FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A:

Marathon – 16 

Half Marathon – 14 

Team Relay – 12 

A: The Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay race will start at on 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308 at 7:00 a.m. The Wheelchair Division will start at 6:59 a.m.  

A: Runners should park downtown where you can conveniently access your vehicle post-race. Free parking is available at all downtown decks and lots.  

If coming into town after 6:50 am roads will start to close along the course route. Please plan accordingly. Also, keep in mind that certain lots and decks will have delayed exiting if it is located along the course route, particularly along High Street and Broadway. Additional information & maps will be available in Final Instructions which will be sent out 2 weeks prior to race day.  

A: Yes, the course is a USATF Certified Course and is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. Qualifying times can be viewed here.

A: Yes, we 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. When registering, please provide your primary email address.

A: Friday, September 27 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be NO race day pick up.   

John S. Knight Center 

 77 E Mill Street 

 Akron OH 44308 

Q: We recommend everyone to pick up their own packet however if you are unable to do so, someone can pick up for you. That person will need to verify that your registration information is correct (name, sex, age & emergency contact information).

A: The temperature typically varies from 52°F to 66°F and is rarely below 42°F or above 77°F.

A: No, the last opportunity to register online is Sunday, September 22, 2024.

A: Confirm your registration for the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay.

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.

A: The Akron Marathon does not have a walking division. The marathon course is officially open for six and a half hours after the last person crosses the Start Line; equivalent to approximately 14:53 per mile marathon pace. The half marathon route will remain open for three and a half hours, equivalent to a 16:02 per mile pace. Anyone who cannot maintain the 14:53/16:02 min/mile pace must move to the sidewalk to allow vehicular traffic through. Runner services cannot be guaranteed for participants beyond the 14:53/16:02 mile pace.

A: The Full Marathon course will remain open for 6.5 hours and will close on a continuous pace of 15:00 min/mile. The Half Marathon course will remain open for 3.5 hours and will close on a continuous pace of 16:00 min/mile. Anyone who cannot maintain the pace requirements must move to the sidewalk or catch the SAG bus as the course will reopen and allow vehicular traffic through. Runner services cannot be guaranteed for participants beyond stated pace requirements. 

A: 

Marathon:

Ascent 986 

Decent -1014 

Half Marathon:

Ascent 458 

Decent -495

Relay Leg 1:

Ascent 113

Decent -70

Relay Leg 2:

Ascent 246

Decent -291

Relay Leg 3:

Ascent 146

Decent -331

Relay Leg 4:

Ascent 330

Decent -100

Relay Leg 5:

Ascent 191

Decent -253

A: The race is run on paved asphalt, concrete streets, and crushed limestone.

A: The course is not entirely drivable due to some restricted areas only accessible to runners on race day as well as portions of the course that run against traffic.

A: Yes; view the offered pace times. 

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 vying 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. 

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. 

A: The Wheelchair Division is limited to push rim racing chairs only in our September event in the Marathon distance only. Due to course restrictions, we no longer permit handcycles on our course. 

The following items are not permitted on the course: 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. 

A: Where prize money is awarded in the marathon and half marathon distances masters athletes can double dip in awards if they place in the overall and masters category. Top 3 overall and masters are removed from age group awards.

A: You must be at least 40 years of age on race day.

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, 70+. All awards will be mailed, please allow 6–8 weeks. Please note virtual participants are not included in awards since virtual results are unofficial. 

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.