jacksonville 18:32 2012

M Glen Tucker, Grants Pass 16:08 2013

35 - 39: F ★★ Sera Mathewes, Gold Hill 18:32 2015

M Mathew Ringer, Portland 19:02 2013

40 - 44: F Vicki Boyer, Grants Pass 19:33 2015

M Justin Loftus, Ashland 17:36 2013

45 - 49: F Christen Mansuetti, Phoenix 21:20 2017

M John Lotts, Central Point 20:09 2012

50 - 54: F Jane Podolski, Medford 22:31 2012

M Lance Westland, Medford 19:15 2012

55 - 59: F Joann Laughlin, Medford 23:31 2016

M Lance Westland, Medford 19:38 2014

60 - 64: F Sandi Whittle, Medford 25:52 2013

M Michael Holland, Novato, CA 19:44 2013

65 - 69: F Sandi Wittle, Medford 25:53 2015

M Herve Pastre, Nevada City, CA 19:28 2015

70 - 74: F Carol Lawrence, Horse Creek, CA 29:35 2017

M John Shaw, Beaverton 23:49 2016

75 - 79: F Norma Smith, Jacksonville 38:28 2013

M Sammy Vandenburg, Medford 26:22 2012

80 - 84: F Heather Meenaghan, Medford 47:50 2015

M Sammy Vandenburg, Eagle Point 31:40 2017

85 - 89: F Joyce Lawrence, Central Point 51:28 2012

M John Norberg, Eureka, CA 46:29 2013

★★ = Course record holders

Volunteers Make It Happen We couldn’t do it without you!

Rich Stanfield, Race Director

Thanks to all of the

volunteers who make

the Pear Run a huge

success!

Pear Blossom Run Everywhere Have shirt, Will travel

We want your photo wearing

a Pear Blossom Run shirt! E-mail us at PearRun@rvymca.org

Chen Family in Keelung, Taiwan

Gary Bricher & Marilyn Nippold

in Chamonix, France

Aaron Hoefling

in Sydney, Australia

Top Rogue Valley Finishers Bill Bowerman Award

25 years of winners

1993 Teresa Walton, Ashland Matt Pinder, Ashland

1994 Teresa Walton, Ashland Matt Pinder, Ashland

1995 Sandy Rowan, Medford Tim Julian, Ashland

1996 Jesica Arbogast, Ashland Scott Martin, Ashland

1997 Bonnie Havens, Medford Dan Olmstead, Medford

1998 Bonnie Havens, Medford Tim Julian, Ashland

1999 Sally Johnson, Medford Grier Gatlin, Talent

2000 Kimberly Gumaer, Jacksonville Perry Custance, Medford

2001 Bonnie Havens, Medford Robert Julian, Ashland

2002 Felecia Hazel, Ashland Trevor Coolidge, Medford

2003 Heidi Backlund, Medford Bob Julian, Ashland

2004 Kim Bricker, Shady Cove Justin Loftus, Ashland

2005 Alanna Steinert, Phoenix Tim Julian, Ashland

2006 Susan Holt, Medford Tim Julian, Ashland

2007 Rebecca Antley, Jacksonville Robert Julian, Ashland

2008 Eric Skaggs, Ashland Ali Miles, Jacksonville

2009 Jenn Shelton, Ashland Glen Tucker, Medford

2010 Jenn Shelton, Ashland Scott Becker, Medford

2011 Bree Ray, Jacksonville Glen Tucker, Grants Pass

2012 Marci Klimek, Phoenix - 10 Mile Glen Tucker, Grants Pass - 10 Mile Mercy Ray, Jacksonville - 5K Blake Spencer, Medford - 5K

2013 Sera Mathewes, Gold Hill - 10 Mile David Laney, Ashland - 10 Mile Holly Hight, Ashland - 5K Glen Tucker, Grants Pass - 5K

2014 Stacie Koehler, Medford - 10 Mile Trevor Palmer, Medford - 10 Mile Corey Hartgrave, Medford - 10 Mile Wheelchair/Handcycle Michele Holcomb, Medford - 5K Max Runia, Medford - 5K

2015 Michele Holcomb, Medford - 10 Mile Trevor Palmer, Medford - 10 Mile Corey Hartgrave, Medford - 10 Mile Wheelchair/Handcycle Sera Mathewes, Gold Hill - 5K Lars Weston, Ashland - 5K

