Skip to Main Content

 View All News


Release Date: September 4,2025

FirstEnergy Akron Marathon Announces 2025 Schedule of Events, Bicentennial Celebration, and Course Enhancements for Sept. 26-27, 2025

AKRON, OH (Sept. 4, 2025) – The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay is proud to welcome participants to its 23rd annual event on Sept. 26–27, 2025. This milestone year coincides with Akron’s Bicentennial and features a recharged course, a new South Main Street finish, and the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival at the renovated Lock 3. As part of the Bicentennial celebration, participant shirts, race bibs, and medals will feature the Akron Bicentennial logo, creating a special keepsake from this milestone year. Blending exciting updates with the spirit of the Blue Line, the event celebrates every finisher and Akron’s 200-year legacy. Olympic gold medalist and Akron’s own Butch Reynolds will also be on hand throughout race weekend, appearing at the Health & Fitness Expo and helping to kick off both the Kids Fun Run and Marathon as part of the Bicentennial celebration.

Race weekend has become one of Akron’s signature community events, and in this Bicentennial year, organizers invite everyone to run, walk, cheer, or volunteer to help create the energy and pride that make the celebration unforgettable.

Health & Fitness Expo presented by the Akron Area YMCA Kicks Off Race Weekend

The festivities begin on Friday, Sept. 26, with the Health and Fitness Expo presented by the Akron Area YMCA at the John S. Knight Center, located at 77 E. Mill St, Akron. The Expo, open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., is free and open to the public. It features race packet pickup, where participants can collect their race bib, shirt, and other essential items before the big day. New this year, the Expo will showcase the RunAkron collaborative mural, sponsored by The Fuchs and Kranz Family Foundations, inviting attendees to make their mark on a community art piece that will later be displayed at the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival and permanently installed at Akron Marathon headquarters. Attendees can also explore the Ready, Set, PR Zone, designed to help runners look and feel their best with complimentary experiences like hair braiding, custom shoe charms, glitter freckles, and inspirational temporary tattoos. Additional highlights include the Akron Marathon Official Merchandise Store presented by Fleet Feet, the Runner’s Lounge with NormaTec boots and massages, and the spectator sign-making station, giving fans the chance to create personalized signs to cheer on participants.

The Mandel Family Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Promises Family Fun

Also on Friday, families are invited to The Mandel Family Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children's Hospital. This free event starts at 214 W. Bowery St and finishes at Lock 3, 200 S. Main St. The registration tent opens at 5:00 p.m., with the run kicking off at 6:00 p.m. About 1,000 children are expected to participate in this fun-filled event, where kids are encouraged to run, walk, hop, skip, and jump their way to the finish line. 

Main Event: FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay

The main event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning with the Opening Ceremony at 6:00 a.m. The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay starts at 7:00 a.m. at the Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., and finishes at Lock 3, 200 S. Main St.

This year’s recharged course, first introduced in April, keeps the iconic downtown start but features a refreshed first nine miles and updated relay-leg distances. Runners will still experience the same great Akron neighborhoods and landmarks, along with entertainment and block parties at every mile. Thanks to the support of FirstEnergy, participants will receive a HydraPak SpeedCup to use at refill stations along the course as part of enhanced sustainability efforts that reduce waste while keeping runners hydrated.

After crossing the Blue Line finish, participants are invited to celebrate at the all-new FirstEnergy Finisher Festival at the revitalized Lock 3, featuring live music, food trucks, and an energized community atmosphere.

Be Part of the Energy: Volunteer for Race Weekend

Help us celebrate Akron’s Bicentennial and make the 23rd annual FirstEnergy Akron Marathon Race Weekend unforgettable! From welcoming runners and managing fluid stations to cheering along the Blue Line, there are countless ways to get involved. Volunteers receive a free event t-shirt, a commemorative pin, and the chance to be part of one of Akron’s most cherished traditions. Sign up today at https://www.akronmarathon.org/volunteer/ and add your energy to race weekend!

Schedule of Events

Friday, Sept. 26

  • Health & Fitness Expo presented by the Akron Area YMCA: 

John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St, Akron
11:00 a.m. – Doors Open
8:00 p.m. – Doors Close

  • The Mandel Family Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children’s Hospital:

Start at 214 W. Bowery St, Finish at Lock 3, 200 S. Main St.
5:00 p.m. – Registration Tent / Bib Pickup Opens
6:00 p.m. – Race Start
6:45 p.m. – Course Closes
7:30 p.m. – Venue Closes

Saturday, Sept. 27

  • FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay: 

Start at Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St, Akron, Finish at Lock 3, 200 S. Main St.

6:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremony

6:59 a.m. – Wheelchair Division & Push Team Start

7:00 a.m. – Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay Start

7:35 a.m. – FirstEnergy Finisher Festival Opens

8:50 a.m. – Half Marathon Overall Awards

10:45 a.m. – Marathon Overall Awards

1:45 p.m. – Course Closes

2:00 p.m. – Finisher Festival Closes

“We are grateful to Summa Health as presenting sponsor of our Race Series and to FirstEnergy for their longstanding support of marathon weekend,” said Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “In this special Bicentennial year, their commitment helps us celebrate every runner crossing the Blue Line and Akron’s 200-year legacy, showcasing the energy behind every step and the community behind every mile.”

For more information and to register to run, walk, cheer, or volunteer, visit www.akronmarathon.org or follow us on social media @AkronMarathon. Online registration closes on Sunday, Sept. 21 for all events.

 

# # #

About the Akron Marathon Race Series

The 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 23rd running of the FirstEnergy 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).