FirstEnergy Akron Marathon
The Lowdown
The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon is the marquee event of the Akron Marathon Race Series, presented by Summa Health, drawing runners to downtown Akron, Ohio each September since 2003. The 2026 edition marks its 24th running on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with the Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay all starting together at 7:00 a.m. from the Akron Art Museum. The USATF-certified, Boston Marathon-qualifying course threads through downtown Akron and the University of Akron campus before finishing at the newly renovated Lock 3 plaza, following a painted 'Blue Line' the whole way. FirstEnergy has served as presenting sponsor since 2016, continuing a run of corporate title sponsorship dating back to the race's founding. Race weekend draws roughly 3,700 finishers across the three events, plus a Corporate Challenge and a Kids Fun Run, with block parties and neighborhood cheer stations lining the route. The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation runs the race as a fundraising platform for more than 30 local charity partners, with a 2026 fundraising goal of $279,750. Registration closes online on September 20, 2026, with no race-day sign-up.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Akron Art Museum (start)
University of Akron campus
Firestone Park neighborhood
Lock 3 park and the Akron Civic Theatre (finish)
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Akron, OH, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 16 for the Marathon (14 for the Half Marathon, 12 for the Team Relay)
Required Documents
- Photo ID for packet pickup
Entry Methods
- Online registration via Race Roster at akronmarathon.org/register
- No race-day registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds or deferrals; optional registration insurance can be purchased at signup
$10 fee to transfer a bib to another runner, up to 45 days before race day
Run by the nonprofit Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation as a fundraising platform for 30+ local charity partners.
Course is marked the entire way by a painted 'Blue Line' pace guide.
2025 event drew finishers from 36 states and 4 countries.
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Community
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