6/29/2019

National Interstate 8K

Akron, Ohio

Christine Churpek

Finish Time:  40:02

Overall Place:  206 / 1788

Division Place:  10 / 201

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  37:35

Overall Place:  117 / 1788

Division Place:  9 / 78

Race Recap By Scott Orlando

The National Interstate 8K is the first race of the Akron Marathon Race Series.  This was my first time competing in this race.  I usually have an adventure triathlon the same day, but it was cancelled so I was able to fill the race cancellation with a race I have been wanting to try for a few years now.  The race starts and finishes at the InfoCision Stadium in Downtown Akron.  The race conditions were less then ideal with hot temperatures, high humidity, and intense sun beating down on the runners.  Having studied the course elevation chart I knew the first part of the course whas flat with plenty of downhill sections while mile 4 had some hilly sections that I knew would slow me down.  My strategy was to come out hot taking advantage of the faster sections of the course knowing the heat and hills would slow my pace late in the race.  The strategy worked perfectly as my goal finish time was at 37:30.  I ended up finishing a few seconds slower at 37:35.  The race has a memorable finish as you enter the stadium tunnel and proceed across the football field while music blasts and video of your stadium entrance and finish are projected on the score boards.  Post race festivities included a live band and a beer festival with over 20 different craft beers that kept the race finishers celebrating for hours.  The Akron Marathon always puts on excellent race events that are well organized and athlete friendly.  I recommend all 3 of their races!  Congratulations to Team ER member Christine Churpek who beat her finish time from last year by over 5 minutes!