AKRON, O.H. (June 19, 2024) — The Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health is thrilled to kick off the 10-year celebration, welcoming participants to the National Interstate 1 Mile Friday evening on June 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., and the 8k on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 7:30 a.m.

The Akron-based nonprofit, Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, remains committed to fostering inclusivity and welcoming all individuals to join in the celebration and participate in the festivities. “As we kick off the 10th year of the Akron Marathon Race Series, were excited to celebrate a decade dedicated to promoting community wellness,” states Anne Bitong, president, and CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “This milestone reflects our ongoing mission to inspire health and fitness across the greater Akron area and beyond. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our participants and community.”

The Akron Marathon Race Series promotes health, fitness, and community spirit, encouraging individuals to pursue personal achievements through participation in its diverse range of distances, spanning from 1 mile to a full marathon.

“Summa Health is committed to enhancing the well-being of our community, and we are delighted to continue our support for the Akron Marathon Race Series,” states Dr. Cliff Deveny, president, and CEO of Summa Health. “In collaboration with the Akron Marathon, we aim to encourage active lifestyles and contribute to the resilience of Akron, step by step. Best wishes to all participants in this season’s races.”

The National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile will feature a scenic course that starts at The University of Akron and winds through the heart of downtown Akron before returning to campus. With 11 returning champions, excitement is building for a thrilling race. This event provides a unique opportunity for seasoned athletes, beginners, and families to come together for a fun-filled celebration of fitness.

“National Interstate is extremely proud to have kicked off the tenth running of the Akron Marathon Race Series with the 8k & 1-mile event,” states Tony Prinzo, VP of human resources at National Interstate. “Health and wellness are key tenants of our award winning, employee-driven culture, and we are thrilled to support the Race Series to not only benefit our team members, but also the community of greater Akron and Summit County.”

For optimal viewing points spectators can position themselves:

  • Watch the race start on Spicer St., just outside InfoCision Stadium
  • After the start, walk through Coleman Common to the finish line on Carroll St., just beyond the Student Union
  • For the 1 Mile, spectators wishing to see the finish may need to head to the finish line before the start of the race, as it is a half-mile away.

Save the date for the highly anticipated Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k on August 10, 2024, and mark your calendars for the flagship event, the 22nd edition of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay, along the Blue Line on September 28, 2024.