Akron, OH (Nov. 18, 2019) — It was a year of firsts for the Akron Marathon: first year as the first sensory inclusive marathon in the world, first year with a new start line at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the first year featuring the new course—and now the first year in the Marathon’s history where four of its female employees are being promoted.
With the retirement of beloved Marathon employee Vice President Amy Freeman, the Marathon is promoting the following staff members:
- Carrie Washnock, Director of Runner Services, promoted to VP of Customer Success
- Laura McElrath, Operations Director, promoted to VP of Operations
- Katie Riley, Project Manager, promoted to Community Outreach Director
- Lauren Toole, Social Media Manager, promoted to Marketing & Communications Director
“Amy has been a part of the Akron Marathon since its inception. Her passion and dedication has helped shape the organization into what it has become today,” states Anne Bitong, Executive Director of the Akron Marathon. “And while Amy will be missed by all, we’re proud to elevate the team and give more responsibility to our current staff—who are dedicated to our races and the impact we have on our community.”
This year, the Akron Marathon team hosted more than 15,000 runners across its 2019 events. Over the last five years, supporters and runners of the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series contributed to an economic impact of roughly $40 million ($8 million a year), based on the numbers from its estimated economic impact analysis that uses spending data and patterns of previous economic impact studies in the area by Dr. Shawn Rohlin from Kent State University. These numbers also do not include the $1.7 million raised for Akron Children’s Hospital.
And now, the Marathon staff is thrilled to announce the opening of race registration for the following race dates:
- FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay, September 26, 2020
- Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k, August 8, 2020
- National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile, June 27, 2020
Brian Polen, Race Director of the Akron Marathon states, “The new start line inside the grounds of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens allowed a higher percentage of our field to experience the magic of West Akron and the response to the new course was overwhelmingly positive! The visual of thousands of runners pouring out of the main gates of Stan Hywet and onto N. Portage Path is one will not soon be forgotten. Looking forward, we are excited to continue accentuating the best parts of our course and developing the newly featured neighborhoods to create the best racing experience possible for our blue liners.”
For more information, race registration and volunteer please visit at AkronMarathon.org.
# # #
About the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series
The Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a non-profit group founded in 2002 to provide a world-class marathon and other events that promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community, and benefit charitable organizations. The series features race dates in June (National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile) and August (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k), culminating with the 17th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run in September. Additional information is available at AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
Contact: Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation
Kat Pestian, kat@ampstrategy.com
330-714-2274