October 4, 2021

​​On Saturday, Sept. 25, the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon celebrated a return to in-person racing − after a virtual event in 2020. Runners were glad to be back on the blue line with their competitors, and race officials established COVID-19 safety protocols to keep runners, spectators and volunteers healthy.

The 19^th annual marathon drew more than 7,000 runners, 2,000 volunteers and 100,000 spectators to the city. The Marathon’s Charitable Corporation estimates the event brings an annual $8 million in economic impact to the area, while raising more than $6 million for charitable organizations.

“FirstEnergy is proud of our continued partnership with the Akron Marathon in hosting this world-class event that showcases the city of Akron in such a positive light,” said President and CEO Steve Strah. “I’m also extremely proud of the positive energy our employees bring to the event,” said Steve, as he provided welcome comments at the marathon’s kickoff event held on Thursday, Sept. 23.

On Your Mark!

Race day began with Jason Lisowski, vice president, controller and Chief Accounting Officer, providing remarks at the start line to welcome 7,000 eager runners to Akron and share our pride in putting power behind the blue line. 

Bikers on the Blue Line

Doug Colafella, (third from left) Amy Hopkins, (second from right) and Tricia Ingraham, (sixth from right) along with a few FirstEnergy retirees and other community volunteers served as bike escorts to the lead runners throughout the 26.2-mile course.

Motivation From Above

Ohio Edison utility trucks appeared at the All-American Bridge with banners arching over the roadway to encourage runners to “Power On.” Kirk Gardner and Ryan Miller arranged for the trucks to be in position by 6 a.m. on race day.

L to r: Chad Yaros, Brad Shackelford and Ron Sanner brought Ohio Edison trucks to the blue line.

H2O and Go!

FirstEnergy Young Professionals (FEYP) provided much-needed hydration to runners at the mile 12 fluid station. The volunteers. l to r: Lisa Bryant, Tamara Jacobs, Ryan Rodojev, Colette Ragins, Kelly Semple, Brian Cuglewski and Basil Wong.

Lisa Bryant and Tamara Jacobs prepare for thirsty runners.

Rolling with Safety

Our Stop.Look.Live Safety Trailer was positioned at the John S. Knight Center during the Health & Fitness Expo and the marathon. Matt Kasinecz and Jeff Raszka were there to provide safety information.

Zip Zone

A number of employees are University of Akron alumni and serve as ambassadors to the school. The group provides student mentorship, hosts career exploration events and demonstrates how FirstEnergy is a premier employer and community supporter. During the marathon, the FirstEnergy University of Akron Ambassadors hosted a “Zip Zone,” along with students and university officials, to cheer on runners and provide student interaction. Employee ambassadors include Tom Dolezal, Bryan Foust, Bryan Jankura, Sherri Johnson, Joshua Kinney, Abdelssamad Laaouaouda, Anne Lazzerini, Rachel Peline, Kim Pickford, Michelle Rogers, Stephen Russo, Tyler Shaffer, Lisa Swan and Jonathan Trout. 

Louie the Lightening Bug (Bryan Foust) added enthusiasm to the Zip Zone, located at mile 4.

Anne Lazzerini cheers on her coworker, Luke Anderson, who ran the half marathon.

The University of Akron Dance Team zipped over to add some cheer.

The Grand Finale

The finish line is a welcome site to runners and their supporters.

Jason Lisowski was there from start to finish and presented the trophy to the Men’s Division Champion.

More information on the marathon is available on the FirstEnergy Akron Mar​athon website*​. Stay tuned for the 20^th annual event to be held Sept. 24, 2022.

*By clicking this website’s link in this article, you are entering a website maintained by an outside party, which is entirely responsible for the site’s content.