Wabash Trace hosts annual marathon
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
Omaha’s Adam Little and Shenandoah’s Jia Xuan Huang captured the top men’s and women’s finishes Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon, which started and ended in Shenandoah.
Little crossed the finish line in 3:10.42, finishing more than 13 minutes ahead of runner-up Gregory Duffy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Huang placed third overall in 3:32:55, more than 20 minutes clear of women’s runner-up Brittany Strabley of Council Bluffs.
Among the highlights in the marathon field was Shenandoah High School graduate Davin Holste, the youngest participant, who finished eighth overall in 3:54:32.
In the half marathon, which began in Imogene and concluded in Shenandoah, Caleb Burns of Glenwood clocked a winning time of 1:26:20, besting runner-up Shawn Scheffe of Maryville by more than 18 minutes. Megan Weber-Little of Omaha was the top female half marathoner and ninth overall in 1:50:44. Gretna’s Sarah Pleskac was the second female in 1:56:14.
Relay teams also took to the Wabash Trace. Team FM XC captured the men’s relay division in 3:09:08 with the squad of Josiah Billingsley, Anderson Carter, Benjamin Johnson, Wyatt Johnson and Owen Pitt.
Ready to Run won the women’s division in 4:12:16, with teammates Denise
Ascherl, Jill Johnson, Ruth Regehr, Cathay Ripperger and Chelsea Sunderman. In the co-ed category, Team TRS — Heath Graham, Laurel Heskett, Brett Smith, Grant Spratt and Ashley Zarek — placed first in 5:22:06.
Nichole Mahoney of Papillion jumps with excitement while running the Wabash Trace Marathon.
Classifieds
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Band Day Biscuit & Gravy Breakfast Post 98, 7 a.m.-?
FOR SALE
Old Shenandoah Advertising and Memorabilia for sale at Shenfest, Saturday, Sept. 26, east side of the museum. Lots of old stuff – Earl MayHenry Fields - Pens - Pencils - Raidt Mfg. A 1947 painting by Larry Greenwalt. Old Running Horse Lightning Rod. Class pictures of 1947 50th Reunion. Tons of stuff - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 27 Cuisinart 6qt. Digital, Electric Pressure Cooker 712-215-0794. Delivery Possible. Still in box. Would make a nice gift.
2014 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible $26,500, 6-speed manual, new tires, garaged, not driven on salted roads, very low miles and in perfect condition, 5.0 V8, racing stripes and hood scoop added, rest is factory. Serious buyers only – 660-562-4449. Shop Sink $20. Other miscellaneous items. Call: 954-829-6928 - Clarinda.
Tables, sturdy, about 4-foot, great shape. Several choices, 712-314-0938.
Oak coffee end table with one drawer and glass top, asking $40, 712-215-5206
Ceramic lamp with floral design, shade included, $25, 712-215-5206
2 8x10 tarps, brand new in package, 712-246-5440
4 Brand New Trash Barrels with wheels, Rubber Neck, 32-gallon, never been used712-246-5440
Vintage Huffy Dr. Pepper Bike, boys 26-inch, 712-246-5440
4 metal lawn chairs, 712246-5440
Restored antique furniture and weather vanes, Clarinda, 712-438-1940
Disassembled complete set of numbered piano keys. 712-202-6333
Professional decorative silver wooden frame, 6 inches wide. For 12X16 picture. Hangs horizontally or vertically. 712-202-6333
LARGE TAG SALE
SMC to spotlight breast cancer awareness with October events
October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Shenandoah Medical Center (SMC) is helping lead the effort locally through education, community events, and partnerships with
area organizations. Breast cancer remains the second most common cancer in women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths. According to the American Cancer
Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.
Nurse Practitioner Amanda Smith, NP-C, Oncology & Hematology at SMC, says awareness and early detection are key.
THINK PINK
The Shenandoah cross country program will host its first-ever Pink Out meet on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The Fillies will compete in pink jerseys donated by Shenandoah Medical Center’s Eric Holste through the Medical Center Foundation, while the Mustangs will accessorize in pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. All fans and volunteers are encouraged to wear pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shown here are the SHS Fillies and Mustangs teams.
with those that help in the towns of Imogene and Shenandoah,” she said. “It
definitely takes everyone to make the event work year after year.”
“Breast cancer awareness is important because we have the ability to screen for it,” Smith explained.
