The Athens Ohio Marathon held its 58th annual race Sunday morning. It is Ohio’s longest-running marathon, and this year, the full and half marathons were both sold out for the first time in history. Nearly 1,000 runners completed the races, and 44 qualified for the Boston Marathon.
The race started on the corner of South College Street and East Union Street, where runners stretched and prepared to run a course of either 13.1 miles or 26. 2 miles to receive a completion medal or qualify for other races.
Grace Reed, a sophomore studying human development and family science, ran the half-marathon with her mother, Jessica Arquette, an assistant professor of instruction at Ohio University.
Reed said she runs to support her mental and physical health, and Arquette is a lifelong runner.
“I think her (Arquette’s) constant support and encouragement has been something that's never changed,” Reed said.
Reed said she is blessed to be able to run, and she and Arquette ran the Athens half-marathon last year.
“Last year … I struggled … and she still encouraged me at the end,” Reed said. “She still pumped me up to get through that last mile, just as she did this year.”
Reed said having Arquette as her support system helped her accomplish a goal rather than just “survive the race.”
Michael Owen, race director, prepared for race day with more than 300 volunteers. Owen said he works with volunteers to manage permits, communicate with the city and OU and rent areas of property.
This was Owen’s first year as race director.
“It was a great year … having one of our highest finisher numbers ever,” Owen said. “I think it is a testament to the running community in Athens. Even though it has changed hands, from a race standpoint, organization standpoint, the Athens running community is vast in terms of how long it's been a thing, and different groups that are runners in Athens.”
Owen mentioned the weather was beautiful for a race, with the Sunday morning cool air.
“It was rewarding because I really got a sense that it was a great participant experience,” Owen said. “(It) seemed like there were a lot of good vibes and good energy around the event.”
Audrey Gaines, a sophomore studying chemical engineering, started running in middle school, as she said it helps her focus and feel disciplined.
Gaines was encouraged by her father to sign up for the race, and he held her accountable, checking in to see if she was training. Gaines' father ran the race too.
“It was fun to get to run the race with him,” Gaines said. “We were kind of running at a pace where we couldn't have a full-on conversation, but we could kind of be like, ‘Oh, next mile marker, good job’ and hype each other up.”
As races crossed the finish line, friends and family cheered for their loved ones with pride. Reed said although the half-marathon and full-marathons can be difficult, it is important to stay motivated.
“When you keep going and keep being consistent and keep pushing past your anxiety, pushing past your worry … and have a ‘I'm grateful I get to do this mindset,’” Reed said. “Your hard work will pay off.”
