Richfield, Ohio-based company will continue to serve as presenting sponsor for the next two years


AKRON, Ohio (December 15, 2016) – The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation announced today that National Interstate Insurance Company (“National Interstate”) has extended its agreement to serve as the presenting sponsor for the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series 8k & 1 Mile for the next two years.

The National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile course tours downtown Akron and The University of Akron campus, before finishing on the 50-yard line of Summa Field inside InfoCision Stadium. While built for speed, the course accommodates both runners and walkers of all abilities. The 2017 edition of the race will be held Saturday, June 24 at 8:30 a.m.

“It’s great to know that National Interstate is on board as the presenting sponsor of our June race for two more years,” said Anne Bitong, President and Executive Director of the Akron Marathon. “They’ve been a part of the race since 2014 and we loved having their involvement at our series kick-off event this past June and look forward to continuing to grow our partnership.”

Based in nearby Richfield, Ohio, National Interstate is one of the leading insurers for the transportation industry in the country. Its more than 700 employees are primarily located in Richfield, as well as Fenton, Mo. and Kapolei, Hawaii.

“It was a great experience to serve as the presenting sponsor of the 8k & 1 Mile this past year,” said Tony Mercurio, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Interstate. “We were excited to see our employees get so involved, not only in the June race, but in the entire series as runners, volunteers and spectators. It’s a wonderful community event that we’re proud to continue to be associated with.”

Thanks to National Interstate’s employee’s involvement, they took home the 2016 Corporate Cup. The Corporate Cup Challenge presented by Signet Jewelers is designed to engage local companies in a friendly competition to increase health and wellness amongst their team members while encouraging volunteerism and fundraising through participation in the Akron Marathon.

Registration for all three Akron Marathon Race Series events opened in November with incentives geared toward running multiple events. Registration is available at AkronMarathon.org.