It didn’t end how it started, with beautiful weather and fairways lined with fans, after heavy rains Sunday drenched the course at Ohio’s Highland Meadow’s Golf Club on what was supposed to be the fourth and final round of the 2021 Marathon Classic Presented by DANA.

Tournament officials made the call Sunday afternoon, following hours of steady rain and storms, ending the tournament early after three rounds of play, or 54 holes. The leader after day three of the tournament, Nasa Hataoka of Japan, who had a six-stroke lead going into Sunday’s final round, was named the 2021 champion.  

“Knowing everybody is working really, really hard to try to get this to a 72-hole tournament. I wish it would've been able to do it, but with this weather it was really hard,” Hataoka said after her win. “I'm happy to be able to win.” 

What couldn’t be rained out, however, is the 29 local non-profits that will benefit from this year’s tournament. In its 37-year history, the Marathon Classic has raised more than $12 million distributed to 190 children charities in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. 

“Knowing the widespread impact this tournament has, and so close to our Ohio headquarters, makes supporting the Classic all the more worth it,” said John Rice, Advertising & Brand Manager. “Not only does it tie directly into our corporate values around giving back, it’s truly the best part of the whole tournament.” 

Marathon Petroleum would like to thank all the volunteers, including many Marathon employees, who once again helped pull off another successful event.