AKRON, OH (June 24, 2023) — Dylan Garritano from Akron secured the 8k victory in the men’s division of the National Interstate 8k for the second consecutive year, while Meghann Featherstun from Kent triumphed in the women’s division. This event marked the beginning of the 2023 Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, taking place on Fri., evening June 23, 2023, and Sat., June 24, 2023.
The sold-out National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile attracted over 1,800 participants from 10 states and 3 countries, spanning ages from 0 (thanks to the popular stroller division of the 1 Mile) to 78.
The course for the National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile began by highlighting The University of Akron’s campus, offering a unique tour of downtown Akron. As with all courses in this series, the course caters to individuals of various fitness levels, accommodating both runners and walkers as they strive towards the finish lines.
“It’s an honor to extend a warm welcome to our athletes who kickstarted the racing season for us this morning,” states Anne Bitong President and CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “Our nonprofit felt the energy in the streets of Akron this weekend, and we’re so grateful to all levels of supporters! From the runners to the sponsors and volunteers, strong partners are the foundation of the success of our world-class race series.”
The first runners to cross the finish line Friday in the 1 Mile race were Ryan Kiley from Cuyahoga Falls and Kelly Valco from Akron. National Interstate Insurance, in its eighth year as presenting sponsor, cheered as Kiley–one of its 60 employees participating–took home the win.
“National Interstate is excited to have kicked off the Akron Marathon Race Series again in 2023,” states Tony Prinzo, VP of Human Resources at National Interstate. “We are honored to be a part of this alongside Goodyear, FirstEnergy, and Summa Health. Summit County and the City of Akron are filled with amazing organizations and people. We look forward to a great turnout for this series!”
The winners included:
Men’s 8k:
- Dylan Garritano, Akron, 25:51
- Matt O’Neil, Cleveland, 26:15
- Chris Fyock, Rocky River, 26:53
Women’s 8k:
- Meghann Featherstun, Kent, 30:04
- Becki Spellman, Galloway, 31:17
- Beth Reppermund, Brecksville, 33:08
Men’s Masters 8k:
- Tim Bowman, Beckley, WV, 28:35
- Andrew Quigg, Chagrin Falls, 29:26
- John Zaranec, Chagrin Falls, 30:54
Women’s Masters 8k:
- Danielle Villers, Copley, 34:49
- Leslie Owen, Copley, 34:54
- Kristi Gunyula, Kent, 35:18
Men’s 1 Mile:
- Ryan Kiley, Cuyahoga Falls, 4:50
- Tim Bowman, Beckley, WV, 4:51
- Matthew Mucha, Broadview Hts., 4:54
Women’s 1 Mile:
- Kelly Valco, Akron, 5:38
- Melissa Hewitt, Akron, 6:08
- Lara Boman, Ashland, 6:15
Men’s Masters 1 Mile:
- Craig Nieset, Chardon, 5:02
- Craig Schomer, Delaware, 5:07
- Timothy Carroll, Akron, 5:21
Women’s Masters 1 Mile:
- Holly Wierzbicki, Uniontown, 6:35
- Megan Varga, Akron, 6:41
- Erin Lewis, Cleveland, 6:53
Race registration and volunteer opportunities for the remaining two-race series events can be found at AkronMarathon.org.The Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k is set to take place on Aug. 12, 2023, and the marquee event, the 21st running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay, will be held on Sept. 30, 2023.
For more information about the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, please visit AkronMarathon.org.