AKRON, Ohio (June 25, 2022) — Dylan Garritano from Akron and Becki Spellman from Galloway were the respective 8k winners in the men’s and women’s races at the National Interstate 8k, the first race of the 2022 Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health on Sat., June 25, 2022.
On Friday evening, June 24, 2022, the first to cross the finish line in the 1 Mile race was Jacob Ondash from Akron with a time of 4:25 and Shelby Nolan from Toledo with a time of 5:04— both setting new event records.
The race began by highlighting The University of Akron’s campus with a unique tour of downtown Akron. Although it was designed for speed, the course supported both runners and walkers as they made their way to the finish in Colman Commons.
With in-person and virtual options, the 8k welcomed 1,414 in-person participants and the 1 Mile had 290 participants. With the races on different days for the first time, 161 runners were able to participate in both races.
National Interstate Insurance, in its seventh year as presenting sponsor for this first race in the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, had more than 30 employees participating in the race, including Tony Prinzo, vice president of human resources for National Interstate, who participated in both the 1 Mile and 8k.
“We are honored to continue our relationship with the Akron Marathon Race Series,” said Prinzo. “It is exciting to see our race weekend evolve, and also to serve as the kick-off to the entire series. As I see our region come together for each race, I am proud of our community for creating opportunities for wellness, volunteerism, and celebration.”
The winners included:
Men’s 8k:
Dylan Garritano, Akron, 25:58
Chris Fyock, Rocky River, 26:04
Nick Marino, Stow, 26:15
Women’s 8k:
Becki Spellman, Galloway, 29:41
Jessi Bentley, Wadsworth, 31:01
Brittany Eismon, Hudson, 31:34
Men’s Masters 8k:
Paul Stock, Hudson, 29:39
Mark Rohrer, Wadsworth, 30:55
David Stewart, Mogadore, 30:56
Women’s Masters 8k:
Teresa Ferguson, Akron, 34:26
Leslie Owen, Copley, 35:00
Danelle Villers, Copley, 35:29
Men’s 1 Mile:
Jacob Ondash, Akron, 4:25—new event record! (The previous record was 4:31.)
Nick Marino, Stow, 4:36
Dylan Garritano, Akron, 4:37
Women’s 1 Mile:
Shelby Nolan, Toledo, 5:04—new event record! (The previous record was 5:34.)
Hannah Long, Akron, 5:06
Becki Spellman, Galloway, 5:12
Men’s Masters 1 Mile:
Rick Williamson, Hilliard, 5:20
David Krause, Strongsville, 5:43
Frank Chahulski, Strongsville, 5:47
Women’s Masters 1 Mile:
Theresa Wright, Medina, 6:42
Erin Lewis, Cleveland, 7:27
Nikaeda Griffie, Akron, 7:38
“We were thrilled to welcome back runners this weekend and witnessed strong performances on both the 1 Mile and 8k courses that were faster and flatter for our participants,” Anne Bitong, president and CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation stated. “While today marks the kickoff of the Akron Race Series, it also marks the beginning of our 20-year celebration of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay—surely a year to remember!”
Race registration and volunteer opportunities for the remaining two-race series events can be found at AkronMarathon.org. The Goodyear Half Marathon and 10k are set for Aug. 13, 2022, and the marquee event — the 20th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay — will follow the Blue Line through the streets of Akron on Sept. 24, 2022.
For more information about the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, please visit AkronMarathon.org.
About the Akron Marathon Race Series
The Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a non-profit group founded in 2002 to provide a world-class marathon and other events that promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, and galvanize the community and benefit charitable organizations. The series features race dates in June (National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile) and August (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k), culminating with the 19th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run in September. Additional information is available at AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
