Participants from 32 states took to the streets of Akron for the second leg of the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series
AKRON, Ohio (August 15, 2015) – The second leg of the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series saw 3,000 participants take to the sun-splashed streets of Akron today for the inaugural Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k.
The event started and finished at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s global headquarters, while Wingfoot One – Goodyear’s newest airship – patrolled the skies during the event.
“From the iconic Goodyear blimp flying overhead to a lap around the Akron proving grounds, I think it’s safe to say that our participants really enjoyed today’s race,” said Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon President/Executive Director. “We’re grateful to Goodyear and to the City of Akron for all their help in putting on such a tremendous event for our sold out field that came to Akron from 32 different states.”
David Ryland (Brecksville, Ohio) won the men’s 10k with a time of 33:27, while Jessica Kuhr-Odorcic (Madison, Ohio) claimed the women’s race with a time of 35:27. In the Half Marathon, David Petrak (Mayfield Heights, Ohio) was the men’s winner at 1:08:21, and Beth Woodward (Orrville, Ohio) was first on the women’s side with a time of 1:26:23.
“Goodyear is proud to be associated with such a great event in the Akron community,” said Alison White, Goodyear’s Director of Community Engagement. “The engagement of our associates is an important part of our mission at Goodyear, and we’re proud of the 150 Goodyear associates that ran in today’s race and the more than 300 associates who volunteered their time to help make this event a success.”
In the 10k masters division, Timothy Lewis (Akron, Ohio) took top honors with a time of 39:33, while Michelle Farr (Medina, Ohio) was the top female at 40:39. Damon Blackford (Akron, Ohio) claimed the masters title in the men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:19:48 and Kristy Kenna (Akron, Ohio) was the top female, clocking in at 1:29:24.
Participants received a t-shirt, medal, goodie bag, custom blimp car magnet and food festival tickets. Half Marathon participants also collected a commemorative finisher gift.
Post-race festivities included a live band, vendors and an Akron’s Best Food Festival featuring Swenson’s Food Truck, Strickland’s Frozen Custard, Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks, NORKA Beverage and more. Goodyear also had several displays including a quick tire change station, NASCAR display, as well as additional activities.
The Rubber City Race Series will conclude on Saturday, September 26 with the 13th running of the 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.RubberCityRaceSeries.org.
About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Headquartered in Akron since 1898, Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 67,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.
About the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series
The Akron Marathon Rubber City 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. This year will mark the 13th running of September’s marquee event (Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run), which has grown by more than 300 percent since its inception in 2003. The Series will feature new race dates in June (8k & 1-Mile) and August (Half Marathon & 10k), providing greater opportunity for participation on all levels in the sport of running. Additional information on the Series is available at www.RubberCityRaceSeries.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).