Akron Marathon champ may not get prize money

David Petrak' s amazing finish in last week's Road Runner Akron Marathon might cost him money ... but it's not money that he ever had in his wallet.

The recent Woodridge High School graduate finished second overall in his first -- that's right first -- marathon with a time of 2:28:45 just 40 seconds after the top racer. As a runner, I can tell you that it's a time that's beyond impressive.

Here's the blister. According to race organizer, Steve Marks, Petrak has to decide whether to accept the second place $1,000 in prize money and by doing so become a professional ... or turn it down and keep amateur status.

I agree that professional and amateur status should be distinctly monitored to make sure athletes are able to fairly compete. Still, shouldn't this young man who went out and did so well be able to keep a measly thousand bucks and not have it risk his ability to compete in college? Know how much good a college kid can do with a thousand bucks with college costing so much these days?

Marks told me that Petrak needed to make up his mind soon, and it's doubtful his decision will make headlines. Still, I just think it's sad that a good kid who does a good job can't keep his winnings without it prevent him from running through future finish lines.