Akron, Ohio, United States
The Akron Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each September through the Rubber City on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The course passes Stan Hywet Hall, the Akron Art Museum, and the canal towpath on rolling northeast Ohio terrain. September's crisp Midwest autumn and the intimate community atmosphere make it one of Ohio's best-loved marathons.
Akron Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Akron Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 26 September 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
The Akron Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes in downtown Akron near Canal Park. The loop passes Stan Hywet Hall, the Akron Art Museum, and the Ohio & Erie Canal towpath. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
The Akron Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry to the Akron Marathon is through open online registration at akronmarathon.org, typically opening in January for the late-September race. Places are allocated first-come, first-served and the full marathon can sell out before race day, so early sign-up is advisable. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations for runners who miss the general entry window.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Akron.
The Cleveland Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Cleveland, United States. The course starts and finishes in downtown Cleveland. The route crosses the Hope Memorial Bridge, passes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and follows the Lake Erie shoreline. Hilly with climbs on the Hope Memorial Bridge and through Ohio City.
Next race: Sunday, 16 May 2027
The Pittsburgh Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Pittsburgh, United States. The course starts and finishes at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The route crosses the city's three rivers via multiple bridges, passing PNC Park and Mount Washington. Hilly with repeated bridge climbs throughout.
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The Erie Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each September on a lakeside loop road in Erie, United States. Running almost entirely inside a state park gives it an unusually calm race-day feel for a fast marathon. The loop passes Lake Erie shoreline, wooded park roads, and wide open lake views with almost no climbing. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026
The Columbus Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Columbus, United States. The course starts and finishes at the Ohio Statehouse. The route passes the Short North, Ohio State University, and German Village. Very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
The Glass City Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April on an urban road in Toledo, United States. It is one of the Midwest's best-known Boston-qualifier courses because the layout stays smooth and fast. The course passes Old West End boulevards, Ottawa Park, and wide residential roads designed for uninterrupted rhythm. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
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