AKRON, O.H. (Dec. 30, 2025) — The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation announces that the Acme Fresh Market Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 8k & 1 Mile, the kickoff race of the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health. The Foundation succeeds National Interstate Insurance Company beginning in 2026, elevating a partnership that has supported Akron’s running community since the Marathon’s inception.
For more than two decades, Acme Fresh Market has helped fuel the Akron Marathon experience, providing runners with water, bananas, and recovery snacks throughout race weekend. With a 125-year legacy of feeding and supporting families across Northeast Ohio, the expanded partnership reflects a shared commitment to health, wellness, and community.
“The Akron Marathon Race Series is one of our region’s most inspiring celebrations of health, community, and togetherness,” said Katie Swartz, Vice President of Marketing, Acme Fresh Market. “We are honored to deepen our support as presenting sponsor of the 8k & 1 Mile and look forward to helping families across Northeast Ohio start their race season with energy, excitement, and fun.”
As part of this enhanced partnership, the 8k & 1 Mile will return to InfoCision Stadium, offering participants a memorable on-field finish and a post-race celebration inside the stadium, complete with fresh snacks and a festive atmosphere. The event will also debut the Acme Fresh Family 1 Mile, designed to inspire runners, walkers, and families, including kids and strollers, to take part together. Both events, the 8k & 1 Mile are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026.
“We are grateful to expand our partnership with the Acme Fresh Market Foundation,” said Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “Their dedication to strengthening families and improving community well-being makes them a natural partner as we launch the 2026 Race Series with a shared commitment to health, wellness, and community connection.”
The 8k & 1 Mile presented by the Acme Fresh Market Foundation anchors the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, followed by the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k on August 8 and culminating with the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay in the fall on September 26.
Registration for all 2026 Akron Marathon Race Series events opens Jan. 7, 2026, at AkronMarathon.org.