Akron, OH (Jan. 8, 2019) — Runners of the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay presented by FirstEnergy will get set on Sat., Sept. 28, 2019, at a new start line location: the historic Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

“When the Akron Marathon approached us with this opportunity, we were excited to accept,” shares Sean Joyce, President and Executive Director of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. “Each year the Akron Marathon brings the city and its neighborhoods together to support the runners that participate. Being part of one of those neighborhoods, Stan Hywet, a national historic landmark, is happy to step up its support and kick off one of the best marathons in the country.”

The new start line prompted revisions in the course, as well, which includes elevation changes with less upward climbs for runners and updated relay legs with both shorter and longer distance options, according to Akron Marathon Race Director Brian Polen.

“We’re also thrilled about the new locations across Akron that our runners will get to experience like our city’s one-of-a-kind urban routes on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Summit Lake area with its floating bridge,” explains Executive Director of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation Anne Bitong. “And, of course, runners can still expect to experience our well-established and unrivaled finish line experience inside the Canal Park stadium.”

According to Bitong, the Akron Marathon is also partnering with Akron Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority to arrange transportation for runners from downtown parking options to the West Akron start line. “We want our runners to be able to focus on their race and not worry about the day’s logistics, so we’re working with partners like METRO and others across the city to ensure easy and seamless transportation options,” says Bitong.

Registration for the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series officially opens on Wed., Jan. 9, 2019, marking the seventeenth year of the nationally-recognized race and the fifth year of Akron’s race series, which offers two additional races throughout the year.

The team is already prepping for a record-breaking year. “With the exciting historic start, elevation changes, new places marked by our blue line, updated relay distances, and the support of countless local partners, we are expecting our largest—and best—year yet,” says Bitong.

For more information on the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series please visit AkronMarathon.org.

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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 17th running of the FirstEnergy 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).