The Heart and Hands of the Blue Line

Behind every mile of the Blue Line is a team of people who care deeply about the runners, the community and the experience that brings them together. From our staff and Board of Directors to the dedicated planning committee members who help make every event possible, their passion, leadership and commitment have helped shape the Akron Marathon for 25 years—and continue to carry the Blue Line forward.

Staff

Anne Bitong

President/CEO

Laura McElrath

Vice President, Operations & Race Director

Carrie Washnock

Vice President, Customer Success

Nino Cola

Project Manager

Katie Klug

Operations Manager

Katie Riley

Community Outreach Director

Sammi Riggs

Customer Success & Registration Specialist

Lauren Toole

Marketing & Communications Consultant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeannine Marks

Race Founder, Board Chair

Steve Marks

Race Founder, Past Chair, Board Member

Michael Bullock

Vice Chair, Community Support Services

Allyson Boyd

Akron Zoo

Doug Grassian

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Judge David Hamilton

Akron Municipal Court

Lindsey Loftus

Stark State College

Allyse Love

ART X LOVE

Phil Montgomery

County of Summit

Ernie Pouttu

Harwick Standard

Michele Tomer

Law Office of Michele A. Tomer

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS

Melissa Johnson

Past Chair Retired, Diebold

Rick Merolla

Past Chair Retired, City of Akron

J. Bret Treier

Past Chair Vorys Legal Counsel

Jim Barnett

Retired, Akron Marathon Race Director

Don Luscher

Retired, University Hospitals

Dr. Nilesh Shah

MD Summa Health Sports Medicine
Akron Marathon Race Series