Kat Gress had never run a 10K before. Until recently, the 28-year-old laughed off even the concept.
“I’m just not a runner,” Gress said.
But after losing almost 100 pounds over the past few years and the sudden death of their grandfather, an avid runner, Gress reconsidered.
“I knew he would have wanted to see me run, so that was a main driving force,” Gress said.
As a procurement specialist for the tire company Goodyear, Gress couldn’t escape seeing ads for the Akron Marathon Race Series, as Goodyear is one of the presenting sponsors. What Gress didn’t expect to see was a category for nonbinary runners. The presence of that category cemented Gress’ decision to run.
“I knew that I could show up, finish and be exactly who I am,” Gress said.
In the marathon world, the addition of a nonbinary category is far from the norm. But Akron Marathon organizers are intent on creating an experience that is welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
A “blue line” designates” the race route, but it “is so much more than the line that paints the course,” said Anne Bitong, president/CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. ”It’s a symbol that ties the community together and so we want to make sure our events are representative of the community where we live.”
In addition to adding a nonbinary category in 2024, Akron Marathon organizers have updated their marketing materials, registration forms and outreach strategies to specifically bring in more LGBTQ+ participants, both runners and volunteers.
“We are committed to getting more involved in the LGBTQ+ community, to find those race participants who may not know that they’re welcome,” said Katie Riley, outreach coordinator. “We want to let them know, ‘We want you, we see you, and come join us.”
The Akron Marathon – which organizers describe as having a “small town feel with a world-class experience” – recently received a grant from the Gay Community Endowment Fund (GCEF) of the Akron Community Foundation to support the race’s LGBTQ+ inclusion.
“As someone who serves on the boards of both the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation and the Gay Community Endowment Fund, I’m proud to see these two organizations come together in support of inclusivity,” said GCEF’s Phil Montgomery. “Every runner should have the opportunity to participate authentically and feel welcome at the start line.”
Kat Gress did indeed feel welcomed at the start line, and also at the finish line. They felt so freed by the experience, that they ended up sprinting for the last 100 meters and came in third in their category in their very first race.
“I felt like I had climbed Mount Everest, and I did it as my authentic self,” Gress said. 🔥
This piece was brought you with support from the Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Communtiy Foundation.
IGNITE ACTION
- The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay – marquee event of the Akron Marathon Race Series – will be held on September 27. The event features a marathon, half-marathon and team relay. More info here.
- Learn more about the Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation by visiting their website here.
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