Akron, OH (May 9, 2019) — Runners aiming to cross the finish line at the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series run for countless reasons—for their health, in honor of a loved one, or simply to prove to themselves that they are stronger than they believe—but for one Akron Marathon runner, Laura Merriman, this year’s race series is playing a much larger role in her life.
At 38-years-old and with a two-month-old baby boy, Laura, a nurse case manager originally from Akron, OH, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
While at home in Fox Chapel, PA, recovering from a bilateral mastectomy, she began researching her genetic mutation and what she could do to try and take back control of her life.
“I was staring down a pretty significant treatment plan and the last thing that I wanted to do was exercise; however, according to studies I was finding, exercise was probably the thing that I needed the most,” Laura shares.
Laura had never been a distance runner, but with a treadmill in her basement, she started down a path she describes as “mentally therapeutic.”
“I am not exceptionally athletic, and my race times are certainly nothing to boast about,” explains Laura. “However, every time I run, I run with my heart. I run races because I am determined to be there at my son’s graduation and dance with him at his wedding.”
The 2019 Akron Marathon will be Laura’s fourth half-marathon.
“I feel so inspired to come back home for this race,” Laura adds. She is now in full remission and will be crossing the finish line with her family and friends—and her son—cheering her on.
This year, the Akron Marathon team will host more than 15,000 runners across its 2019 events, beginning with opportunities in June, for the National Interstate 8K & 1 Mile, Goodyear Half Marathon & 10K in Aug., and the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay on Sept. 28.
For more information about the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series, please visit AkronMarathon.org.
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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).