Akron, OH (Sept. 17, 2021) — Excitement and preparations are building for one of Akron’s largest sporting events of the year, the marquee event of the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay is set for Sat., Sept. 25, 2021.
The new course, built for safety and designed to be a foot-tour of Akron’s well-known landmarks, highlights North Hill, The University of Akron, Firestone Park, the Ohio Erie Canalway Towpath Trail, Sand Run Metro Park, and West Akron. The course supports both runners and walkers on their way to the finish in downtown Akron—where a world-class finish inside Lock 3 and the popular Finisher Festival awaits them.
The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay will see more than 7,000 participants, even more spectators, and this year thanks to a partnership with ArtsNow with a grant funded by the Ohio Arts Council, new art entrepreneurs into the city.
“We’re creating a world-class running experience for our participants, and our spectators help us set that stage as a vital part of amplifying our race atmosphere in Akron,” states Anne Bitong, President & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “Whether you join us in support of one particular runner, or are there to cheer everyone on, we’re looking forward to seeing you along the Blue Line!”
Here are ways to safely spectate in each of Akron’s five neighborhoods:
Please be mindful of those around you and keep a 6-foot distance between you and other spectator groups. If you are fully vaccinated, wearing a mask is optional. Attendees who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear face coverings throughout race areas unless actively running, eating, or drinking.
Downtown Akron, Start Line, Miles 4, 5, 11, 12, and the Finish Line
*The Finish Line will be live-streamed on the Akron Marathon’s Facebook page!
First Runner: 7:00 a.m.
Last Runner: 2:00 p.m.
Watch the start of the race north of the starting line on Broadway between Market and MLK
Walk south using High St. towards Mile 4 (corner of High St. and Bowery St).
Remain on High St. to see runners nearing Mile 12.
Walk one block west to Main and Bowery to see runners as they approach the finish. *Spectators are not allowed inside Lock 3 for the runner-only Finisher Festival.
North Hill, Miles 1, 2, and 3
First Runner: 7:04 a.m.
Last Runner: 8:10 a.m.
Cheer on the runners by lining S. Main St. to watch runners at Mile 1 and again at Mile 3 just north of the All-American Bridge.
Firestone Park, Miles 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10
First Runner: 7:28 a.m.
Last Runner: 10:00 a.m.
Cheer on the runners at Firestone Park at Mile 7 or at Mile 9 near Firestone Stadium.
Merriman Valley, Miles 16 and 17
First Runner: 8:15 a.m.
Last Runner: 11:40 a.m.
Runners will be exiting the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail at Portage Path at Mile 16.5 on their approach to Mile 17 at Sand Run Metro Park.
Northwest Akron, Miles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25
First Runner: 8:36 a.m.
Last Runner: 1:40 p.m.
Cheer on the runners by lining the West Akron neighborhood during the runners’ most challenging miles.
Road closures will occur in each area during the active first-runner/last-runner times listed above. View Akron Marathon Road Closures for an extensive list and plan ahead!
If you live along the Blue Line and are interested in hosting an official Blue Line Block Party, the Akron Marathon will provide you a block party kit with festive items and noisemakers while supplies last to get the party started. If you are interested in hosting a Blue Line block party, please connect with Katie Riley at kriley@akronmarathon.org.
Or, looking to get more involved with the race? Volunteers are still needed: View available spots. For more information about the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health or volunteering, please visit AkronMarathon.org.
