A Return to Racing
The Akron Marathon Race Series maintains momentum for runners
By Anne Bitong
Photos: Akron Marathon
If you ask runners why they love to run, most will say it’s the sense of freedom and adventure—the power of forward momentum. When the pandemic forced countless races and programming to halt in 2020, the running community was deeply affected.
In Akron, Ohio, the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health has always focused on the runner experience. The pandemic forced that organization to put health and safety at the forefront as an equally important goal.
Designed to encourage participation for all fitness levels, the race series has distances beginning with one mile and progressing to a full marathon. The series kicks off in June (National Interstate 8k and 1 mile), continues in August (Goodyear Half Marathon and 10k), and culminates in September (FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, and Kids Fun Run).
In 2020, in order to provide a world-class race experience, the Akron Marathon operated virtually, after cancelling the first two races in the series. Runners were encouraged to become their own race directors, planning a 26.2-mile course through their favorite Metro Park, preparing their nutrition and hydration, and even designating spots along the course for family and friends to safely cheer them on. Each participant was given a Blue Line in a Box, complete with swag, such as sunglasses and coupons from partners.
After the race, they submitted their times online and received a virtual finisher’s certificate. In celebration, they also submitted their pictures and stories on social-media platforms under #RunAkron.
Crafting A Successful Hybrid Approach
A team of six full-time employees worked with more than 100 members on planning committees, different people with different skill sets, including marketing and sports management.
In collaboration with sponsors, partners, venues, the CDC, state of Ohio, city of Akron, and Summit County Public Health, a hybrid Return to Racing Plan was forged in November 2020 for races to be held in 2021. Organization members also sought information from USA Track and Field, as well as the World Health Organization, in terms of mask gatherings, the Road Runner Club of America, and the Outbreak Prevention task force for further risk-assessment tools.
Benchmarking mitigation plans against other races across the country was important. Each state and counties within Ohio varied greatly in their protocols during the height of the pandemic.
To make sure runners had clear expectations of what the races would be, with both virtual and in-person opportunities to run, strategies within the Return to Racing Plan included:
Limiting participants in each race.
Staggering start times, with runners starting in waves of 200 to 400, with 45 seconds between waves. And the final start line stayed open for two minutes for those runners who wanted to social distance. Runners could show up 30 minutes prior to their wave.
Making all hydration stations self-serve. Runners were encouraged to wear their own hydration packs.
Socially-distancing the post-race Finisher Festival and Awards Ceremony, which included a live band, food, and beer.
Masking in high-volume areas. Mask-wearing was optional for those who were vaccinated, but it was mandatory for unvaccinated people in race areas when not actively running.
Adhering to social-distancing guidelines. Prior to picking up their race packet, runners had to show either a proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the race.
Monitoring bib pick-up and capping it at 300 runners every 30 minutes to keep a social distance.
Creating an exchange zone for the transfer of the baton in the relay race. When a runner stepped over a mat and the other runner began, the exchange was considered complete.
In the end, about 10,000 participants (down from an average of 15,000 to 20,000 runners) enjoyed the race experience.
Runners had no issues in complying with the guidelines. There was a 93-percent vaccination rate, and everyone cooperated in indoor areas. Special spectator-viewing spots allowed for more social distancing.
Throughout the year, the race plan was ever-changing, so organizers had to pivot along the way. For instance, when Summit County saw a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases, the Finishers Festival at the Goodyear Half Marathon and 10K, which was supposed to end at Goodyear Headquarters with food trucks and live music, was eliminated.
Lessons Learned And Moving Forward
Despite the pandemic, many new runners entered the races, which is a positive. Let’s hope that trend continues.
A basic lesson learned in putting a race series together during a pandemic is that, when it comes down to it, runners simply want to race. The marathon organizers put the focus on creating a world-class experience through the lens of health and safety.
2022 will mark the 20th running of the Akron Marathon. Based on feedback from runners, several takeaways from the hybrid racing approach will be carried forward. The staggered-wave start process will likely continue. Runners liked the idea that the start and the end at Finishers Festival, where they receive their medal, was less crowded.
Runners were grateful for the health and safety efforts, and after a year of not being able to run together, the chance to gather as a community again was highly anticipated and celebrated. There was a 100-percent approval rating in terms of the race experience, an accomplishment of which organizers are proud.
Anne Bitong is president and CEO of the Akron Marathon. Reach her at 330-434-2786 or visit AkronMarathon.org for more information.
Important Dates For The 2022 Series
National Interstate 8k and 1 Mile—new start and finish: June 24 and 25
Goodyear Half Marathon and 10k—start line returns to the test track: August 13
FirstEnergy, Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay—new half course: September 24
The course for the marathon suits both first-time and veteran marathoners. It is a foot-tour through the city of Akron, highlighting historic landmarks, colorful neighborhoods, and the majestic Summit Metro Parks. Racers begin in downtown Akron and cross the All-America Bridge within the first mile. Then they will weave through a course past the Akron Art Museum, the University of Akron, Firestone Park, the Towpath Trail, Sand Run Parkway, and the Stan Hywet estate. The course is not “fast and flat”; however, runners will be able to enjoy the diverse and changing elevations, as well as the scenic tour.