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Akron Marathon

Akron, OH
Saturday, September 26, 2026


  5 Stars from 17 Reviews

Course Description
The Akron Marathon course offers a unique and scenic tour of Akron, Ohio, blending urban landscapes, historic landmarks, and natural beauty. The course is a USATF-certified, Boston Marathon qualifier and is known for its rolling hills and a mix of paved roads and crushed limestone trails.

Course Highlights:

Start & Downtown Akron: The race begins in downtown Akron on High Street, next to the Akron Art Museum. Runners immediately face a climb in the first mile, which is met with a rewarding downhill section. The early miles take you through the heart of the city, including a spectacular crossing of the Y-shaped All-America Bridge with views of the Cuyahoga River Valley.

Historic Neighborhoods: The route guides you through several of Akron's vibrant neighborhoods, including North Hill, Akron's international district, and Firestone Park, which was inspired by Harvey Firestone and features a unique shield-like shape.

The Towpath Trail: Around the halfway point, runners enter a picturesque four-mile section on the crushed limestone Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This historic path, once used by mules to tow barges, offers a softer running surface and a peaceful, scenic break from the city streets.

Sand Run Parkway & The "Rally from the Valley": After exiting the Towpath, the course takes you through the beautiful Sand Run Parkway. Around mile 18, you will encounter a challenging, steady climb known as the "Rally from the Valley." This section is reminiscent of the Newton Hills at the Boston Marathon and requires mental and physical grit.

West Akron & The Finish Line: The course continues through the supportive neighborhoods of West Akron, including Overwood Road, known for its enthusiastic block parties. The final miles lead you back to downtown Akron for an exhilarating finish at the all-new Lock 3..

September Other Marathons in September Other Marathons in Ohio Marathons near Akron, OH



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 60°F (15°C)
Average High: 70°F (21°C)
Average Low: 50° F (10°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.04
Course Score: 97.71

Race Size

2026: 821 Finishers
2025: 818 Finishers
2024: 788 Finishers
2023: 693 Finishers
2022: 694 Finishers
2021: 678 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 5.6%
2025: 6.4%
2024: 5.8%
2023: 7.4%
2022: 8.4%
2021: 4.7%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 73°F  (23°C)
Low: 53°F  (12°C)

Race Start Conditions

57°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 83%

Clear
N 4 mph

PR Score

96

Course Score

97.59






Akron Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Akron Marathon was the 103rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 103rd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 5.6% of Akron Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 6.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Akron Marathon ranked 229th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 184th so far in 2026. In Ohio, it ranked 9th in 2025 and 8th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Akron Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Akron Marathon has a Course Score of 97.71, ranking it as the 372nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 14th fastest marathon course in Ohio.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Akron Marathon a PR Score of 97.04. The PR Score ranks the Akron Marathon as the 352nd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 14th best marathon for a PR in Ohio.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Akron Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Ohio for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Akron Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed372nd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 14th fastest marathon course in Ohio
Top 80% Nationally#14 of 14 in Ohio
PR Potential352nd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 14th best marathon for a PR in Ohio
Top 76% Nationally#14 of 14 in Ohio
Boston Qualifier Rate229th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 9th highest BQ percentage in Ohio
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 49% Nationally#9 of 13 in Ohio
Race Size103rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 6th largest marathon in Ohio
Based on 2025 results
Top 18% Nationally#6 of 17 in Ohio

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1104 feet (336m)
Min Elevation: 749 feet (228m)

Elevation Gain: 989 feet (301m)
Elevation Loss: 1005 feet (306m)


Akron

Course updated 07/08/2026




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 17 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Akron Rocks!

Full 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.
Reviewed by Amanda About 2023

Great Race

Full 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.
Reviewed by JS About 2023

Worth It

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Jeremy About 2022

Best Marathon So Far

Full 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.
Reviewed by EOR About 2018

Hidden Gem

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you read the Race Guide in advance, you'll be well-versed on all aspects of the race.
Reviewed by KS About 2017

Killer toughness

Full Review:

Running through the city

Race Tips:

Train or die
Reviewed by TCR About 2017

Best Back End, best crowd support

Full 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!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Arrive at least an hour to 2 early as roads close and it's hard to navigate
Reviewed by Eihh About 2017

Full 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.
Reviewed by NRH About 2016

Full Review:

Very well organized and lots of supporters.
Reviewed by Sunny About 2016

Full 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

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Arrive very early to park, stretching area in old Polsky building with inside bathrooms, give yourself time to get in the corral
Reviewed by Gertz About 2016

Full Review:

Lots of fun for my first marathon.

Race Tips:

Watch the on-line videos.
Reviewed by Dave About 2016

Full Review:

Perfectly organized. Never a hiccup. Great crowd support.

Race Tips:

Save your legs for hills in second half of marathon.
Reviewed by Pat Riley About 2016

Full Review:

Great volunteers, challenging course and good beer and pizza.

Race Tips:

Do some hill training.
Reviewed by Rick About 2016

Full 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.
Reviewed by Hed About 2016

Full Review:

Well organized, awesome swag & stadium finish!
Reviewed by CFW About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by Rrr About 2015

Full 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!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book Early or you will end up staying about 10 miles from the start/finish line.
Reviewed by DER About 2013