With freezing temperatures and a wind chill factor in the teens, Bill Akin – and his physician – decided it was best he not be in the starting field for the 46th running of the Andrew Jackson Marathon, Saturday.

Bill, 70, who registered to run the Half-Marathon, suffered a heart attack after completing the 13.1 mile race in 2017.

He averaged running about 50 miles a week to prepare for the 2018 race.

“Cold weather is so different for a cardiac patient,” Bill said. “I do not train in 22 degrees with a 19 degree wind chill factor. I’m heart broken, but I live to run another day.”

Unable to stay away from the race, Bill found himself helping out as a volunteer on the course.

“I want to thank all the Media outlets for their unwavering support during this past year,” Bill said. “I am indeed so grateful.”

(PHOTO: Bill Akin, right, visits with James Christopher, left, and Melissa Price, during the Andrew Jackson Marathon, Saturday)
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