Goodyear Half Marathon also filling up fast
AKRON, Ohio (July 21, 2015) – Due to overwhelming demand, the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series is opening 200 additional spots for the August 15 running of the Goodyear 10k. The 10k originally sold out two weeks ago, while the Goodyear Half Marathon is nearing 80 percent capacity.
The additional 10k spots carry a $75 late entry fee and are available through race day or until filled.
“The excitement around our series kick off in June has really carried over to the August event,” said Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon President/Executive Director. “The demand for the Goodyear 10k exceeded our expectations and we’re thrilled with the numbers for the Half Marathon as well.”
The Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k course will travel past The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’sglobal headquarters and includes a lap around the track at the tiremaker’s restricted-access Akron Proving Grounds.Weather permitting, Wingfoot One, Goodyear’s newest airship, will fly overhead on race day as well.The course also offers a unique view of the Lockheed Martin Airdock.
This event includes a race within a race as runners in both the half marathon and 10k events will receive a split time of their 1.25-mile lap around the test track. The top male and female with the fastest test track times will receive a set of Goodyear tires up to an $800 value and a $50 gift certificate to participating local Goodyear retail stores. Additionally, the top male and female in the half marathon and 10k events will each receive a blimp ride for two, as well as a $50 gift certificate to participating local Goodyear retail stores. Overall awards and age group awards will also be offered.
Through a partnership with Lockheed Martin Corporation, active military members will have the opportunity to participate in the Goodyear Half Marathon free of charge. Qualified runners should contact the marathon office to apply. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The post-race festivities will include a live band and an Akron’s Best Food Festival featuring Swenson’s Food Truck, Strickland’s Frozen Custard, Eddie’s Famous Cheesesteaks, NORKA Beverage and more. Goodyear will have several displays including a quick tire change station, NASCAR display, as well as additional activities. Goodyear will have an official retail tent, Vertical Runner will be onsite selling official race merchandise, and Rubber City Clothing will be onsite offering the opportunity to customize race shirts and pick up that perfect souvenir.
Participants receive a t-shirt, medal, goodie bag, custom blimp car magnet and food festival tickets. Half Marathon participants will also receive a commemorative finisher gift.
The remaining 2015 race dates for the inaugural running of the Rubber City Race Series are as follows: August 15 (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k) and September 26 (Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay). The dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule. Registration is available at www.RubberCityRaceSeries.org.