2016 Carrie Fleskes, Medford - 10 Mile Cole Watson, Rogue River - 10 Mile Corey Hartgrave, Medford - 10 Mile Wheelchair/Handcycle Amelia Bueche, Ashland - 5K Erik Olsen, Central Point - 5K

2017 Heather Johnson, Medford - 10 Mile Cole Watson, Ashland - 10 Mile Corey Hartgrave, Grants Pass – 10 Mile Wheelchair Sera Mathewes, Ashland - 5K Matthew Medina, White City – 5K

"What a great thing you have done for the community"

~ William "Bill" Bowerman, Founder of Nike shoes

Historical Highlights 1971 - July 24 - Zellah and Jerry Swartsley, returning home from

graduate school at Montana State University, stopped in Salt Lake City

where a marathon was held and Jerry would finish 8th. An idea was

born! Six years later it would become a reality - Pear Blossom Run.

1977 – Zellah and Jerry Swartsley hold the first Pear Blossom Run.

Frank Shorter, Olympic Marathon Gold and Silver Medalist, is the first

winner of the event. About 200 runners were expected yet 546

finished!

1978 - The running boom was on! Pear Blossom became the first

race in Oregon to have a "limited field" – 750 runners compete.

1979 - Computers were used for the first time in results. Governor

Atiyeh started the race.

1980 - The race was broadcast on radio for the first time. Entries

broke 1,000.

1981 - The race was changed from 13 miles to 20 kilometers. The

race was televised for the first time.

1982 - The 1,500 limit was reached in three weeks.

1983 - The race was dedicated in honor of former Medford resident,

Olympic coach, and founder of Nike, Bill Bowerman.

1984 - Fred Spiegelberg, an institution among Oregon football

coaches, fired the starting gun. Entries broke 2,000 for the first time.

1985 - Pear Blossom was part of Medford’s 100 Year Centennial

Celebration. A scholarship program was created. Zellah & Jerry

Swartsley inducted as charter members to the Medford Sports Hall

of Fame.

1986 - A wheelchair division was initiated.

1988 - A trophy and VCR was given to the school with the greatest

percentage of participants in the Mayor’s Cup. Mayor Lausmann

started the event.

1989 - Mickey Mouse started the Mayor’s Cup.

1990 - Due to traffic and safety concerns the event is changed to

10 miles.

1991 - Pear Blossom exceeds 3,000 participants. A monument is

dedicated at the starting line by Medford City Hall.

1992 - A two mile event was added to the Mayor’s Cup one mile

event. Cash prizes were awarded to schools in the Mayor’s Cup.

1993 - Pear Blossom tops 4,000 participants.

1995 - A 5K race was added. Pear Blossom topped 5,000 participants.

It snowed for the very first time on Pear Blossom.

1997 - Thirty-four visitors from Medford’s sister city, Alba, Italy

participated in the event.

1998 - Pear Blossom and the Portland Marathon were Oregon’s only

selections as "One of the Best Runs in the U.S."

2000 - A website www.pearblossomrun.com was established.

2005 - Former scholarship winner, Max King returns home to become

the first male 3-time winner while shattering the course record.

2007 - The Rogue Valley Family YMCA took over the Mayor’s Cup

one mile and two mile fun run races. Online registration was added.

2008 - The chip, a state of the art, high-tech timing system utilizing

a transponder attached to the shoe, was used for the first time in the

10 mile.

2010 - A disposable timing chip was used for the first time. Results

for the 5K were kept for the first time.

2011 - The 5K takes on a new name - Rogue Valley Medical Center

Heart & Sole 5K.

2012 - After thirty-five years, co-founders and race directors,

Zellah & Jerry Swartsley, passed the baton, giving the 5K & 10 mile

races to the Rogue Valley Family

YMCA under the leadership

of Brad Russell. Rich Stanfield

and Steven Buxton become the

new race directors.

2013 - The 5K race sets new

all-time record of 2,132 runners

registered.

2016 - 40th Anniversary with

special shirts and medals.

2017 - Marci Klimek wins her

sixth Pear Blossom 10 mile race.

Cole Watson sets new 10 mile

course record. 2018 Shirt Design