8/11/2018

Goodyear Half Marathon

Akron, Ohio

Loretta Harland

Goodyear Half Marathon

Finish Time:  1:58:00

Scott Orlando

Goodyear 10K

Finish Time:  47:15

Overall Place:  69/1296

Division Place:  7th place.

Race Review By Scott Orlando

The Goodyear Half Marathon and 10K is the second race in the Akron Marathon Race Series.  The race starts and finishes at the Goodyear World Headquarters in Akron, Ohio.  The race begins by completing one lap of Goodyear’s famous “Proving Grounds” track before heading out to the community roads.  Weather was a little humid but the temperatures of the early morning race start made for enjoyable running conditions.  I wasn’t crazy about the 6:30 am start time but seeing the sun rise above the early morning fog on the Proving Grounds made it worth getting out of bed at 4:00 am.  The course was flatter and faster than I would have thought for the 10K.  I started fast thinking that hills in the later miles would slow down my pace.  The hills did not feel as bad as they looked on the course elevation chart.  I did slow down some but not as much as I thought I would which was a little surprising.  My goal was to finish the race under 50 minutes so I was very happy with my 47:15 time.  Racers were greeted at the finish custom finisher medals, Swenson’s hamburgers, ice cream sandwiches, and a selection of craft beers.  Usually the thought of eating a hamburger at 8:00 am would make my stomach churn, but after this run I was ready for a Galley Boy!  The race was very well organized and a lot of fun.  I highly recommend this race be on your calendar next year!