Participants from 26 states enjoy second leg of Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series
AKRON, Ohio (August 13, 2016) – The second leg of the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series saw more than 2,600 participants hit the streets of Akron this morning for the 2016 Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k.
The event, which started and finished at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s global headquarters, drew runners from 26 states across the country. Meanwhile, Wingfoot Two – Goodyear’s newest airship – provided a bird’s-eye view of the race.
“Once again, Goodyear provided our runners with a great venue for our Half Marathon and 10k,” said Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon President/Executive Director. “Early in the week, we weren’t sure if we’d even be able to run the race because of the weather forecast, but it ended up being a great day despite the heat and humidity. We couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support from the City of Akron, Akron Police Department and all of our committee members and volunteers.”
In the 10k, Ellie Hess (Chesterland, Ohio) claimed the overall and women’s top spot with a time of 36:40. On the men’s side, Charles Novak (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) won with a time of 37:22. Meanwhile, in the Half Marathon, Joseph Hengoed (Seven Hills, Ohio) earned top honors with a time of 1:13:24. Becki Spellman (Hilliard, Ohio), the 2011 Akron Marathon winner, was the top female finisher, clocking in at 1:27:33.
“We are proud to host the second annual Goodyear Half Marathon and 10k again this year, and to host the Akron community at our headquarters,” said Alison White, Goodyear’s Director of Community Engagement. “Additionally, the nearly 250 Goodyear associates that volunteered their time to make today’s event such a success, and our 150 Goodyear associates that ran the race, also give us such a sense of pride. Involving our associates in our communities is key and we’re thrilled to have them be part of this fantastic community event.”
In the 10k masters division, Timothy Lewis (Akron, Ohio) defended his 2015 title with a time of 40:14, while Elizabeth Tucci (Akron, Ohio) was the top female at 47:08. Bill Dando (Uniontown, Ohio) claimed the masters title in the men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:27:12 and Debbie Harding (Akron, Ohio) was the top female, crossing the line in 1:45:15.
Additionally, Helen McWilliams (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) set a Guinness World Record for fastest half marathon while dressed as a chef, finishing with a time of 2:55:55. As part of the requirements for the record, she also had to carry a 3 kg (6.61 lb) stockpot the entire 13.1 miles.
Participants in the Half Marathon received a short sleeve premium tech shirt, medal, commemorative hat and food festival tickets. 10k runners received a short sleeve premium tech shirt, medal and food festival tickets.
The post-race Finisher Festival that includes a live band, Swenson’s Food Truck, Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks, ice cream and more.
The Akron Marathon Race Series will conclude on Saturday, September 24 with the 14th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay. The Series dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule. Registration is available at www.AkronMarathon.org.