Akron – The Akron Art Museum will be the location for the starting line of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay on September 25, 2021. All runners are invited to visit the Museum, and will receive free admission to the Museum with a presented runner’s bib Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
As part of its 2021 return to racing plan, the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation staff and Board of Directors have announced this year’s FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay will feature a return to a Downtown Akron start, a new course, and reduced capacity, along with other safety protocols.
Akron Art Museum Interim Executive Director, Jon Fiume said, “We are happy to be a part of the Akron Marathon this year as the starting location and provide a space where appropriate safety measures can be applied. We are looking forward to engaging with the community at the event and welcoming runners to visit the Museum.”
This year’s course was redesigned with a focus on the health and safety of all participants, adhering to current mandates related to COVID-19 public safety orders, and following social distancing protocols. Course map can be viewed here.
The starting location at the intersection of Broadway and East Market features the Akron Art Museum and was selected to allow traffic into downtown for those starting in the later waves, minimizing logistical issues due to an active racecourse.
“As always, the Akron Marathon team is preparing to provide world-class running to our community of runners with unparalleled organization on-course and off,” states Anne Bitong, president and CEO of the Akron Marathon. “This year, we’ve had to go from Plan A to Plan Z on more than one account, but we’re here for it, and we’re as committed as ever to ensuring a safe and enjoyable race day experience. In addition, we are thrilled to include the Akron Art Museum as part of this year’s event.”
For more information, race registration, and volunteer opportunities, please visit AkronMarathon.org.