Goodyear Half Marathon

Akron, Ohio

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Saturday, August 11, 2018 was a nice day to do the Goodyear Half Marathon in Akron, Ohio as the skies were sunny, the temperature varied from 66 to 75 degrees and there was no wind.  The course was on city streets that were either completely closed to traffic or had at least two dedicated lanes closed to traffic for the 737 participants that finished the half marathon and the 1298 participants that finished the 10K.  There police officers controlling the intersections and not allowing any cross traffic throughout most of the course.  There were a few small hills but for the most part the course was fairly flat.  The start was at the Goodyear Proving Grounds with a one mile lap around the track and the finish was about 0.5 miles away on the street at the Goodyear Corporation Offices.  There was plenty of free parking at the employee lots and parking garage.  Water/Powerade stations were located approximately every 1.5 miles and had many tables separated to alleviated crowding, always with the water first and the Powerade second.  There were plenty of efficient friendly volunteers at each station.  Every water station volunteer had a small sign hanging around their neck stating what they were handing out.  I have never seen this in any other event but it seems like a good idea that probably should be utilized elsewhere.  This is the first time that I have done this event and I would rate it as one of the best organized that I have ever done.  The post party band “Big in Japan” was very entertaining.

 The Course

The Exposition

Before The Race

After The Race

The Post Race Band