“With annual mammograms starting at age 40, we can
catch cancer early, treat it more effectively, and in many cases cure it. That’s why spreading awareness and encouraging women to stay on top of screenings is
so vital.” Smith also emphasized the importance of knowing family history. “If there’s
Race co-director Shelly Warner said warm temperatures posed a challenge but did not dampen the spirit of the event. “Overall the event went well despite the high temperatures,” Warner said. “Runners may have run slower, but we only had one heat incident at the very end of the race.”
She noted that the course itself helped athletes manage the conditions. “The shade on the trail helped a lot,” she said. “There were a few that quit early—they kept aware of the conditions.”
Warner added that the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. “We had lots of good feedback from runners at the finish and at the awards ceremony,” she said. “They love the course and thanked us for staging this race.”
Co-director Kris Sherman said participation levels held steady this year. “Our number of participants were consistent with the past couple of years,” she said. “I think the event went smoothly.” Sherman credited volunteers and community support for making the race possible. “We have a lot of wonderful volunteers helping on the trace along
PHOTOS PROVIDED
a strong family history, especially with diagnoses before age 50, it’s critical to talk to your provider about early detection,” she said. While breast self-exams have become somewhat controversial, Smith encourages women to be familiar with their own bodies and to watch for concerning signs such as new lumps, nipple discharge, or changes in skin appearance.
At SMC, patients have access to advanced 3D mammography, which provides a series of threedimensional images in addition to traditional views. This technology reduces the need for followup imaging and increases cancer detection rates. “Our goal is to provide a safe, comfortable, and accurate screening experience,”
Smith said. “Mammograms today are much more precise and can find even the smallest masses early.”
For those who may feel hesitant, Smith offers reassurance: “Don’t be embarrassed to get checked. Mammograms aren’t bad, and early detection makes all the difference.”
Local Awareness Events Shenandoah’s Breast Cancer Awareness efforts go beyond the clinic. Several community events are planned throughout the month of October to honor, support, and raise awareness:
• Hope Walk – The first annual Hope Walk was held Sept. 21 on the Kinsee Rooker Trail by SMC. The walk honored, remembered, and uplifted all those affected by cancer, with proceeds supporting transportation for cancer patients to the Robert S. Holmes Family Cancer Center.
• Pink Out Cross Country
Meet – On Wednesday, Oct. 2, Shenandoah High School’s cross country program will host its firstever Pink Out meet. The Fillies will compete in pink jerseys donated by SMC’s Eric Holste through the Medical Center Foundation, while the Mustangs will wear pink eye black and pink accessories. Fans are encouraged to wear pink, and pink ribbons, socks, and wristbands will be available for sale.
◦ A freewill donation will be collected at the gate, with all proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
◦ The Donut Stop will also be on-site selling a special Pink Out slushy.
◦ SMC will host a table at the event with educational materials and staff available to answer questions.
◦ Senior recognition begins at 3:55 p.m. followed by the middle school boys race at 4 p.m.
• Pink Out Football Game – On Thursday, Oct. 17, SMC staff will be present at the Shenandoah Mustang football game, handing out awareness items and connecting with the public.
• Breast Cancer Awareness 5K – On
Saturday, Oct. 18, the Shenandoah Medical Center Foundation will host a Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run beginning at 8 a.m. at Sportsman Park near the Old Depot. The route will continue along the Wabash Trail. Participants are encouraged to wear pink, and freewill donations will support local cancer care.
“Each of these events is about more than just raising funds—it’s about raising awareness, supporting one another, and honoring those who have been touched by breast cancer,” Smith said.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon
Photos by Liz Skillern
ABOVE: Omaha’s Adam Little crosses the finish line to win the Wabash Trace Marathon in 3:10:42, more than 13 minutes ahead of the runner-up.
Ember Ryals of Fox Island, Washington, flashes eight fingers to mark her eighth marathon while competing on the Wabash Trace.
Megan Weber-Little of Omaha runs toward the finish to claim the women’s half marathon title in 1:50:44.
Caleb Burns of Glenwood nears the finish line to win the half marathon in 1:26:20, topping the field by more than 18 minutes.
ABOVE: Runners take off from Shenandoah at the 7:30 a.m. start of the Wabash Trace Marathon.
LEFT: 2025 Shenandoah High School graduate Davin Holste begins mile 26 of the Wabash Trace Marathon. Holste, the youngest runner in the field, placed eighth overall in 3:54:32.
LEFT: Shenandoah’s Jia Xuan Huang, the top female finisher, pushes through the last half of the Wabash Trace Marathon. Huang finished third overall in 3:32:55.
