Executive Board

Michele Newton joined the Frederick Steeplechasers in 2014. She participated in several FSRC half marathon training programs and is grateful for the coaches and fellow runners who helped her transform from someone who just ran into a runner. Wanting to share her love of running with others, she served as a FSRC half marathon coach for several seasons and earned her RRCA Level 1 Coaching Certification in 2020. She enjoys supporting new runners and creating new running routes. Michele is also a daily run streaker since April 2020. She’s completed races of varying distances up to the marathon distance. Importantly, she credits the support of the Frederick Steeplechasers and the friendships that she’s made through the Club with positively impacting her life. Michele is a wife, a mother of two and a marketing communications specialist at the National Cancer Institute. When she’s not running, she enjoys attending her son’s baseball games and going to concerts with her husband.

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. 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.

Harriet ran for a few years in her 20s until kids, career, and long commutes got in the way. Picking up again in 1996, she dabbled for a while at shorter distances until completing the (original) Frederick Marathon in 2005. Since then, she’s completed 39 marathons in 30 states, including 8 Boston Marathons. She joined FSRC in 2008 and has held the positions of Social Committee Chair, Treasurer, Races Chair, and Race Director. Her favorite race is the Women’s Distance Festival, encouraging women of all ages and abilities to participate while raising funds for women in the Frederick community who need a bit of help to achieve physical and mental health, self-reliance, and financial stability. Running and volunteering with FSRC checks all her boxes and have become a retirement vocation!

I’m Tim O’Keefe and have been a Steeplechaser for 41 years. My journey in running began in 1967 when I was a sprinter and jumper for my high school track team. After medaling at states in the 200 I moved up to the 400 in college. After 4 years I still could not crack the 50 second mark. In 1975 I began teaching in Rockville and friends invited me to join them for a “jog”. Having gotten in shape make it a whole 5 miles, they enticed me into running a half marathon with them in 1977. They bailed but I ended up running my first race…the National Pike Half Marathon. All on alternate 40 from Boonsboro High School to the the VFW by Fredericktown Mall. The hills and mountains destroyed me but I finished (1:39.23) AND got a medal! A runner was born. I continued to run getting all the way up to an 8 miler. I was ready for the marathon! In 1978 I ran the Schultz Lite marathon in Montgomery Village on a blazing hot Labor Day. I was clueless…I ran with the half marathoners and was ecstatic when I got to 15 miles and was with the real runners! At 16 miles my body began failing bit by bit…every muscle took a turn cramping and walking was torture. I finished 3rd from last in 3:55. All the concessions were gone and few people were left. I swore I would never do that again. In 1979 I joined the Steeplechasers despite not having a clue how to run over hurdles and into water jumps. I came find out that they were just a bunch of friendly runners some of school were as slow as me. My knowledge of running distance went from a couple of things to volumes with a lot of on the road information. All the races and events were fun and there was a lot of camaraderie. Long runs became actually long and in 1980 I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 3:35 and actually felt okay. It’s amazing what knowledgeable runners and real training can do.I also found a group that ran about the same times as me and we trained to break 20 in the 5 k and 40 in the 10 k. The thrill of making progress and reaching those goals was great. After 25 marathons I finally got my BQ in Pittsburgh in 1988 with a 2:56.27. Boston was an amazing experience and my 3:01 was just shy of requalifying but I was marathoned out at that point. My sister kept telling me that ultras were easier than marathons which made no sense to me. Again with help from the Steeps (Bob Imming) I learned to run trails which is still my favorite today. With a dozen 50 k under my belt I ran the JFK 50 when I turned 50 back in 2003. It was an experience but I wasn’t pleased with my 10:10 time. So the following April I did Bull Run. The 9:25 time was better but I decided I didn’t like to start a race when it was dark and finish in the dark! Nowadays races are fun events and adventures. I’m happy if there are still refreshments when I finish.
As a steeplechaser I have served as secretary, vice president, and a term as president. I have served on the board of directors since then and have been organizing the summer decathlon for the past 30 years. Needless to say, running and the Steeplechasers are an important part of my life.