'A dream come true': Akron Marathon celebrates 20th anniversary

Molly Walsh, Akron Beacon Journal
·4 min read
Runners stream across the starting line in front of the Akron Art Museum at the 20th Akron Marathon on Saturday.
Runners stream across the starting line in front of the Akron Art Museum at the 20th Akron Marathon on Saturday.

"I did it," Alyssa Thomas exclaimed with an enormous smile on her face.

Wrapped in an insulated blanket, the 24-year-old Akronite tried to catch her breath. Tears swelled in her eyes as a volunteer placed a medal around her neck.

Alyssa Thomas, first-place finisher in the women's half-marathon, is congratulated by Jacob Ondash, fourth-place finisher in the men's half-marathon, on Saturday.
Alyssa Thomas, first-place finisher in the women's half-marathon, is congratulated by Jacob Ondash, fourth-place finisher in the men's half-marathon, on Saturday.

Just moments prior, she'd crossed the finish line and won the women's division of the Akron Half Marathon with a time of 1:19:22.

"I did it! I'm overcome with emotions right now," she said.

More than 7,000 people participated in the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay on Saturday, which marked the race's 20th anniversary.

Anne Bitong, president and CEO of the Akron Marathon, said the energy for this year's race was something she could not describe.

"This is incredible," she said. "It is the best day in Akron. It's a holiday. It's a day where the community supports each other and celebrates personal achievements."

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As the morning passed, more and more runners completed their journey. They were met with cheers, fists pumps, high-fives, celebratory hugs and many happy tears.

Zachary Hoagland hits the finish line to win the full marathon at the 20th Akron Marathon.
Zachary Hoagland hits the finish line to win the full marathon at the 20th Akron Marathon.

Thirty-three-year-old Zachary Hoagland was the first to cross the finish line for the men's division of the marathon. He finished the 26.2-mile race in 2:25:57. That is just about 5:35 per mile.

"Seeing that finish line, with no one in front of me, was special," he said.

The Hartfield, Pennsylvania, resident has run 19 marathons overall. He previously ran the Akron Marathon in 2017 and 2019 where he took second and third place.

"To come back and win this means a lot, especially in Akron," he said. "This has just been so special to me. Akron puts on an amazing race. I live six hours away, but I will always come back here for this."

Fernando Cabada heads to the finish line for a first-place finish in the men's half-marathon Saturday in Akron.
Fernando Cabada heads to the finish line for a first-place finish in the men's half-marathon Saturday in Akron.

Fernando Cabada traveled from Aurora, Colorado, to participate in this year's half-marathon, where he came in first for the men's division with a time of 1:06:14.

The 40-year-old said he wants to inspire others to set goals and accomplish them.

"Life can be dark, it can be tough sometimes," he said. "But I'm lucky to do this. It's nice to run and have a little bit of light in life."

Alysia Rogers crosses the finish line to win the women's division of the full marathon at the 20th Akron Marathon.
Alysia Rogers crosses the finish line to win the women's division of the full marathon at the 20th Akron Marathon.

Thirty-five-year-old Medina resident Alysia Rogers came in first for the women's division of the marathon with a time of 2:49:14.

Rogers had more than one reason to celebrate Saturday. As she crossed the finish line, her boyfriend, Vincent Reddish, was waiting to propose to her, and she said "yes."

Alysia Rogers, the first-place finisher in the women’s marathon, gets a marriage proposal Saturday from her boyfriend, Vincent Reddish, who ran the half-marathon. Rogers said yes.
Alysia Rogers, the first-place finisher in the women’s marathon, gets a marriage proposal Saturday from her boyfriend, Vincent Reddish, who ran the half-marathon. Rogers said yes.

"This was my first marathon," she said. "I am blown away. He is the love of my life and he helped me love running too."

Rogers said she had never run anything more than a 5K before training for the marathon, but felt supported.

"The hills on the course kind of killed me, but all of the people cheering and pushing you on is just amazing," she said.

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This year, those participating in the marathon ran a new, flatter course. The finish line has also been moved back to the Akron Civic Theatre instead of Lock 3, which hosted the Finisher’s Festival. Runners took off in in six waves over the course of seven minutes starting at 7 a.m., with all runners crossing the starting line by 7:10 a.m.

Rogers said seeing the unbroken tape of the finish line was "a dream come true."

"I just started crying and hyperventilating," she said. "I knew I was almost done. I ran 26 miles. What's a little bit more?"

Akron Marathon co-founder Jeannine Marks said she was excited for the 20th anniversary of the race.

"I'm just so happy to see the event continue to grow," she said. "This is a celebration. For running and Akron."

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In 2003, around 3,000 runners participated, and this year saw more than 7,000 runners in the three-race series.

"When we first started we wanted to bring a world-class event to Akron, promote health and fitness and gather as a community," Marks said. "We are so thrilled. It's a beautiful day. It's been an amazing 20 years and here's to 20 more."

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Thousands participate, celebrate Akron Marathon's 20th anniversary