Second Race in the Series, Second Sell Out
Goodyear Renews Commitment as Presenting Sponsor through 2021
AKRON, Ohio (July 31, 2018) – With just days to go until race day, runners from across the region have filled up all available spaces in the 10k distance of the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series Half Marathon & 10k presented by Goodyear. The half marathon previously sold out in early July.
This year’s race held on August 11th, has more than 2,300 runners registered for the 13.1 mile and 6.2-mile races that will begin and end at Goodyear’s Global Headquarters in Akron, starting on the test track, routing through Akron’s East End, through the Goodyear campus, and Ellet neighborhoods.
Goodyear, a presenting sponsor since the race series establishment in 2015, has signed a new agreement to remain as sponsor and host to this popular race through 2021. “We are thrilled to have Goodyear renew as our partner. Every year this race continues to grow and Goodyear’s participation – from offering a rare race experience, to hundreds of employees running and volunteering – is a key to its popularity. Runners love the fast course, the chance to speed around the test track, and the behind the scenes look at one of our area’s – and the world’s – most well-known companies,” said Anne Bitong, executive director of the Akron Marathon.
This year’s Akron Children’s Hospital hero patient for the Goodyear race is Laine Goodyear, 5, from Seville. Laine has arthrogryposis, a condition that affects joint movement, and has been in some form of therapy – occupational or physical – since he was 2 weeks old. He’s now preparing to enter kindergarten at Cloverleaf Elementary School. He will be cheering on runners and get his own share of kudos at his hero zone where runners will see him at the 1.1, 4, 5.95, and 12.9-mile marks.
Thanks to a uniquely designed course fast times are expected, with overall and age group awards given out to top finishers. Eight entertainment zones will keep runners in high spirits while three misting stations will keep runners cool throughout the course. The popular finisher festival will feature area band, Big in Japan; the Acme Fresh Markets PR bell, drinks, ice cream, and the Swensons Food Truck.
To register to run or volunteer for the last race in the series, the 16th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay held on September 29 visit www.akronmarathon.org.
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. The series features race dates in June (National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile) and August (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k), culminating with the 16th running of the FirstEnergy Full Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run in September. Additional information is available at AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
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Media Contacts:
Toni Fink
Knox Marketing
440-785-4514
finkt@knoxmarketing.com