Race series to bear name of prominent Akron institution
AKRON, Ohio (Sept. 24, 2015) – On the eve of its 13th race, the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation announced today at its annual VIP event that it has agreed to a five-year partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital – an institution celebrating 125 years of serving the community.
The partnership gives the hospital title beneficiary rights to the race series, which will be known as the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series beginning in 2016. It allows Akron Children’s the ability to enhance the sponsorship and fundraising aspects of the race series.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us achieve our goals of growing the sport of running and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon President/Executive Director. “We’re extremely proud to have ‘Akron Children’s Hospital’ on the name of our race series. They have been a pillar of the community for more than a century and are well-known and well-respected in the region.”
Akron Children’s has been a sponsor of the Kids Fun Run since its inception in 2003, and supported the race series in numerous ways, including providing volunteers race weekend, staffing water stops and offering incentives to its employees who participate in the race. This year, the hospital is the race’s preferred charity, allowing runners to make a donation or raise money individually.
“We are grateful to have the generous support of the marathon, the runners who are raising money for the hospital and the greater Akron community in helping fulfill our mission at Akron Children’s,” said Bill Considine, President and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital. “The runners and our patient families share many qualities, including strength, endurance and determination. We have been proud to sponsor the Kids Fun Run and look forward to our new role in this signature community event.”
Known as the Rubber City Race Series in 2015, the Thirsty Dog 8k & 1-mile (June 27) and Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k (Aug. 15) both sold out their 3,000-participant caps. Combined with this weekend’s expected turnout of roughly 15,000 competitors in the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay and Kids Fun Run, the series should eclipse more than 20,000 participants in its inaugural year. The series dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule leading up to the marquee events. The 2016 events will be held June 25, August 13 and Sept. 24.
About the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation
The Rubber City Race Series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a non-profit group founded in 2002 to provide a world-class marathon and other events that promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community and benefit charitable organizations. This year will mark the 13th running of September’s marquee event (Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay and Kids Fun Run), which has grown by more than 300 percent since its inception in 2003. The series featured new race dates in June (8k & 1-Mile) and August (Half Marathon & 10k), providing greater opportunity for participation on all levels in the sport of running. Additional information on the series is available at www.RubberCityRaceSeries.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
About Akron Children’s Hospital
Ranked among the best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Akron Children’s Hospital is the fastest growing children’s hospital in the U.S. according to Modern Healthcare. We own and operate two pediatric hospitals in northeast Ohio and more than 80 primary and subspecialty care locations. We have the second busiest emergency department in the state and perform more pediatric surgeries than any other hospital in northeast Ohio. With more than 800,000 patient visits each year, we’ve been leading the way to healthier futures for children and communities through expert medical care, prevention and wellness programs since 1890. Learn more at akronchildrens.org.