Race records fall in both men and women’s 10k races
AKRON, Ohio (August 12, 2017) – More than 2,300 runners took to the streets this morning in the third annual Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series Half Marathon & 10k presented by Goodyear. Twinsburg’s Bobby Moldovan won the men’s half marathon in 1:09:43. Cuyahoga Falls’ Jenny Robinson broke the tape in the women’s half marathon in 1:27:40.
Aiman Scullion of Akron won the men’s 10k race with Concord’s Kelsi Nutter taking home the win in the women’s 10k race. Scullion and Nutter both set new event records on this humid, but cool race day.
Timothy Lewis from Akron and Michelle Farr of Medina crossed the line first in the 10k Masters division, with Brian Reese from Beachwood and Debbie Harding of Akron placing first in the Masters half marathon categories. (See below for additional top finishers and times.)
“We are thrilled to continue working with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as our presenting sponsor for the third year, as they have become an integral part of the Akron Marathon Race Series. From the unique and fast course, popular runner premiums, fun after party, and the chance to check out the home of an iconic brand, this race is quickly becoming one of the premier events in Akron,” said Anne Bitong, executive director of the Akron Marathon.
The race featured Akron Children’s Hospital (ACH) super hero Zak Ostapowicz, as official starter. Ostapowicz, an Akron 9-year-old, suffered multiple sports concussions forcing him to the sidelines for months at a time. His “superpower” – determination – coupled with his ACH team helped him bounce back to continue to enjoy the activities he so loves. After getting the race underway, Zak and his family moved to the Finish Line to inspire and cheer on the runners.
The course offered a one-of-a-kind starting experience as runners began their race with a one mile lap on Goodyear’s Akron Proving Grounds. Moving through the East End, Goodyear’s Akron campus, and capturing views of Derby Downs and Ellet neighborhoods, runners’ finished under the skywalk at Goodyear’s Global Headquarters. Eight points along the course kept the runners entertained, with the finisher festival featuring the band Big in Japan on stage, plus drinks, ice cream and an Akron favorite, Swenson’s Food Truck. For those running their best time yet, there was a chance to ring the Acme Fresh Market “PR Bell” to cap off their race. New this year, each runner was entered for a chance to win two seats to ride on the Goodyear Blimp. Concord Township’s Mary Ann Adkins and Terry Jacobs of Woodville were selected during the event awards ceremony for these rare prizes.
“At Goodyear, we have a strong history of giving back in our local communities, especially in Akron. We’re proud of our over 300 associates either running or volunteering at this event, and are grateful for their commitment to bringing Goodyear’s community engagement efforts to life,” said Alison White, Goodyear’s director of community engagement. “We love the energy of this race and the strong sense of community it brings to our associates and the city of Akron.”
The Akron Marathon Race Series will conclude on Saturday, September 23 with the 15th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay. The Series dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule. Named by findmymarathon.com as one of the Best Mid-Sized Marathons and Best Organized Marathon’s for 2016, runners and volunteers can still register for the 2017 race at www.AkronMarathon.org.
HALF MARATHON FINAL RESULTS
MALE –Bobby Moldova (Twinsburg) 1:09:43, Brent Martin (Wooster) 1:10:26, Verrelle Wyatt (Akron) 1:11:23
FEMALE – Jenny Robinson (Cuyahoga Falls) 1:27:40, Teresa Ferguson (Akron) 1:30:21, Nicole Dannemiller (New Franklin) 1:35:19
MASTER’S MALE – Brian Reese (Beachwood) 1:26:10, Charles Twigg (Akron) 1:26:50, Brent Stewart (Gates Mills) 1:27:49
MASTER’S FEMALE – Debbie Harding (Akron) 1:40:01, Dianne Laheta (Broadview Heights) 1:41:11, Holly Wierzbicki (Uniontown) 1:43:08
10K FINAL RESULTS
MALE – Aiman Scullion (Akron) 33:14 NEW RACE RECORD, Dylan Garritano (Akron) 34:02, Joshua Gogan (Reminderville) 34:18
FEMALE – Kelsi Nutter (Concord) 34:51 NEW RACE RECORD, Liz Weiler (Cleveland) 36:13, Amy Gannon (Beachwood) 38:06
MASTER’S MALE – Timothy Lewis (Akron) 37:10, Damon Blackford (Akron) 37:29, Rick Wisneski (Akron) 39:02
MASTER’S FEMALE – Michelle Farr (Medina) 42:08, Elizabeth Tucci (Akron) 45:09, Sabrina Donatelli (Akron) 45:27