Long-time runners and beginners will have the chance to put their training to the test next week at the first race in the Akron Marathon three-part series.
Akron Marathon kickoff race
On June 27, the Acme Fresh Market Foundation 8K and one-mile race will kick off the series, presented by Summa Health. The route starts at InfoCision Stadium at 7 a.m.
The race caps at 1,900 people, said Laura McElrath, vice president of operations and race director for the Akron Marathon. This year, there is a separate family one-mile wave start so that younger kids can participate, she said.
Any child 9 and younger can run with a parent in the one-mile race. Those 10 and older can race on their own.
The finish line will be at the 50-yard line at InfoCision Stadium. A Kids Zone will feature mascots, games and coloring pages. All runners will receive a medal, and there will be a live band and a PR bell to ring.
Akron Marathon Race Series events
McElrath said almost 250 volunteers will come out to make this race happen.
“Community is definitely a huge part of the Akron Marathon races,” she said.
The Goodyear Half Marathon and 10K will take place at the Goodyear World Headquarters on Aug. 8 and begin at 6:30 a.m. This race caps at 2,400 people.
The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay will take place throughout Downtown Akron on September 26 and begin at 7 a.m. This race caps at 8,500 people.
How to register for the Akron Marathon
To register for the races, visit https://www.akronmarathon.org/register/.
McElrath said the best part of the races is seeing everyone cross the finish line.
“It’s not just the one day of crossing the finish line and running those miles,” she said. “It’s a summer behind them of all the work they put in to get to that start line and then to that finish line.”
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Marathon race series to kick off next week
Reporting by Lauren Cohen, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lauren Cohen, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
