AkronNewsNow.com

MULTIMEDIA: Akron The Big Winner In Marathon
9/26/2009 2:08:30 PM | Joe Jastrzemski, AkronNewsNow.com

Who were the real winners of the Road Runner Akron Marathon? Some would say the 11,000 runners. But, the real winner is Akron and its residents.

Race fans on South Broadway waiting for Marathon runners to pass in Saturday's Road Runner Akron Marathon. (ANN Photo Joe Jastrzemski)

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That's the opinion of Kate Cheatle of St. Marys, Pennsylvania , who walked a half-marathon, which is 13 miles. Then, Kate waited in the stands at Canal Park for her husband, who was running the marathon. Cheatle says its was great to see and hear Akron residents lining the streets.

Great walk

Others ran today to remember a friend who ran last year, but has since passed away. Four teachers at Lorain County Community College ran to remember a friend. Vince Grenito of Garfield Heights said they had a good time in remembering their colleague.

Remembering a friend

Jim Jordan from Strongsville, also a teacher at LCCC, said the team relay is an event they want to do every year to remember a friend.

Remembering a pal

Andy Duplain of Jackson Township said the event is a way to spend some time with colleagues at work.

Ran with pals from work

The field ranged from professional marathoners to serious runners to fitness enthusiasts, and even infrequent runners who used the popular Roadrunner Relay as a reason to begin a workout program.

Often you heard stories of how and why someone would participate and the reasons almost always came down to making and keeping a personal challenge.

There was also the reputation of the organization and volunteer staff of the race. Like the Bridgestone Invitational, the Roadrunner Akron Marathon ran smoothly due to the community support through the hundreds of volunteers who step up every year.

What ever the reason 11,000 people participated in the Road Runner Akron Marathon, a good time was had by all!

Comments
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posted at 9/27/2009 7:58:36 PM (16081)
rdawk1 said:

i cant see akron being a winner when it didnt do anything but cost the city money, all the road prep, road closeingswho pays for this

posted at 9/27/2009 9:40:58 PM (16082)
cruisemeister said:

Duh!!!!!!!!!
The city pays for it, but think of the big picture or are you small-minded. The good will, prestige, dollars that are spent the the people from outside the area, these are all positives. Or are you one of the CHOSEN that doesn't want anything good to go on it Akron.

posted at 9/27/2009 10:41:37 PM (16083)
misstia said:

cruisemeister is unable to accept any comment that questions something....i think most people want to see good things go on in akron....but with the budget woes, it is valid question how much this costs the city and how much does this bring in to the city....of course you can't get exact amounts with how much it brings in, but you should be able to guestimate pretty good....

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