FirstEnergy Akron Marathon

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.