A reimagined course will greet participants in the 23rd FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay, set for Saturday, Sept. 27.
The 2025 route will again start downtown at the Akron Art Museum but will cross the finish line near the Akron Civic Theatre and “step directly into celebration at the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival in Lock 3,” according to a press release from the Akron Marathon Charitable Corp.
“Runners can look forward to a smoother, faster experience with reduced elevation in the first half,” the release stated, while the change preserves the “signature hills” along the 26.2-mile course.
“Listening to our runners is central to everything we do,” said Laura McElrath, vice president of operations and race director for the marathon. “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.”
Here’s the outline for this year’s 2025 course map:
Start line – Akron Art Museum (Mile 0 | 7 a.m.)
Runners will line up along High Street between Mill Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard, setting off southbound from the steps of the Akron Art Museum. “Flipping the course direction delivers a fresh experience from the very first mile and sets an exciting tone for the miles ahead,” the press release states.
South Akron (Miles 1–3 | 7:05-8 a.m.)
Participants will enjoy a long, steady stretch down High Street, which turns into South Main Street just before passing Firestone Stadium and its newly renovated athletic fields near the 5K mark.
Firestone Park (Miles 3–5 | 7:15-8:30 a.m.)
The route winds through Firestone Park along tree-lined Firestone Boulevard as runners head toward Brown Street.
The University of Akron (Miles 6–8 | 7:30-9:30 a.m.)
The first relay exchange takes place at Mile 7 near InfoCision Stadium.
All-America Bridge, North Hill and downtown (Miles 9–12.5 | 7:45-10:50 a.m.)
Crossing the All-America Bridge into North Hill, runners will then return downtown via the Y-Bridge. The course split happens at Mile 12.5: half marathoners will veer toward the finish while full marathoners continue on. Relay teams reach their next exchange zone.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail (Miles 13–16 | 8-11:30 a.m.)
A peaceful shift in terrain awaits full marathoners and relay teams as they enter the Towpath Trail. This stretch of crushed limestone runs parallel to the canal, offering a flat, steady rhythm ahead of the hills to come.
Sand Run Metro Park (Miles 17–19 | 8:30 a.m. to noon)
The trail transitions to Sand Run Metro Park. Runners will find shade, rolling hills and the third relay exchange.
West Akron (Miles 20–23 | 8:40 a.m.-1:25 p.m.)
Crowds will greet runners as they progress through West Akron’s neighborhoods. This stretch includes the final relay exchange, Garman Hill and views of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
Return to downtown (Miles 24–26.2 | 9:15 a.m. -1:30 p.m.)
The final miles follow Portage Path through Highland Square and West Market Street before the finish down South Main Street.
The finish line
Runners will cross the finish line near the Akron Civic Theatre and step directly into celebration at the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival in Lock 3. The newly reimagined park will feature food trucks and live music to welcome runners and spectators.
Registration is open
Registration is open for all events in the Akron Marathon Race Series — price increases are set for May 1, July 1 and Aug. 15. Visit AkronMarathon.org and follow @AkronMarathon on social media for updates.