The Akron Marathon took place this past Saturday, September 29th, bringing together runners near and far, novice and experienced.
In its 16th year, the marathon drew in nearly 9,000 participants and an estimated 115,000 spectators to the City of Akron. The famous (or rather, infamous, for the runners) blue line had been painted along 26.2 miles of Akron roadway in the preceding weeks, spanning neighborhoods such as West Akron, North Hill, and Firestone Park.
According to reports, runners from six countries and 44 states took part in the event, which included team relays in addition to the standard full and half marathons. In the men’s competition, two Akron natives placed first and second in the full marathon, happy to “defend” the title for their city. In the women’s full marathon division, runners from Mansfield and Cuyahoga Falls, OH, finished first and second, respectively.
Race director, Brian Polen, said that both the race route and the larger city itself continues to attract runners to the Midwest marathon. “It’s amazing how people come into Akron and I think they leave shocked,” Polen explains. “They don’t know what to expect when they come here, they see the crowd support and the beautiful parks we have and the quaint neighborhoods and the vibrant downtown, I think it surprises them a little bit.”
Upon crossing the finish line at downtown Akron’s Canal Park stadium, runners are met with everything from cheering crowds, to amplified music, snacks, and celebratory beers.
Hoping to surpass a fundraising total of $1 million dollars, the marathon raises money for local charities, primarily Akron Children’s Hospital. The annual event is one that locals and visitors alike look forward to (minus the major road blockages throughout Saturday morning). Still, the incredible dedication that marathon runners commit to is as admirable each new year as it was before.