Both the men's and women's winners of the 10th annual Akron Marathon are Ohioans, and one is an area resident.

The men's division winner is Richard Kessio of Toledo. Kessio, who is originally from Kenya, won the race in in two hours and eighteen minutes.

Shanna Alies Istnick of Kent won the women's division.

Both were first in their division to cross the finish line at Canal Park.

Kessio was obviously pleased with his finish, saying the 26.2 mile course is challenging and fun.

"It feels good," Kessio said

"My friends (who ran the marathon before) tell me the Akron Marathon is a bit hot, its hilly, but I had to train."

Kessio, who is originally from Kenya, ran the race in two hours and eighteen minutes.

Kessio and 25-year old  Aiman Scullion of Kent were neck-and-neck through Sand Run Metropark. Richard says when he saw Scullion next to him, he knew it was time to make a strong move.

"I knew when he adjusted and we were neck-to neck, I knew we were close to the course record."

Kessio was just 4 seconds off  the record pace for the men's marathon champion.

As he stood with a smile on his face, Richard said he's happy about his fantastic finish and looks forward to defending his title in 2013.

"I'm happy about the Akron Marathon, and I'd be happy to be here next year.

2012 marked Richard Kessio's first time running in the Akron Marathon.

Aiman Scullion said he wasn't expecting the pain he started feeling at the 15 mile mark, but he said the experience was an enjoyable one.

"I really have a big respect for those who run the marathon, and I knew it was a change of pace from the relay," Scullion said.

When asked about his battle with Richard Kessio, Scullion said he knew Kessio's experience set him apart from the pack.

"I tried to make a surge on him, but he's a real experienced guy, so he pulled away, he's just on a whole different level than me right now."

For the women, 34-year old Shanna Ailes Istnick of Kent was the winner with a time of two hours and fifty-five minutes.

When asked how she felt about the race, Shanna was a great thrill.

"It's absolutely great," she said. "I'm so stoked."

The top three women finishers behind Istnick were Lizzie Jesko of Akron, Becki Michael of Akron, and Tracy Meder of Stow.

One thing all of the runners agreed on was the first-class presentation Akron has for it's marathon every year.

"Everything from the volunteers, to the race directors, everything is top notch," said Shanna Alies Istnick.

Steven Sisco, who has run the marathon each of the past 10 years, agrees.

"They really do a good job of showcasing Akron, and it's a great course to run on top of it."

The Akron Marathon ran 26.2 miles through the streets of Akron.

The race course went downtown, North Akron, West Akron and South Akron and some 15,000 runners hit the course.

A long list of Akron streets and roads were closed today to make way for the race, some into the early afternoon hours.  The Akron Marathon has a list on its website.

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On the Web: Akron Marathon, www.akronmarathon.org