Norwin student to run long distance trail race alongside uncle, grandfather

There aren’t many middle school students who can say they’ve completed a marathon. But by the end of this weekend, that is precisely what Norwin eighth grader Isabella Verdin hopes to accomplish.

Verdin, 13, of Irwin will toe the start line of a six-hour trail race in Lykens, Dauphin County, on Saturday alongside about 100 other runners. Among them will be two other generations of her family: her uncle, Christopher Bertini, and her 75-year-old grandfather, Joe Bertini.

Christopher Bertini, 38, of York has competed in the Red Barn Challenge nearly every year since the race’s inception in 2020. Runners choose among six-hour, 12-hour and 24-hour races with one objective in mind: to complete as many 1-mile loops as possible before 6 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s a lot of pain,” Christopher Bertini said, “and you just have to ignore it and keep forcing your legs to move despite how much pain you feel. …

“I always just try to do my best, and if I can’t walk afterwards, that means I’ve done my best.”

How it works

The course follows a grass and gravel path through the Marzella family farm. Runners traverse the property’s rolling hills as they pass by several ponds — and the red barn that inspired the race’s name.

The action kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with the 24-hour race. Those running the 12-hour race start at 6 a.m. Saturday, and the six-hour heat starts at noon.

As a middle school track and cross country runner, the farthest distance Verdin typically races is about 2 miles. But with the help of three-hour training runs, strength exercises, stretching and a nutrition plan, Verdin believes she has what it takes to compete for six hours.

“I really like doing more of the long distance stuff,” she said. “I feel like that will be a good bonding experience for my family. I want to prove to myself and my family that I have stamina and I’m competitive enough and dedicated to the sport.

“I really just want to keep what my family has going, going.”

Family maintains tradition

The sport literally runs in the family.

Christopher Bertini has found he prefers ultramarathon trail races to road marathons. Though the fluctuating terrain of the mountains taxes his muscles, he suspects it is better for his joints.

“I could do 10 ultras in a year, no problem,” he said, “but marathons, because they’re on the road, they really beat you up in a different way. Your bones can’t really handle it.”

Joe Bertini of Peters Township established the family tradition, beginning his running journey in 1989 in response to his father’s heart disease diagnosis.

“I figured it might be hereditary,” the three-time Red Barn finisher said.

Though he has lost track of the exact count, Joe Bertini estimates he has run more than 20 road marathons. He competed in duathlons for a handful of years, even placing top five in his age group nationwide in 2014.

His performance qualified him to compete for the United States in the World Championships, held in Australia the following year.

Runner overcomes obstacles

But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing.

Joe Bertini was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, going through 28 radiation treatments. And after having a stroke in July 2024, he underwent a triple bypass open heart surgery.

At the time, Joe Bertini didn’t know if he would be able to participate in his beloved sport again.

“I knew that I slowed down,” he said. “And even the medicine that I’m on right now keeps my heart from … racing too much. It keeps my heart rate down, so I can’t perform like I used to.”

Luckily for Joe Bertini, long-distance races — where hiking uphill and jogging downhill is commonplace — are ideal for heart rate management.

“During Red Barn, it’s very family friendly,” he said, “so you can stop when you’re tired and rest.”

‘Be together and have a good time’

As Verdin chases the marathon distance and her uncle aims for the 12-hour course record of 69 miles, Joe Bertini is taking a more laid-back approach.

“My goal is just for all of us to be together and have a good time. And no drama,” he said with a laugh, “meaning I’m going to stay healthy. And I want Christopher and Izzie to stay healthy, too.”

Racing alongside his family is a source of inspiration for Christopher Bertini.

“Seeing my dad running it at 75 is pretty special and it helps me push myself,” he said. “Because it’s hard to imagine what somebody at 75 feels (while) doing as many miles as he does.”

He commends his niece for taking a stab at endurance running from a young age.

“Six hours feels very long when you’re used to only running 1 mile or 2 miles,” he said. “It’s inspirational to see that she’s willing to get into her first ultra when I can’t get most people my age to run more than a 5K because of the pain that they know they’re going to experience.”