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NEARLY 1,700 PARTICIPANTS KICK OFF 2026 AKRON MARATHON RACE SERIES AT ACME FRESH MARKET FOUNDATION 8K & 1 MILE

AKRON, O.H. (June 27, 2026) — 1,700 participants gathered Saturday for the Acme Fresh Market Foundation 8k & 1 Mile, launching the 2026 Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health. The event brought together runners, walkers and families of all ages and abilities, including the debut of the new Family 1 Mile, for a morning celebrating movement, health and community.

“Every year, the first event of the Akron Marathon Race Series reminds us why this community is so special,” said Anne Bitong, president and CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “The excitement from our participants, volunteers and supporters creates an incredible atmosphere and sets the tone for an unforgettable race season ahead.” 

The 8k welcomed a strong field of athletes, with Joseph Redle from Fairlawn, OH earning the men’s division victory and Andrea Klima from Independence, OH claiming the women’s division title and setting a new event record. 

In the 1 Mile event, Noah Bernarding of Cochranton, PA finished first in the men’s race, while returning champion Hannah Long of Akron, OH successfully defended her women’s title.

“As presenting sponsor of the Akron Marathon Race Series, Summa Health is proud to support events that inspire people of all ages to prioritize their health and well-being,” said Daryl Tol, acting president and CEO of Summa Health. “Today’s event is a great example of how movement brings people together and strengthens our community.”

This year’s event returned to InfoCision Stadium, where participants celebrated an on-field finish and post-race festivities. New this year, the Family 1 Mile and Kids Zone provided additional opportunities for families to participate together and enjoy an active day in Akron.

“The Acme Fresh Market Foundation was excited to take on this expanded partnership in 2026 and support the Akron Marathon Race Series in an even more meaningful way,” said Katie Swartz, Vice President of Marketing, the Acme Fresh Market. “For more than two decades, we have been proud to support the marathon experience and help fuel runners throughout race weekend, and it’s incredibly rewarding to continue that tradition as families and participants came together to kick off the race season.”

The winners included: 

Men’s 8k: 

  1. JOSEPH REDLE, FAIRLAWN, OH, 25:43

  1. JAKE SUTTELL, AKRON, OH, 26:21

  1. KYLE STOBER, MOGADORE, OH, 26:36

Women’s 8k: 

  1. ANDREA KLIMA, INDEPENDENCE, OH, 28:41

  1. MEGHANN FEATHERSTUN, KENT, OH, 30:50

  1. JANEL ZICK, WEST VALLEY CITY, UT, 31:49

Men’s Masters 8k: 

  1. JED KOOPS, SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH, 30:17

  1. DAVID BALTHIS, CANTON, OH, 32:51

  1. JIM HENDRYX, CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH, 33:09

 

Women’s Masters 8k:  

  1. ALISSA KOLARIK, WADSWORTH, OH, 34:22

  1. TERESA FERGUSON, AKRON, OH, 34:37

  1. ERICA DROST, ROCKY RIVER, OH, 36:02

Non-Binary 8k: 

  1. MATTHEW NYCE, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH, 40:48

  1. SPENCER BAKER, AKRON, OH, 50:40

Men’s 1 Mile:  

  1. NOAH BERNARDING, COCHRANTON, PA, 4:30

  1. NATE BERTMAN, CHAGRIN FALLS, OH, 4:52

  1. CHARLES NOVAK, CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH, 5:02

 

Women’s 1 Mile:  

  1. HANNAH LONG, AKRON, OH, 5:02

  1. KARSYN SPEARS, CRANBERRY TWP, PA, 5:10

  1. KELLY SCULLY, CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH, 5:35

 

Men’s Masters 1 Mile:  

  1. MATTHEW STUDY, NORTHFIELD, OH, 6:06

  1. FRANK ZGRABIK, NORTHFIELD, OH, 6:15

  1. ARIEL UBBEN, AKRON, OH, 6:19

 

Women’s Masters 1 Mile: 

  1. LAURA PAWAR, MEDINA, OH, 6:11

  1. MEGAN VARGA, CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH, 7:10

  1. DIXA DHITAL, HUDSON, OH, 7:16

The 2026 Akron Marathon Race Series continues with the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k on Aug. 8, followed by the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay on Sept. 26. Registration and volunteer opportunities for both events are available at AkronMarathon.org.

For more information about the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, please visit AkronMarathon.org.