The National Inventors Hall of Fame
Runners will be staged in the plaza of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, which showcases inventors' achievements and the impact they've had on our lives. The National Inventors Hall of Fame museum celebrates more than 150 of the men and women whose patented inventions, life-saving tools, labor-saving devices, and technological innovations have become the basis of the American economy and society. Within the museum, visitors can spend hours wandering through worlds of innovative genius in the exhibits, and explore new worlds at the Inventors Workshop.
Morley Health Center
The race course begins in front of the Morley Health Center at 177 S. Broadway in downtown Akron.
The University of Akron
Next on the course is the University of Akron . Founded in 1870 as Buchtel College, the University of Akron has been expanding for more than 130 years. Today, more than 24,000 students, representing 41 states and 83 foreign countries attend the university for a higher education.
The University of Akron's main campus has 79 buildings on 180 acres. Landmarks within the university include the high-tech Goodyear Polymer Center, the renowned E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall and the stately Buchtel Hall.
Mustill Store
As the runners continue on the course, they will run pass the old Mustill Store. Located at its original site at Lock 15 of the Ohio Erie Canal, this canal-era building is believed to have been built in the 1850s, although the exact date is unknown. Three generations of Mustills serviced canal users until the late 1880s. Their story typifies that of many businesses that sprung up along the canal locks.
Today, the Mustill Store and House have been rehabilitated to their canal-era form by a unique partnership of the City of Akron, the Cascade Locks Park Association, Metro Parks Serving Summit County, and the National Park Service. The Mustill complex is the perfect resting point and educational attraction for those taking advantage of the National Heritage Corridor and Scenic Byway.
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and Sand Run Park
Next, runners will pass through the Ohio & Erie Towpath Canal Trail and Sand Run Park The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a multi-purpose trail developed by the National Park Service. The Towpath Trail follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Many people use the trail for bike riding, hiking and jogging.
Sand Run Park was opened in 1929 and was the first Metropolitan Park in Summit County. Indians used areas of the park as their campsite. And General Wadsworth used the Wadsworth Area as a lookout point during the War of 1812.
Today, Sand Run is used by many Ohio residents as a place to hike, bike, jog, play soccer, ice skate, and cross country ski. A variety of facilities and pavilions are available for people to hold family gatherings and group outings.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Nearing the end of the race, runners will pass through the grounds of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens , one the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in America. Stan Hywet was built between 1912 and 1915 by early industrialist and Goodyear co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude. The estate was designed to accommodate their lifestyle and large family. It also allowed the couple to lavishly entertain business associates, friends, and prominent socialites of the community.
The majestic 65-room country house sits on 70 acres of artfully landscaped gardens and grounds. The Manor House is filled with treasures from around the globe. The house's 21,000 panes of glass, 23 fireplaces, and hand-carved paneling of oak, sandalwood and black walnut reflect the opulence of the era.
Canal Park
The finish line will be at Canal Park, home of the Akron Aeros minor league baseball team. Canal Park cost $31 million to build. It was opened in 1997 and can hold more than 9,000 fans. Canal Park was designed by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc., the same company that designed Jacobs Field.