June 18, 2020

The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, scheduled for Sept. 25-26, will be held virtually due to health concerns related to COVID-19. The Akron Marathon staff, in conjunction with the Summit County Public Health Department and the City of Akron, deemed this year’s race too great a risk for runners, organizers and spectators.

“As title sponsor, FirstEnergy supports the decision to run The Akron Marathon virtually to protect the safety of everyone involved,” said Chuck Jones, chief executive officer of FirstEnergy. “We are committed to maintaining our support and offering virtual cheers for participants this year, and our employees look forward to lining the streets in 2021 to support the runners.”

Race organizers will contact registered runners for the FirstEnergy A​kron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay to discuss the virtual race opportunity.

“From the beginning, our top priority has been the health and safety of our runners,” said Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “We’re in the business of creating a world-class experience for our participants, and even though it will be virtual this year, our team is working to ensure that the runners’ experience will be one to remember.”

Participants will receive a Blue Line Box containing signature race elements like a runner’s bib, Akron Marathon swag, a virtual expo experience and a Virtual Finisher’s Festival.

To register for the virtual FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay, visit AkronMa​​​rathon.org*.

*By clicking the link in this article, you are entering a website maintained by an outside party, which is entirely responsible for the site’s content.