Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay Review

I had a great time at the Akron Marathon. I have completed the marathon three times and the half marathon eight to ten times.  I have probably participated in this race more times than any other race.  This year I competed in the half marathon and also ran the first leg of the marathon relay for Team ER. This was my last longer training run for something really big. 

The race day weather was very suitable for running the half marathon and early legs of the marathon relay.  The start line temperatures were in the low 60's with minimal wind.  The humidity was very high though.  Any runners on the course after about 10:00 am no doubt had more sun and higher temperatures to deal with.   

My goal was to run at a nice comfortable easy pace. Although I finished within my target pace I didn’t feel as well as I would have liked. My lower back really tightened up on me. To add to the challenge my Apple Watch glitched out on me at mile 9 leaving me without pacing data or music for the last 4 miles. My finish time was 1:49:45.

This was my first time being on a relay team and the first time I have completed the entire Akron Marathon Race Series. I left the race with 2 shirts, 3 medals, and a medal display. As a bonus for having 2 bibs I got double beers and double Swenson’s Drive-In Restaurants Galley Boys at the finisher festival.

It was a lot of fun seeing so many Team ER members, North Water Brewing Run Club members, and other running friends on the course and at the finisher festival. Congratulations to everyone that crossed the finish line!

The Akron Marathon always does a great job with their events.  The finisher festival was much improved over last year finally being able to move back to the renovated Lock 3 Park.  I may sound old but the music was very loud and it was very hard to talk to other runners.   I would love to see them bring back the finisher jackets for the marathon, and the stadium finish.

Thank you to the Akron Marathon who put on another great race, to all of the volunteers, and to all of the spectators who got up early to cheer for us!