06/06/2026
Some runners chase finish lines. Others embrace the journey, finding joy in every mile, every friendship, and every opportunity to encourage those around them. In this edition of The Youngstown Peace Race Athlete Spotlight we celebrate a runner whose positive energy, resilience, and willingness to help others have made her a valued member of our running community.
Let us introduce Jenn Trimble.
Her running journey began long before marathons and Boston qualifiers. As a young athlete, she spent eight years playing competitive soccer as a midfielder. Even then, Jenn loved to run, often enjoying the warm-up laps around the field as much as the game itself. When Jenn’s middle school announced cross-country tryouts in seventh grade, she saw an opportunity and decided to give it a try.
That decision sparked a lifelong passion.
Jenn continued competing in both cross-country and track throughout middle and high school, eventually focusing more on track while using cross-country to stay fit during the fall season. Although she chose not to run competitively in college, running remained a constant part of her life.
After completing her first half marathon, she discovered a love for longer distances. Following her second half marathon and a significant personal best, she began considering an even bigger challenge.
When Jenn mentioned to a friend that she was thinking about running a marathon, his response was immediate.
“You can’t run a marathon… you wear a knee brace.”
Instead of being discouraged, she went home that evening, researched marathons, and signed up for the 2013 Akron Marathon.
Since then, Jenn has completed an incredible 21 marathons.
While that accomplishment alone is impressive, her proudest running achievement came in 2021 at the Indianapolis Marathon.
In 2019, Jenn was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency, a life-changing condition that left her uncertain whether she would ever feel like herself as a runner again. Training became more challenging, and there were times when the future of her running journey seemed unclear.
The Indianapolis Marathon marked a turning point.
It was the first marathon she was able to consistently train for and complete following her diagnosis. More importantly, she felt strong from start to finish. After years of health challenges, Jenn crossed the finish line with a Boston Marathon qualifying time and a renewed sense of confidence.
While it wasn’t her first Boston qualifier or her fastest marathon, it remains the most meaningful.
That race represented the return of a part of herself she feared she had lost forever and stands as a powerful reminder of what perseverance, patience, and determination can accomplish.
When asked why she continues to run the Youngstown Peace Race, her answer reflects what so many of us love about the event.
“It is a tradition that brings together runners of all abilities and welcomes them. I love the sense of community associated with the Peace Race and the opportunity to see everyone enjoying the park. I also love the time of year that it is. Fall is my favorite season.”
Jenn’s favorite Peace Race memories aren’t focused on finish times or results. Instead, they’re about the people. Seeing friends before the start line, catching up with fellow runners, and celebrating everyone’s accomplishments after the race are the moments that stand out most.
That sense of connection is something Jenn brings to every event she attends. Whether she is chasing a personal goal, helping pace another runner to theirs, or simply showing up to have fun and support the community, her enthusiasm is contagious. She is always willing to encourage others, share a smile, and help make races more enjoyable for everyone around her.
Today, Jenn’s perspective on running is shaped by gratitude.
“My goal is always to remember that it is a blessing to be in a healthy and able body. After experiencing significant health challenges, I never take that opportunity for granted. While I enjoy setting performance goals, my biggest goal is simply to continue to appreciate having the ability to do something I love.”
It’s a message that reminds all of us why we lace up our shoes in the first place.
Thank you for your positivity, perseverance, and commitment to our running community. We are proud to feature you in this edition of our Athlete Spotlight.
https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Youngstown/ytownPeaceRace
