AKRON, Ohio (June 16, 2022) — For the seventh year, the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health is excited to welcome runners beginning their summer racing journeys during the National Interstate new Friday evening 1 Mile on June 24, 2022, at 7 p.m. and the 8k on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 7:30 a.m.
The Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health continues its goal of encouraging participation of all fitness levels. As a three-event race series with distances ranging from 1 mile to a full marathon, runners are encouraged to choose the series distances that suit their personal goals.
This year, the 8k & 1 Mile course will feature a new Friday evening 1 Mile, a new start line on Spicer St., a block away from The University of Akron’s InfoCision Stadium, a new finish line on Carroll St., Finishers Festival inside Coleman Commons, and updated 8k and 1 Mile courses. Changes to the race are due to The University of Akron’s recent announcement that it will be replacing the turf field at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field, which will impact race day.
The 1 Mile on Friday, June 24, 2022, begins at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, June 25, 2022, the 8k begins at 7:30 a.m., with registration closing for each event on Monday, June 20, 2022.
The National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile course highlights The University of Akron’s campus with a unique tour of downtown Akron, including the new Main Street. Although it is designed for speed, the course supports both runners and walkers on their way to the finish line.
“We are honored to continue our relationship with the Akron Marathon Race Series,” said
Tony Prinzo, vice president of human resources, National Interstate. “It is exciting to see our race weekend evolve, and also to serve as the kick-off to the entire series. As I see our community come together for each race, I am proud of our community for creating opportunities for wellness, volunteerism, and celebration.”
Optimal points & tips for viewing runners:
- Spectators can watch runners start on Spicer St., just outside InfoCision Stadium. After the start, make your way to through Coleman Commons 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 prior to the race start, as it is a half-mile away.
- Runners & spectators should choose a meeting location prior to the race start to meet up after the race.
”We’re excited for another year of events and our ongoing partnership with the Akron Marathon Race Series,” said Dr. Cliff Deveny, Summa Health president and CEO. “Congratulations to the event organizers and best of luck to all of this year’s participants.”
Volunteer opportunities are still available for June 24 and 25 events as well as all race series events and can be found at AkronMarathon.org/volunteer. As a volunteer for the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, individuals and groups have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the Greater Akron community, meet new people, share skills and talents, and help make races successful world-class events for runners, their families, spectators and for the City of Akron. We are looking for groups as well as individuals to help make our events a success.
If you would like additional information on volunteering, please email Katie Riley, Community Outreach Director, or call the marathon office at (330) 434-2786.
The Goodyear Half Marathon and 10k is set for Aug. 13, 2022, and the marquee event — the 20th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay — will follow the Blue Line through the streets of Akron on Sept. 24, 2022.
For more information about the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, please visit AkronMarathon.org.