Less than 48 hours remain until runners toe the starting line for the 22nd annual FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay. Saturday at 7 a.m., more than 8,000 runners from Akron and beyond are scheduled to embark on a foot-tour through the city.
Whether you’re lacing up your shoes Saturday morning, supporting a runner or plan to drive around town, read our guide below for race weekend navigation tips.
Where is the Akron Marathon’s race route?
The marathon, half marathon and team relay will start in downtown Akron on High Street — next to the Akron Art Museum — and finish in front of Canal Park (Akron RubberDucks stadium). After crossing the finish line, racers and their supporters can enjoy the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival featuring live music and food trucks.
The route, called the Blue Line, takes runners through North Hill, past the University of Akron, into Firestone Park, along the Towpath Trail, through Sand Run Parkway before circling back along West Market Street to downtown.
You can view course maps, complete with water stations and bathroom markers, on the marathon website.
Which Akron roads will be closed for the marathon?
The Blue Line runs through the city’s wards one, two, three, five, seven and eight. Street closures will begin as early as 5 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 — some will stay closed as late as 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.
Closures include sections of South Main, South High, East Exchange and East Market streets. (See the document at the end of this story for the complete list.)
The Akron Marathon has a guide for each ward with tips on avoiding delays and approximated times for when the first and last runners will pass through the area. It is also recommended drivers use Waze to navigate the closures.
Where can I park for the race?
Free parking is available in the downtown parking decks and lots. Marathon officials recommend runners park where they can conveniently access their vehicles after the race and plan arrivals accordingly with roads along the route — closing Saturday around 6:50 a.m.
Can I still race in 2024?
Online registration is closed for the 2024 edition of the Akron Marathon, half-marathon and team relay, but as of Thursday at 4 p.m. there were still spots remaining for the half-marathon and team relay. Interested runners can register Friday in person from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the free Health and Fitness Expo, located at the John S. Knight Center (77 E. Mill St.).
Credit cards are required for late registration payments.
Registration for the Kids Fun Run will start Friday at 5 p.m.
Health and Fitness Expo
The Akron Marathon and Akron Area YMCA are partnering on the Health and Fitness Expo. Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. the John S. Knight Center will be open to the public for this showcase of health and fitness information and products. Vendors include Black Girls Run! Cleveland, Sneakers4Good and Ohio marathon organizations.
The expo is also the last opportunity for runners to pick up their packets.
Kids Fun Run
Friday at 6 p.m., Akron children ages 12 and under can participate in a free one-mile run, starting at Akron Children’s Hospital (214 W. Bowery St.). Just like the marathon runners, the children will finish the race in front of the RubberDucks stadium.
Bib pickup and registration begins at 5 p.m. All participants will receive a gift, medal and snack.
Schedule of events
Friday, Sept. 27
- Health & Fitness Expo presented by the Akron Area YMCA, John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St. from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The Mandel Family Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children’s Hospital: Start at 214 W. Bowery St., finish at 300 S. Main St.
5 p.m. – Registration tent / bib pick-up opens
6 p.m. – Race start
6:45 p.m. – Course closes
7:30 p.m. – Venue closes
Saturday, Sept. 28
- FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay: Start at Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.), finish at Akron RubberDucks stadium
6 a.m. – Opening ceremony
6:59 a.m. – Wheelchair Division & Push Team start
7 a.m. – Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay start
7:35 a.m. – FirstEnergy Finisher Festival opens
8:50 a.m. – Half Marathon overall awards
10:45 a.m. Marathon overall awards
1:40 p.m. – Course closes
1:45 p.m. – Finisher Festival closes
Still have questions?
Check out frequently asked questions on the marathon website.
