In a few days, runners will toe the starting line for the . Saturday at 7 a.m., nearly 15,000 participants from Akron and beyond are scheduled to embark on a tour of the city.
Whether you’re lacing up your shoes Saturday morning, sitting out on your curb to watch, supporting a runner or planning to drive around town, read our guide below for race weekend navigation tips.
Where is the Akron Marathon’s race route?
The 2026 course for the marathon, half marathon and team relay — new in 2025 — will again start downtown at the Akron Art Museum but will cross the finish line near the Akron Civic Theatre before celebrating their finish at the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival in Lock 3.
Runners can look forward to a smoother, faster experience than in past years, with reduced elevation in the first half. Last year’s changes preserved what are known as the marathon’s signature hills along the 26.2-mile course.
The route, called the Blue Line and marked by a spray-painted, curbside blue edge that runs along Akron streets, takes runners through South Akron, Firestone Park, the University of Akron campus and across the All-America Bridge. Runners will proceed along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail through Sand Run Metro Park and Northwest Akron neighborhoods before returning to downtown through Highland Square and up West Hill.
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?
Street closures will begin as early as 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25 — some will stay closed as late as 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
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 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.
Roads will begin to close after 6:50 a.m. along the course route, so plan accordingly. Also, keep in mind that certain parking lots and decks will have delayed exiting if it is located along the course route, particularly along High and Broadway streets.
Can I still race in 2026?
Online registration is closed for the 2026 edition of the Akron Marathon, half-marathon and team relay, but as of Tuesday at 4 p.m. there were still spots remaining for the half-marathon. 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.) and at Packet Pickup at the Kids Fun Run at 5 p.m.
Credit cards are required for late registration payments.
Late registration for the Kids Fun Run will start Friday at 5 p.m. — the event starts at 6 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.
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 at Lock 3.
Bib pickup and registration begins at 5 p.m. All participants will receive a gift, medal and snack.
Akron Marathon schedule of events
Friday, Sept. 25
- Health & Fitness Expo at the 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: Starts at 214 W. Bowery St., finishes at Lock 3 at 200 S. Main St.
5 p.m. – Registration tent / bib pick-up opens
6 p.m. – Race starts
7:30 p.m. – Venue closes
8 p.m. – Akron Children’s Museum closes
Saturday, Sept. 26
- FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay: Start at Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.), finish at Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
6 a.m. – Opening ceremony
6:58 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 awards ceremony
10:45 a.m. Marathon awards ceremony
1:45 p.m. – Course closes
2 p.m. – Finisher Festival closes
Still have questions?
Check out frequently asked questions on the marathon website.
