Akron, OH (December 6, 2022) — It was a year of celebration for the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation as the nonprofit welcomed runners for the 20th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay, as part of the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health.
The Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit founded in 2002 to promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community, and benefit charitable organizations through hosting its world-class marathon and other events.
In 2022, the Akron Marathon hosted more than 10,000 runners across its 2022 events and 1,104 volunteers who gave 5,344 volunteer hours. Additionally, this event generated $6 million in economic impact for the Greater Akron area. Its updated Community Impact Report is now available.
During the year, the Akron Marathon proudly:
- Welcomed running celebrities at its 20th Health and Fitness Expo
- Organized its largest fundraiser to date, the Blue Jean Bash, which was a tremendous success, and the funds raised will go directly to continuing health and wellness in our community
- Held the 20th Kids Fun Run, which continues to be a free event thanks to the generous support of the City of Akron and Akron Children’s Hospital
Part of the mission of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation is to benefit nonprofit and charitable organizations. The Blue Line Charity Partner Program allows nonprofits from the community to use the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health as a fundraiser. During the 2022 racing season, charity partners raised $360,055 to benefit nonprofits in Greater Akron.
The Akron Marathon also strives to promote healthy active lifestyles for all. Because of this, its team created the Runnership philanthropic program dedicated to reaching community members who could not typically afford a race entry, focusing on serving the underprivileged, disadvantaged, or those struggling with mental health and/or recovery. This year, 45 Runnership scholarships were given to runners in the community.
“The pride we felt from being on the Blue Line with you and the way this community came together to celebrate the 20th running–it was an unforgettable year,” stated Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “We’re honored to share numbers and data on how the running community truly supported each other. We can’t wait to be with you in 2023!”
And now, the Marathon staff is gearing up for its 2023 Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health and is thrilled to announce dates and race registration has opened for 2023:
- National Interstate 8K & 1 Mile, June 23 & 24, 2023
- Goodyear Half Marathon & 10K, August 12, 2023
- FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay: September 30, 2023
For more information, race registration, and volunteer opportunities for the final race series event, please visit AkronMarathon.org.
Photo Credit: Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal
