First Race in the Popular Series Set for June 30

AKRON, Ohio (June 22, 2018) – The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation announced today that National Interstate Insurance Company, presenting sponsor for the first race in the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series, has pledged their continued support for the next three years.

Entering its fourth year, the Akron Marathon Race Series consists of three races that take runners through the neighborhoods of Akron, building their mileage to run September’s marquee event – the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay. The National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile course runs through downtown Akron and The University of Akron campus, before finishing on the 50-yard line of Summa Field inside InfoCision Stadium. Built for speed, the course accommodates both runners and walkers of all abilities. The 2018 edition of the race will be held Saturday, June 30 at 8:30 a.m. The popular finisher festival will include a craft beer festival and live band throughout the morning.

“Strong partners are the foundation to the success of any race and we believe we have some of the very best. We recognize the energy National Interstate brings to our races through employee involvement as runners, volunteers and spectators,” said Anne Bitong, executive director of the Akron Marathon.

Based in nearby Richfield, Ohio, National Interstate is one of the leading insurers for the commercial transportation industry in the country. National Interstate has partnered with the Akron Marathon since 2014, transitioning to a presenting sponsor of the series in 2015.

“We have been so impressed with this event, its popularity and its strong following that it was an obvious choice for us to continue our support with such great partners in the Akron Marathon,” said Tony Mercurio, President & CEO of National Interstate. “There is an incredibly strong alignment between Akron Children’s Hospital, the Akron Marathon and our company that it has really fueled our employees to get involved in all facets of this series, from running to volunteering to cheering on their colleagues and friends.”

Anyone can experience the world-class atmosphere of the Akron Marathon Race Series as a volunteer or running participant. Registration for all events is available at AkronMarathon.org. Online registration for the National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile closes on June 26 and space is quickly filling up in all series events.

About the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series
The Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a non-profit group founded in 2002 to provide a world-class marathon and other events that promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community and benefit charitable organizations. The series features race dates in June (National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile) and August (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k), culminating with the 16th running of the FirstEnergy Full Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run in September. Additional information is available at AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).

 

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Media Contacts:
Anne Bitong                                                               Toni Fink
Akron Marathon                                                       Knox Marketing
330-434-2786                                                            440-785-4514
abitong@akronmarathon.org                                finkt@knoxmarketing.com