On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Akron Marathon will welcome almost 15,000 participants ranging from seasoned marathoners to first‑time half‑marathon runners. The race begins at 7 a.m. at the Akron Art Museum and finishes near the Akron Civic Theatre before the celebration moves to the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival at Lock 3.
Course Overview
The 2026 route, known as the Blue Line, follows a spray‑painted blue curb that guides runners through South Akron, Firestone Park, the University of Akron campus, and across the All‑America Bridge. Runners then travel the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail through Sand Run Metro Park and several Northwest Akron neighborhoods before returning downtown via Highland Square and West Hill.
Compared with previous years, the first half of the course features reduced elevation, promising a smoother and faster experience while still preserving the marathon’s signature hills.
Road Closures and Detours
City officials will begin closing streets at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, with some closures remaining until 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. Affected streets include sections of South Main, South High, East Exchange and East Market. Drivers are encouraged to use navigation apps such as Waze and to follow posted detour signs.
Parking Guidance
Free parking is available in downtown parking decks and lots. Marathon officials advise participants to park where they can easily retrieve their vehicles after the race. Note that certain lots and decks along the course—particularly on High and Broadway streets—may experience delayed exiting.
Registration and Expo
Online registration for the 2026 marathon, half‑marathon and team relay is now closed. However, as of Tuesday at 4 p.m., spots remained open for the half‑marathon. Late registrants can sign up in person on Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the free Health and Fitness Expo located in the John S. Knight Center (77 E. Mill St.). Credit cards are required for any late‑registration fees.
The Akron Marathon partners with the Akron Area YMCA to host the Health and Fitness Expo, offering a showcase of health information, fitness products and a final opportunity for runners to pick up race packets.
Kids Fun Run
Friday at 6 p.m., children ages 12 and under can join a free one‑mile run starting at Akron Children’s Hospital (214 W. Bowery St.). Like the adult participants, the kids will finish at Lock 3. Late registration for the Kids Fun Run opens at 5 p.m. on Friday, with the event beginning at 6 p.m.
Race Day Timeline
- 5 p.m. – Registration tent and bib pick‑up opens
- 6 p.m. – Kids Fun Run starts
- 6 a.m. – Opening ceremony
- 6:58 a.m. – Wheelchair Division & Push Team start
- 7 a.m. – Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay start
- 7:35 a.m. – FirstEnergy Finisher Festival opens
- 8:50 a.m. – Half Marathon awards ceremony
- 10:45 a.m. – Marathon awards ceremony
- 1:45 p.m. – Course closes
- 2 p.m. – Finisher Festival closes
Runners and spectators can find detailed course maps, water‑station locations and bathroom markers on the official marathon website. Frequently asked questions are also posted there to help participants plan their day.
Helpful Tips for Residents
Residents planning to drive near the course should allow extra travel time, especially on High and Broadway streets where parking lot exits may be delayed. Using real‑time navigation tools and checking the city’s road‑closure PDF (linked at the end of the article) will help avoid unnecessary detours.
Whether you’re cheering from the curb, supporting a family member, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, the Akron Marathon weekend promises a vibrant community celebration of health, fitness and local pride.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
