Thousands of runners will make their way through Akron neighborhoods in the 23rd edition of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay later this month.
To celebrate Akron’s Bicentennial, participant shirts, race bibs and medals will all feature the Akron Bicentennial logo, race organizers reported.
Olympic gold medalist and Akron native Butch Reynolds will also take part in this year’s festivities, appearing at the Health and Fitness Expo and helping to kick off the Kids Fun Run as well as the Marathon.
Here’s what we know about the upcoming marathon, including race times and a preview for this year’s new course changes.
When is the Akron Marathon?
The Akron Marathon is set for Saturday, Sept. 27.
The opening ceremony will begin at 6 a.m. and the race will begin at 7 a.m. at the Akron Art Museum (1 S. High Street) and finish at Lock 3 (200 S. Main Street).
What are the pre-Akron Marathon events?
There will be a Health and Fitness Expo at the John S. Knight Center (77 E. Mill Street) on Friday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. The expo, which is free and open to the public, features a variety of activities for runners and race attendees, including race packet pickup, a Runner’s Lounge that includes NormaTec boots and massages and the spectator sign-making station.
When is the Kids Fun Run
The Mandel Family Kids Fun Run is also on Friday, Sept. 26 starts at 214 W. Bowery Street and ends at Lock 3. The registration tent opens at 5 p.m. and the run begins at 6 p.m. About 1,000 children are expected to participate, according to race organizers.
Why is the Akron Marathon course changing?
“Listening to our runners is central to everything we do,” Laura McElrath, vice president of operations and race director of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, said in a statement. “This year’s course offers a more efficient and fluid first half without losing the character and challenge that make Akron’s marathon a true achievement.”
What is the new Akron Marathon course?
The following lists the course preview and expected pass-through times for this year’s Akron Marathon:
Start Line – Akron Art Museum (Mile 0, 7 a.m.) Runners will line up along High Street between Mill Street and MLK Boulevard, setting off southbound from the steps of the Akron Art Museum.
South Akron — Miles 1-3, 7:05-8 a.m.
Firestone Park — Miles 3-5. 7:15-8:30 a.m.
The University of Akron — Miles 6-8, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
All-America Bridge, North Hill & Downtown — Miles 9-12.5, 7:45-10:50 a.m.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail — Miles 13-16, 8-11:30 a.m.
Sand Run Metro Park — Miles 17-19, 8:30 a.m.-noon.
West Akron — Miles 20-23, 8:40 a.m.–1:25 p.m.
Return to Downtown — Miles 24-26.2, 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Finish — 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Runners will cross the finish line near the Akron Civic Theatre and step directly into celebration at the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival in Lock 3.
How to register for the Akron Marathon?
To register for the marathon, visit AkronMarathon.org. Registration ends Sept. 21.
Current registration prices are as follows:
Marathon – $152.78
Half-marathon – $126.03
Relay team member – $72.53
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Marathon 2025: What to know about the schedule, course changes, registration, more
Reporting by Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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