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WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN THE 22ND ANNUAL FIRSTENERGY AKRON MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & TEAM RELAY

AKRON, O.H. (Sept. 28, 2024) — Akron was lively today as nearly 8,000 athletes and 100,000 spectators gathered for the marquee event of the 2024 Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health. The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay brought together athletes from across the nation and beyond, highlighting the city’s commitment to health and community.

Headlining the sold-out marathon was Aaron Davidson from Flagstaff, AZ, with a time of 2:25:30. Davidson successfully chased redemption, securing victory after his withdrawal from the 2024 Olympic Trials.

In the women’s division, Maura Lemon of Dayton claimed victory, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 2:52:37. A former champion, Lemon had previously won the 2016 FirstEnergy Half Marathon with a time of 1:18:25.

The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay welcomed athletes from ages 12 to 80. Participants came from 41 U.S. states and 6 countries, adding to the marathon’s reputation as one of the premier running events in the Midwest.

In the half marathon, Alec Sandusky of Cincinnati took the men’s title with a blazing time of 1:07:30, while Alyssa Thomas of Cuyahoga Falls led the women’s division with a strong finish of 1:18:35, beating her winning time from 2022.

In the newly introduced non-binary category, Grace Barnard from Stow claimed first place in the marathon, and Emily Donley from Broadview Heights excelled in the half marathon, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

The city came alive as runners wound their way through 13 of Akron’s most iconic neighborhoods, with supporters lining the Blue Line to cheer on athletes. From Firestone Park to the West Akron, the route showcased Akron’s vibrant community spirit.

“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s Akron Marathon Race Series, said Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “The energy from the community, the dedication of the participants, and the support from our sponsors–FirstEnergy,  Summa Health, and the City of Akron–are what make this event so special. Our mission has always been to promote health, fitness, and community spirit, and it’s inspiring to see how the marathon continues to bring people together in pursuit of these goals.”

This year’s Akron Marathon Race Series Corporate Challenge, presented by the County of Summit, saw an incredible turnout with 1,349 participants from 33 organizations. Final standings for the Corporate Challenge will be announced later this fall.

The weekend festivities kicked off with Friday’s Mandel Family Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children’s Hospital. Nearly 1,000 young runners, ages 12 and under, had their moment to shine as they raced the one-mile course to cross the same finish line as the marathoners, greeted by cheering crowds and family members.

Planning is already underway for the 2025 edition of the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, which once again aims to rally the community around health, wellness, and fun. Mark your calendars for the National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile on June 27 & 28, the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k on August 9, and the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay on September 27. Stay updated on future events at AkronMarathon.org.

The day’s winners included:

FULL MARATHON FINAL RESULTS:

MALE OVERALL –

  1. Aaron Davidson, Flagstaff, AZ, 2:25:30
  2. Dylan Gearinger, Philadelphia, PA, 2:29:18
  3. Luke Hickman, Mentor, 2:30:41

FEMALE OVERALL –

  1. Maura Lemon, Dayton, 2:52:37
  2. Joanna Line, Akron, 2:53:15
  3. Macy McRowe, Massillon, 2:56:25

MASTERS MALE –

  1. Scott Davis, Carlisle, PA, 2:47:04
  2. Brian Polen, Wooster, 2:53:46
  3. Michael Gerber, Atlanta, GA, 3:00:35

MASTERS FEMALE – 

  1. Amanda Fire, Stow, 3:11:35
  2. Tracie Hunter, Whitestown, IN, 3:32:41
  3. Jennie Swires, Mantua, 3:33:03

NON-BINARY –

  1. Grace Barnard, Stow, 5:59:35
  2. Anna Walker, Columbus, 6:12:56

HALF MARATHON FINAL RESULTS:

MALE OVERALL –

  1. Alec Sandusky, Cincinnati, 1:07:30
  2. Gavin Glaza, Thornton, CO, 1:09:26
  3. Chase Hampton, Marysville, 1:10:03

FEMALE OVERALL –

  1. Alyssa Thomas, Cuyahoga Falls, 1:18:35
  2. Chelsea Hall, New Albany, 1:19:44
  3. Jennifer Brewer, St. Marys, WV, 1:20:28

MASTERS MALE –

  1. Matthias Wilder, Winter Garden, FL, 1:15:51
  2. Eric Harbison, Glenshaw, PA, 1:18:42
  3. Matthew Yacoub, Northville, MI, 1:19:21

MASTERS FEMALE – 

  1. Christina Johnston, Xenia, 1:23:04
  2. Jennifer Simmerman, Streetsboro, 1:26:49
  3. Becki Spellman, Galloway, 1:30:19

NON-BINARY –

  1. Emily Donley, Broadview Heights, 2:08:10
  2. Reilly Smith, Denver, CO, 2:50:30
  3. Kelli Hayward, Kent, 3:36:06