Half Marathon still open to participants for unique race
AKRON, Ohio (July 9, 2015) – After a successful first race of the 2015 Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series on June 27, the second event in the three-part series is nearing its capacity. The 10k event of the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k August 15 is completely sold out and there is limited space in the half marathon.
“We’re happy that the momentum from the June event is propelling registrations for future races,” said Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon President/Executive Director. “The Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k is going to be another unique running experience.”
The Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k event will kick off with the squealing tires of a race car as it burns rubber through the course. The course will travel past the offices of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as well as its new world headquarters, offer a unique view of the Lockheed Martin Airdock and include a lap around the track at the tiremaker’s restricted-access Akron Proving Grounds.
This event includes a race within a race as runners in both the half marathon and 10k events will receive a split time of their 1.25-mile lap around the test track. The top male and female with the fastest test track times will receive a set of Goodyear tires up to an $800 value and a $50 gift certificate to participating local Goodyear retail stores. Additionally, the top male and female in the half marathon and 10k events will each receive a blimp ride for two, as well as a $50 gift certificate to participating local Goodyear retail stores. Overall awards and age group awards will also be offered.
“It’s fantastic to see such a strong response from the community for the Akron Marathon Race Series events this summer,” said Alison White, Goodyear’s Director of Community Engagement. “We’re thrilled to start the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k at our headquarters, and provide runners with this one-of-a-kind experience to pound the pavement at our Akron Proving Grounds, something we’ve never opened up to the public before.”
Through a partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation, active military members will have the opportunity to participate in the Goodyear Half Marathon free of charge. Qualified runners should contact the marathon office to apply. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The post-race festivities will include a live band and an Akron’s Best Food Festival featuring Swenson’s Food Truck, Eddie’s Cheesesteaks, NORKA Beverage and more. Goodyear will have several displays including a quick tire change station, NASCAR display, as well as additional activities. Goodyear will have an official retail tent and Rubber City Clothing will be onsite offering the opportunity to customize race shirts and pick up that perfect souvenir. Participants receive a t-shirt, medal, goodie bag, custom blimp car magnet and food festival tickets. Half Marathon participants will also receive a commemorative finisher gift.
The remaining 2015 race dates for the inaugural running of the Rubber City Race Series are as follows: August 15 (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k) and September 26 (Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay). The dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule. Registration is available at www.RubberCityRaceSeries.org.