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BLUE LINERS CROSS THE FINISH LINE AS AKRON MARKS 200 YEARS AT THE 23RD FIRSTENERGY AKRON MARATHON

AKRON, O.H. (Sept. 27, 2025) — Thousands of runners and spectators filled the streets of Akron this weekend for the 23rd running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay, a tradition that coincided this year with the city’s historic bicentennial celebration. The milestone event brought the community together as athletes, families, and fans gathered to honor 200 years of Akron alongside a world-class race experience.

Headlining the marathon was Aaron Davidson from Flagstaff, AZ, who defended his title after winning last year with a time of 2:25:30. This year, he beat his previous time and claimed victory again, finishing in 2:18:59.

In the women’s division, Ashton Swinford of Hudson secured the win, finishing with a strong time of 2:51:24.

“Celebrating Akron’s Bicentennial makes this year’s marathon even more meaningful,” said Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “The energy of the community, the dedication of our runners, and the support of our partners truly showcase what makes Akron special.”

The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay welcomed athletes from 36 U.S. states and 4 countries, adding to the marathon’s reputation as one of the premier running events in the Midwest.

In the half marathon, Eric Westog of Chelsea, MI, claimed the men’s title in 1:07:54, while Alyssa Thomas of North Royalton won the women’s division in 1:15:25, marking her third victory and second consecutive win in the event.

In the non-binary category, Noah Chavez from Cleveland claimed first place in the marathon, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity. 

The city came alive as runners followed the recharged course through Akron, beginning at the Akron Art Museum and finishing at the newly renovated Lock 3. The updated route refreshed the first half of the course while keeping runners immersed in the city’s iconic neighborhoods, with supporters lining the Blue Line to cheer athletes on every step of the way.

“In Akron’s 200th year, the Blue Line was more energized than ever—a celebration of everything that makes our city so exceptional,” said Torrence Hinton, President – Ohio for FirstEnergy. “Supporting this event allows us to honor the collective energy and character that define our city year after year. It’s an inspiring reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much farther we’ll go together.”

This year’s Akron Marathon Race Series Corporate Challenge, presented by the County of Summit, saw an incredible turnout with 1,806 participants from 26 organizations. Final standings for the Corporate Challenge will be announced later this fall.

The weekend festivities kicked off with Friday’s Mandel Family Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children’s. Nearly 1,000 young runners, ages 12 and under, had their moment to shine as they raced the one-mile course to cross the same finish line as the marathoners, greeted by cheering crowds and family members.

Winners included:

FULL MARATHON FINAL RESULTS: 

MALE OVERALL –

  1. Aaron Davidson, Flagstaff, AZ, 2:18:59
  2. David Gearinger, Scranton, PA, 2:21:26
  3. Jacob Kocis IV, Versailles, KY, 2:22:56

FEMALE OVERALL –

  1. Ashton Swinford, Hudson, 2:51:24
  2. Shannon Kilbane, Canton, 3:00:50
  3. Laikin Tarlton, Chillicothe, 3:01:35

MASTERS MALE –

  1. John Ladesic, Olney, MD, 2:39:37
  2. AJ Kelly, Altoona, PA, 2:40:56
  3. Scott Davis, Carlisle, PA, 2:45:50

MASTERS FEMALE – 

  1. Cheryl Bayart, Cincinnati, 3:10:01
  2. Amanda Fire, Stow, 3:18:49
  3. Jennie Swires, Mantua, 3:26:53

NON-BINARY –

  1. Noah Chavez, Cleveland, 4:46:44
  2. Edward ONeil, Sterling Heights, MI, 4:49:37
  3. Vivian Burns, Savannah, GA, 5:09:03

HALF MARATHON FINAL RESULTS:

MALE OVERALL –

  1. Eric Westog, Chelsea, MI, 1:07:54
  2. Tyler Clark, Niles, 1:08:29
  3. Chase Bulten, Campbellsville, KY, 1:08:48

FEMALE OVERALL –

  1. Alyssa Thomas, North Royalton, 1:15:25
  2. Chelsea Hall, New Albany, 1:17:34
  3. Kim Conley, Flagstaff, AZ, 1:18:09

MASTERS MALE –

  1. Jon Priebe, Ann Arbor, MI, 1:13:21
  2. Aaron Apathy, Westlake, 1:16:21
  3. Scott Mate, Stow, 1:17:14

MASTERS FEMALE – 

  1. Christina Johnston, Xenia, 1:24:16
  2. Charlene Schultz, Akron, 1:24:54
  3. Meghann Featherstun, Kent, 1:26:12