Akron Marathon Reviews

  Great Race

By JS about 2023

Review

Akron is a well organized and very fun event. Compared to the many other races I have done, the Akron Marathon is a top notch event, especially when factoring in the ease of participation in the small city race.

Race Tips

The main hills are at mile 19 and 22, with the 19th mile containing a lot of incline overall. Nothing crazy, but at that point of the run, they can feel tough.

  Akron Rocks!

By Amanda about 2023

Review

I've run this race all 20 years as well as 10 other marathons around the country and Akron is always one of the best. It's well organized, great fan support and great after race festivities. Top notch!

Race Tips

It's a hilly race. Race day start is so energizing with huge loud speakers and music. Bill Rodgers is a regular supporter of this race.

  Worth It

By Jeremy about 2022

Review

I find that Akron gets great runner turnouts for the smaller-sized city that it is. And its a pretty fast group. I believe it is because they have great runner accommodations, better than average turnout and crowd support and great after-parties. The course is challenging, but not ridiculously so. Most of the course is scenic and interesting - some stretches through bland commercial zones, but no more than most (it's tough in any city to find 26 consecutive miles of scenery). I think it measured about 0.20 miles long, according to the 2022 Akron Race Series App. But, they change up the course frequently - sometimes just a little, sometimes quite a bit. Another reason it's interesting.

Race Tips

I ran Akron twice, now. Once it was sunny and reached into the 80's. Once it was overcast with a high in the mid-60's. That's what you get in NE Ohio. You need to conserve for the hills from 17 through 23 - that's the whole race. So take time to prepare on the Towpath Trail (13-16) because it's flat and shady. The Sand Run ascent is gradual, but lengthy. Then once you recover, there's Heart Rate Hill, which isn't too long, but it's steeper. After you pass Stan Hywet Hall, Portage Path is a slight ascent. But since its at mile 23, it's tougher than it should be. You can go all out approaching 24, because it's all down hill from there - a nice and easy descent to 26.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

We stayed at the Blu-Tique hotel. It's right on the course, 2 blocks from the expo and the start. Very clean. Nearby several restaurant districts.

  Best Marathon So Far

By EOR about 2018

Review

This was my 10th marathon and the best one so far. I had nothing but positive experience in this race. From the Expo to the Finish Line, it was obvious that the organizers put a lot of thought into runners' needs. Having blue lines at the expo and the marathon definitely helped guide the runners without much confusion. The crowd support was wonderful and even the gels were handed out open (optional) so the runners didn't have to while running! Parking was plentiful and free.

Race Tips

The two big hills are saved for the full marathoners in the last half so leave some fuel for those later hilly miles.

  Best Back End, best crowd support

By Eihh about 2017

Review

Crowd support incredible!! Back end of the Marathon includes a bubble street, lots of water stations, incredible volunteers, Swedish fish and licorice, and much more as well as a whole series which culminates with the Marathon.

Race Tips

Lots of hills, train wisely!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive at least an hour to 2 early as roads close and it's hard to navigate

  Killer toughness

By TCR about 2017

Review

Running through the city

Race Tips

Train or die

  Hidden Gem

By KS about 2017

Review

Like:
Course
Crowd support
Race management
Medal
Food
Post-race party
Finish
Expo
Parking - amount, convenience, cost (free), location (close to start/finish)
Sponsor- Akron Children’s Hospital

Dislike
Can't think of anything

Race Tips

You will be surprised at how well operated this small town race really is. They could provide a valuable lesson to other races on best practices.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

If you read the Race Guide in advance, you'll be well-versed on all aspects of the race.

  

By CFW about 2016

Review

Well organized, awesome swag & stadium finish!

  

By Hed about 2016

Review

It's a beautiful fall marathon. Great race organization catering to the runners. Nice swag and unique challenges throughout. Exciting finish in Canal Park home of the Akron Rubberducks baseball team.

  

By Rick about 2016

Review

Great volunteers, challenging course and good beer and pizza.

Race Tips

Do some hill training.

  

By Pat Riley about 2016

Review

Perfectly organized. Never a hiccup. Great crowd support.

Race Tips

Save your legs for hills in second half of marathon.

  

By Dave about 2016

Review

Lots of fun for my first marathon.

Race Tips

Watch the on-line videos.

  

By Gertz about 2016

Review

Challenging course, very well organized, great markings, and excellent planning info and execution on race day.

Race Tips

Hilly, pace yourself, and great blue line to find your through town

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive very early to park, stretching area in old Polsky building with inside bathrooms, give yourself time to get in the corral

  

By Sunny about 2016

Review

Very well organized and lots of supporters.

  

By NRH about 2016

Review

Big city feel but on a smaller scale. Very nice.

Race Tips

Lots of hills. Train on hills, and do strength training for your legs.

  

By Rrr about 2015

  

By DER about 2013

Review

Very well organized, with plentiful aid stations and GU. Parking near the start and finish was easy and free.

Race Tips

The hills between mile 16 and 22 are as bad as the course elevation profile shows. Don't let them scare you off! You'll be glad you conquered them!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Book Early or you will end up staying about 10 miles from the start/finish line.