Chemical engineering alumna dominates Akron's running scene
Andrea Klima ’24 is winning big on the local running scene, claiming three major race victories in 2026. Discover how discipline fuels her success in engineering and running.
Andrea Klima ’24 dominated the local running scene in 2026, winning the Acme Fresh Market Foundation 8K on June 27, the Goodyear Half Marathon on Aug. 8 and the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon on Sept. 26. These victories build on a running career she nurtured while at The University of Akron (UA).
Klima, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, joined the University’s running club when she arrived at UA. She started competing in 10K races and by 2022 had won both the 10K and half-marathon.
She took up the sport in 2019 during her senior year of high school, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that running became part of her daily routine. With many activities restricted, she found running to be an ideal way to stay active, spend time outdoors, and maintain both physical and mental well-being.
Andrea Klima follows the blue line to victory at the 2026 FirstEnergy Akron Marathon.
Klima lives in Independence, Ohio, and now works as a quality control engineer at Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing, a 100-year-old company with headquarters in Beachwood, Ohio. She continues to run regularly, which for her is the most enjoyable form of exercise and an important way to disconnect from the demands of a fast-paced and often stressful profession. Klima feels a strong connection between her success as an engineer and her accomplishments as a runner.
"The same characteristics that made me a good student and now engineer have translated accordingly to running," said Klima, who partly credits an earlier career in swimming for the development of her stamina and endurance. "You have to have the drive and discipline to chase after your goals, but you also have to love the process. This has applied largely over the last few years as I've earned my degree, accepted a job in a competitive field and worked my way onto podiums at larger races."
Andrea Klima '24, BS in Chemical Engineering
While at UA, Klima was a Williams Honors College scholar. She graduated magna cum laude.
From excelling in the classroom to excelling on the racecourse, Klima exemplifies the determination and commitment that define graduates of UA’s Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering.
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