FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
Q: What are the runner premiums for the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k?
A:
Half Marathon
Soft Cotton Short Sleeve Shirt
Medal
Custom socks
Post-Race Recovery Food & Beer (21 & older)
10k
Soft Cotton Short Sleeve Shirt
Medal
Post-Race Recovery Food & Beer (21 & older)
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement?
A: The minimum age for the half marathon is 14 years old and the minimum age for the 10k is 10 years old.
Q: What is the start time and location?
A: The Goodyear Half Marathon and 10k will start at 6:30 am. The Start Line is located at the Goodyear’s Proving Grounds (394 S Seiberling St, Akron, OH 44306). The Half Marathon and 10k will have a combined start. The race will start in 6 separate waves. There will be 400 participants per wave. Each wave will be walked up to the start line, held for 30 seconds, and have their own starting commands.
Q: After registering will I receive additional information?
A: Yes, you will receive your confirmation email shortly after registering. We also will send emails leading up to race day with additional information to help you get ready. Final instructions are sent 2-weeks prior to the race via email and are also posted on the website. When registering, please provide your primary email address.
Q: What is the average temperature on race day?
A: The temperature typically varies from 63°F to 78°F and is rarely below 55°F or above 86°F.
Q: I am unable to pick up my packet, what are my options?
A: We recommend everyone to pick up their own packet however if you are unable to do so, someone can pick up for you. They will also need to verify that your registration information is correct (name, sex, age & emergency contact information).
Q: When will I pick-up my packet?
A: Packet Pickup will be held on Friday, August 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location is TBD.
REGISTRATION
Please review the following 2024 policies carefully prior to registering:
- Please note that by registering for any Akron Marathon Race Series event you are agreeing to the Akron Marathon Race Series Rules and Policies.
- No refunds or deferrals will be offered. Insurance may be purchased at time of registration. View insurance policy.
Q: Will you email a confirmation to me?
Q: Can I register on the day of the race?
A: No, online registration closes on Monday, August 7, 2023.
Q: I can't remember if I registered. Can I confirm my registration?
Q: I was injured after registering for the race. Can I get a refund or defer until next year or a different event?
A: Did you purchase registration insurance? If so, use this link to file a claim with the registration insurance company.
If not, we have a no refund or deferment policy.
COURSE
Q: What is the time limit for each event?
A:
Half Marathon -3.5 hours (16:00 pace)
10k – 2 hours (19:19 pace)
Q: Do you allow walkers?
A:Yes. The half marathon course will remain open for 3.5 hours meaning that the course will close on a pace of 16:00 minutes per mile. The 10k course will remain open for 2 hours meaning that the course will close on a pace of 19:19 minutes per mile. Anyone who cannot maintain the 16:00/19:19 min/mile pace must move to the sidewalk to allow vehicular traffic through. Runner services cannot be guaranteed for participants beyond the 16:00/19:19 mile pace.
Q: What type of running surface is on the course?
A: The race is run on paved asphalt and concrete streets.
Q: What is the elevation of the course?
A:
Goodyear Half Marathon
Ascent – 410 feet total
Descent – 440 feet total
Goodyear 10k
Ascent – 110 feet total
Descent – 130 feet total
Q: Is it possible to drive the course?
A: The course is not entirely drivable due to some restricted areas only accessible to runners on race day.
Q: Can I wear headphones while racing on the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10K course?
A: Yes, although not recommended, runners participating in the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health may use portable listening devices. At all times runners must be aware of their surroundings and be courteous of those around them, so if you plan to run with music, make certain that you are able to hear audible cues from race officials and those runners in your immediate area.
Participants competing for prize money/overall awards are not permitted to wear headphones during the race. Participants found wearing headphones may be removed from overall awards, masters awards, and event records.
Q: Can a friend jump in to run a few miles with me?
A: No, due to liability considerations, and out of respect for the registered participants, non-registered runners are not permitted to run or walk within the boundaries of the official course. According to USATF rules having someone pace you, who is not a registered participant, is considered assistance and may lead to disqualification. Friends may stand adjacent to the edge of the defined course and cheer the participants on! Friends must NEVER cross the finish line or enter the finish zone.
Q: Are strollers, or special vehicles permitted on the course?
A: The following items are not permitted on the course: pets, skateboards scooters, bicycles, roller blades, strollers, baby joggers, baby carriers or any other types of vehicles (other than official race vehicles). These regulations are for the participant’s safety and the safety of the other participants in the race.
AWARDS
Q: Will there be awards for each event?
A:
A:
Half Marathon
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Overall
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Masters
Top 3 Non-Binary Overall (mailed out 6-8 weeks post-race)
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Age Group (mailed out 6-8 weeks post-race)
10k
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Overall
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Masters
Top 3 Non-Binary Overall (mailed out 6-8 weeks post-race)
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Age Group (mailed out 6-8 weeks post-race)
Q: Can I win double awards (overall and age group)?
A: No. You can only win one award. There is no double dipping for awards. If a masters finished in top 3 overall, they become an overall and taken out of Masters.
Q: What age is Masters?
A: You must be at least 40 years of age on race day.
Q: What's the age breakdown for Age Group Awards?
A: Age groups: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+. All awards will be mailed, please allow 6–8 weeks.
Q: Why do you ask for Sex and Gender during registration?
A: The inclusion of sex-related questions on the Akron Marathon Race Series Registration Form aligns with USA Track & Field and World Athletics, our governing bodies, which uses sex for competition and awarding prize money and awards. This ensures compliance with sporting regulations and maintains fairness in competition. Simultaneously, the question about gender identity aims to promote inclusivity within the Akron Marathon Race Series community, reflecting a commitment to recognizing and respecting diverse gender identities. While sex is a regulatory necessity for prize distribution, gender identity ensures a welcoming and representative environment for all participants. Men’s and Women’s Divisions will be classified by sex. Participants who elect to compete in the Non-Binary Division will be eligible for placement awards for 1st – 3rd.