With a maiden name of Daugherty, Sandi Scheiffer has enough Irish blood for both her and her husband to Catch a Leprechaun this weekend. It's the first of 18 runs sponsored by NCN Racing between March and November.
The course is divided into three sections in Avon Lake: a 5K jog from Spinnaker Drive, up Armour Road, and back; a 15K stretch that extends along Lake Erie to South Point Drive and back; and a 30K haul -- two laps of the 15K course. "Gary and I took up running as a resolution to get rid of our middle-aged love handles," laughs Sandi. "It's worked for me. Can't say the same for him."
While trophies will go to the top three competitors in each of 14 age classes, bulkier racers like Gary will enter two weight divisions. There's the Clydesdale category for men who weigh more than 200 pounds and the Athena group for women over 140. "If I'm with the Athenas, it's all because of what I do on Saturday," says Sandi. "Gotta stay away from the chips and salsa." Racing starts at 7 a.m. Sunday behind NCN Racing, 445-G Avon Belden Road in Avon Lake. Entry fees are $13 to $20; it's free to watch. Call 440-933-8075 for info. — Cris Glaser
Indians' Summer
Get a sneak peek at the Tribe's natural habitat.
SAT 3/5
Tribe fans get a rare chance to step into the team's dugout and clubhouse on Saturday at the free Jacobs Field tour, the unofficial first homestand of the 2005 season. "These aren't even available during the [paid] tours," notes team spokesman Curtis Danburg. "It's a unique opportunity to get a look at the ballpark" from a different angle. Once you're finished checking out the field, press box, and indoor batting cages, grab some gratis grub and begin your countdown to the home opener next month. The tours run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jacobs Field, 2401 Ontario Street. Call 216-420-2000 for more information. — Steve Albanese
