COURSE SUPPORT

The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay has awesome course support. Check out all the details on Fluid & Energy Gels Stations, Aid Stations, and our Pace Team.

FLUID & ENERGY GEL STATIONS

Fluid Stations

There will be 17 fluid stations throughout the race course supplying lemon-lime sports drink and water to runners. As you approach a fluid station, water will be available first followed by lemon-lime sports drink. Additionally, fluids will be distributed at the Start and Finish Lines. We do not recommend taking food or fluids from non-official locations.

Energy Gel Stations

Clif Shot energy gels will be provided at 3 stations located at miles 7.7, 15.8, and 23.2. Each of these locations is approximately 500 feet before a fluid station. Chocolate and strawberry gels will be available and you will have the option to take your gel packet either opened or closed. Runners that require energy gel earlier or at different times should plan to be self-supported. Energy gel on the race course is intended for those that engage in 1-hour or more of physical activity and is therefore reserved for marathoners and half marathoners only.

AID STATIONS

There will be 10 aid stations available to runners throughout the race course. Additionally, there will be an aid station at the Start and Finish Lines, as well as on the concourse at Canal Park. Summa Health will coordinate all medical assistance during this event. For your safety, it is important to print any specific medical needs on the reverse side of your race bib. Medical stations will be equipped to assist runners with any basic medical needs and will also have a supply of Band-Aids and Vaseline if needed. There will be NON-MEDICAL aid shuttles to transport runners, who choose not to continue the race, from the aid tents back to the Finish Line. For medical emergencies, an ambulance will be called to transport the runner to a local hospital. Course marshals will be available approximately every mile if you need to alert someone that you need immediate medical assistance while on the course. NSAID’s (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, etc.) will NOT be provided at the aid tents. NSAIDs, especially in a dehydrated runner, can adversely affect the kidneys and can increase the risk of hyponatremia (low blood sodium). Tylenol will be available. Located at each aid station, as well as each Relay Exchange Zone, there will be a color-coded flag system to update participants on the course alert level.

PACE TEAM

The Akron Marathon Pace Team sponsored by Vertical Runner provides pacers for both the full and half marathon events. Our Pace Team provides a pacer for every Boston Marathon qualifying time. Each experienced pace leader runs a steady pace and keeps track of that pace so the group can achieve their goal of finishing the marathon or half marathon at a particular time. Pace leaders are experienced runners that have run several marathons around the country. There is no cost to run with the pace group. Visit the Pace Team booth at the Expo or find the pace groups at the Start Line before the race. Please find the paces listed below: