Your name and role in the Steeplechasers:
Barb Cosgrove Vice President, Membership Chair, Run for the Pie 10K Race Director, Education Coordinator, volunteer at races, the yearly banquet, working on club history and wherever else is needed.
How long have you been a member? How long have you been in this role?
I have been a member for 12 years. Vice President since the first of this year, Membership Chair 6 years, 1st year being Race Director for Run for the Pie. I have been hosting different educational sessions over the last few years.
Are you training for anything in particular right now?
I am signed up for 3 Ultra Marathons this year: Dam Yeti 55k, Catus to Cloud 50k and Seven Trails Ultra Festival where I am going to try for another 100-mile finish. I am going to run my 6th Half CAT, a trail race runners love to hate since it is in the heat of summer and very technical. I just did Terrapin Mountain, which was pretty tough, 3,400 feet of elevation in the first 5 miles! In ultrarunning, it really is about pushing the limits and at times very mental, just keep moving forward! I have a few other races on my radar but haven’t signed up yet.
Do you have any running partners?
I have a group that I initially met when I first started trail running when there were Steeps weekly trail meet ups. We have done several races together over the years and meet up to run the trails often. I also run with a few friends from Virgina that are trail runners and meet up when time permits. I also run with a friend from work when our schedules align. I do try to make the Pub Runs from time to time. I signed up for the half training group in the Spring and met up with them a few times. I get off work early so would prefer to run right after work during the week and trails on the weekend. Sometimes I do like to run alone to burn off stress but prefer to run with others.
Tell us a little bit about your role in the Steeplechasers.
With Membership, welcoming new members and answering questions they might have about the club. A few years ago, I started the New Member Meet & Greet to go over some club information, introduce some current members and have a group run. I am always looking for ways to improve the club for our members.
This year I stepped up to be club Vice President to be able to vote and have more of a voice with our Executive Board. I was excited to represent our club at the National RRCA Convention recently.
What’s your favorite part about it?
I love that running can be for everyone and whatever you want out of it. Weather it is to podium, run a distance for the first time, getting a pr or just going out for fun and to finish something you set out to accomplish. When runners celebrate at the end of a race, there is a certain energy that is shared. I love when people share experiences, trade ideas and advise. I love meeting newer runners and see them progress and improve. I love the community and encouragement. For me, there is something special about running through the woods, it is peaceful, fun to jump in mud puddles and just out in nature.
If you could impart one piece of wisdom to the Steeps, what would it be?
Keep running fun and enjoy it. We all go through ups and downs with running but keep that joy and keep moving forward.
From the Steeplechasers Website:
Barb started running in high school and continued sporadically throughout her adult life. In 2011, she began running more consistently, and by 2014, she completed her first half marathon—initially thinking it would be a “one-and-done” experience. However, Barb’s passion for running grew, leading her to accomplish numerous half marathons, handful of full marathons, two triathlons, and several ultras, including a few 50-milers and in 2024 finishing her first 100-mile attempt with 131 miles at a race event. While she started on roads, Barb eventually found her true passion on trails. Over the years, she has utilized several training programs offered free to Steeplechaser members. She is thankful for the club for not only enhancing her running journey but also for fostering lasting friendships with like-minded runners. In 2019, Barb became the Membership Chair, deepening her commitment to the running community. Her dedication was recognized in 2023 when she was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award. She stepped up to be the 2025 Race Director of Run for the Pie 10K and Vice President. Barb finds joy in challenging herself and others, always encouraging fellow runners to pursue and achieve their goals, no matter the size. When she’s not running or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, gardening, camping, and relaxing on the water.