AKRON, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Sept. 24, 2021.
This upcoming weekend, officials expect nearly 7,000 runners to head to Summit County and compete in the 20th FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, half marathon and team relays.
The races are set to begin on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 7 a.m., but events leading up to the big day will start on Thursday, Sept. 22.
This year, the Akron Marathon Health and Fitness Expo will return to being open to the public, following last year's closure to the public due to COVID-19 protocols.
Below is a guide of everything you need to know ahead of the 20th Akron Marathon:
Thursday, Sept. 22
- Location: John S. Knight Center
- Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.
- The fundraising event will feature the following;
- Food stations
- Open bar
- Live auction
- Live music
- Early access to packet pickup
Friday, Sept. 23
- Location: John S. Knight Center
- Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- Packet pickup
- 20-year museum
- Blue line celebration stage
- Expo vendors
- Official race merchandise
- Location: Lock 3
- Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Free 1-mile run run
- Children ages 12 and under
Saturday, Sept. 24
- Saturday, Sept. 24
- Start: Akron Art Museum
- Opening ceremony: 6 a.m.
- Wheelchair division: 6:59 a.m.
- Marathon, half marathon and team relay start: 7 a.m.
- Course closes: 1:40 p.m.
- Lock 3 closes 1:45 p.m.
Finisher Festival
- Location: Lock 3 Park
- Time: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Road closures
The running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon will cause some road closures throughout the area this weekend. Click HERE for more information.
An interactive map from Waze will also show the road closures throughout Akron.
Course routes
Kid's Fun Run Course
Full Marathon Course
Half Marathon Course
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Aug. 13, 2022.