FirstEnergy Employees Continue with Akron Marathon Despite Pandemic

Each fall, the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay bring over 20,000 participants to downtown Akron for a charitable race event that supports Akron Children’s Hospital. While the coronavirus health emergency prompted marathon organizers to switch this year’s race to virtual, runners – including 87 FirstEnergy employees – found creative ways to work through the unique challenges of the new format to ensure the race went on.

Luke Anderson, business analyst for FirstEnergy Emergency Preparedness, ran his half marathon in September at a park near his home, but explained the difference between this year’s race and those of years past.

“It’s different because with all the people around -- your fellow racers, the volunteers -- that’s a natural boost of energy. By yourself, you have to have the will to push through,” said Anderson.

Though the marathon is virtual in 2020, runners still must contend with plenty of physical challenges present in a race of this magnitude. 

“The hydration was one of the more difficult aspects,” said Chris Slattery, manager, Applications and Systems Support, FirstEnergy Utilities. “Usually for a run of this distance, I would have stops along the way, but not having the water stations out there at scheduled mileages was really the toughest thing to overcome.” 

Slattery explained that he utilized the homes of friends and family during his run in place of the typical water stations which would be present during the marathon under normal circumstances. 

The new format also meant that marathon organizers needed to utilize new tools to prepare and inspire runners. Ahead of the marathon, runners were given access to pre-race messages from FirstEnergy leaders and the race’s other corporate partners and even a FirstEnergy-sponsored Spotify playlist which included the Akron Marathon’s signature starting bell. 

 “It was obviously different because I’ve done Akron Marathons before,” said Rhiannon Stevenson, supervisor, Utility Sourcing, who explained that despite the lack of fanfare, it was still a gratifying experience. “We made the best of it given the circumstances, but I’m definitely glad we still did it.”

The virtual marathon runs from September 26 through October 31. Runners still have the option to run the full or half marathons, or team relay. Course maps and additional details for the marathon can be found at akronmarathon.org. 

CONTACT: Will Singer, 330-384-5657