8k & 1-Mile to feature downtown loop
AKRON, Ohio (March 10, 2016) – The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation announced today that National Interstate Insurance Company (“National Interstate”) has signed on to serve as the presenting sponsor for the 2016 8k & 1-Mile event to be held June 25 as part of the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series.
The National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile course tours downtown Akron and The University of Akron campus, before finishing on the 50-yard line of Summa Field inside InfoCision Stadium. While built for speed, the course accommodates both runners and walkers of all abilities.
“National Interstate has partnered with the Akron Marathon since 2014, and it’s very exciting that they have stepped up to become the presenting sponsor for the kick-off to our Race Series,” said Anne Bitong, president and executive director of the Akron Marathon. “It’s great having another locally-based company on board supporting our mission to provide a world-class event while promoting health and fitness in the region.”
Based in nearby Richfield, Ohio, National Interstate is one of the leading insurers for the transportation industry in the country. Its more than 700 employees are primarily located in Richfield, as well as Fenton, Mo., and Kapolei, Hawaii.
“We are very excited to be this year’s presenting sponsor,” said Tony Mercurio, president and chief operating officer of National Interstate. “Over the last year, we have been increasing our focus on health and fitness, and the Akron Marathon is a great way for our employees to get involved by competing and volunteering. It’s also an excellent opportunity to stay connected to the city and to one another. Not only does this event support our wellness initiatives, it also gives us the chance to support our community.”
All participants in the National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile will receive race premiums, including a shirt, commemorative glass and finisher’s medal.
Registration for all three Akron Marathon Race Series events opened in January with incentives geared toward running multiple events. The entry fee is $55 for the 8k and $25 for the 1-Mile, with roughly 3,000 spots available between the two events. Registration is available at AkronMarathon.org. More than 700 people have already signed up to run the entire series.
The 2016 race dates for the second running of the Akron Marathon Race Series are as follows: June 25 (National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile), Aug. 13 (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k)and Sept. 24 (FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run). The dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule.
About National Interstate
National Interstate Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Interstate Corporation, is a specialty property and casualty insurance company with a niche orientation and focus on the transportation industry. We differentiate ourselves by offering insurance products and services designed to meet the unique needs of targeted insurance buyers. Products include insurance for passenger, moving and storage, and truck transportation companies, alternative risk transfer, or captive, insurance programs for commercial risks, specialty personal lines consisting of insurance products focused primarily on recreational vehicle owners, and transportation and general commercial insurance in Hawaii and Alaska. National Interstate and its insurance subsidiaries, which include Vanliner Insurance Company and Triumphe Casualty Company, are rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Founded in 1989, we are headquartered in Richfield,Ohio with operations in Kapolei, Hawaii, and Fenton, Mo.
About the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series
The Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon 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. 2016 will mark the 14th running of September’s marquee event (FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run), which has grown by more than 300 percent since its inception in 2003. The series features race dates in June (National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile) and August (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k), providing greater opportunity for participation on all levels in the sport of running. Additional information is available at AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).