The Rubber City is ready for this weekend's FirstEnergy Akron Marathon!
It's the 16th year for the event that brings thousands of runners from all over the country and the world to Summit County.
The route is marked by a bright blue line that snakes it's way through town, with the finish line at Canal Park.
It's grown into a destination event on the marathon circuit.
"It's amazing how people come into Akron and I think they leave shocked," says race director Brian Polen. "They don't know what to expect when they come here, they see the crowd support and the beautiful parks we have and the quaint neighborhoods and the vibrant downtown, I think it surprises them a little bit."
The marathon also raises money for charities, including Akron Children's Hospital. They've already raised nearly $1 million dollars and hope to top that this weekend.
The race begins Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. Click here for race maps and more information