FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement?
A: The minimum age for the 8k is 10 years old and the minimum age for the 1 Mile is 5 years old. Children 4 and under can be pushed in a stroller for the 1 Mile race only; all participants must be registered.
Q: What is the start time and location?
A: The 1 Mile will be held on Friday night, June 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. The 8k will start at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Both races will start at 290 Spicer St, Akron.
Q: What will the start line process be?
A: On Friday, for the 1 Mile, there will be 3-4 waves. There will be 50-100 participants per wave. There will be a short break between the waves. The Stroller Division will line up at the back of the corral and have their own separate start.
On Saturday, for the 8k, the race will start in 5 waves. There will be 400 participants per wave. Each wave will be walked up to the start line, held for 30 seconds, and have their own starting commands. Pace signs will be along the corral indicating where to line up. There will be entrance points at various locations along the corral. Lining up by pace with faster runners in the front creates a smoother start for all runners. All walkers should line up at the back of the corral.
Q: After registering will I receive additional information?
A: Yes, we will send emails leading up to race day with additional information to help you get ready. Final instructions are sent 2-weeks prior to the race via email and are also posted on the website. When registering, please provide your primary email address.
Q: What is the average temperature on race day?
A: The temperature typically varies from 62°F to 78°F and is rarely below 54°F or above 86°F
Q: Where will I pick-up my packet?
A: Packet Pickup will be held at the James A. Rhodes (JAR) Arena 373 Carroll St, Akron on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. You will receive an email race week with your bib number. Please know your bib number prior to arriving.
Q: I am unable to pick up my packet, what are my options?
A: We recommend everyone to pick up their own packet. However, if you are unable to do so, someone can pick up for you. That person will need to verify that your registration information is correct (name, sex, age & emergency contact information).
Q: May I purchase beer tickets as a spectator or runner?
A: No, spectators will not be able to purchase beer tickets.
REGISTRATION
Please review the following 2023 policies carefully prior to registering:
- Please note that by registering for any Akron Marathon Race Series event you are agreeing to the Akron Marathon Race Series Rules and Policies.
- No refunds or deferrals will be offered. Insurance may be purchased at time of registration. View insurance policy.
Q: Will you email a confirmation to me?
A: Once you register online, you will receive a confirmation email immediately from Race Roster. Please provide your primary email address.
Q: Can I register on the day of the race?
A: No, online registration closes on Monday, June 19, 2023.
Q: I can't remember if I registered. Can I confirm my registration?
Q: I was injured after registering for the race. Can I get a refund or defer until next year or a different event?
A: Did you purchase registration insurance? If so, use this link to file a claim with the registration insurance company.
If not, we have a no refund or deferment policy.
COURSE
Q: What distances are offered for the June race?
A: 8k & 1 Mile distances are available.
Q: What is the time limit for each event?
A:
8k – 90 minutes (18:06 pace)
1 Mile – 30 minutes
Q: Do you allow walkers?
A: Yes. The 8k course will remain open for one hour and 30 minutes meaning that the course will close on a pace of 18:06 minutes per mile. Anyone who cannot maintain the 18:06 min/mile pace must move to the sidewalk to allow vehicular traffic through. Runner services cannot be guaranteed for participants beyond the 18:06/30 min/mile pace. The 1 Mile course will be open for 30 minutes.
Q: What type of running surface is on the course?
A: The race is run on paved asphalt and concrete streets.
Q: Is it possible to drive the course?
A: The course is not entirely drivable due to some restricted areas only accessible to runners on race day.
Q: Can a friend jump in to run a few miles with me /pace me?
A: No, due to liability considerations, and out of respect for the registered participants, non-registered runners are not permitted to run or walk within the boundaries of the official course. According to USATF rules having someone pace you, who is not a registered participant, is considered assistance and may lead to disqualification. Friends may stand adjacent to the edge of the defined course and cheer the participants on! Friends must NEVER cross the finish line or enter the finish zone.
Q: Can I wear headphones while racing on the course?
A: Yes, although not recommended, runners participating in the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health may use portable listening devices. At all times runners must be aware of their surroundings and be courteous of those around them, so if you plan to run with music, make certain that you are able to hear audible cues from race officials and those runners in your immediate area.
Participants competing for prize money/overall awards are not permitted to wear headphones during the race. Participants found wearing headphones may be removed from overall awards, masters awards, and event records.
Q: Are strollers, or special vehicles permitted on the course?
A: For the safety of our runners, the Akron Marathon does not permit: pets, skateboards, scooters, strollers (except in the Stroller Division), baby carriers, bicycles, roller blades, or any other types of vehicles (other than official race vehicles) on the course.
With the exception of service dogs, pets are not allowed in the Start and Finish Line areas. Please do not bring or carry any of these items with you. The Akron Marathon reserves the right to disqualify and remove anyone from the course who has any of the above items or does not act in a safe manner.
STROLLER DIVISION
Q: How do I register for the stroller division?
A: Stroller division participants must complete a registration for the adult (parent/legal guardian pushing the stroller) as well as a registration for each child (up to 2 children are permitted per adult).
Q: Will there be awards in the stroller division?
A: No, the stroller division is not a competitive event. Your time will be recorded; however, racing competitively with a baby jogger/stroller will not be tolerated for the safety of the child & all involved.
AWARDS
Q: Will there be awards for each event?
A: Overall awards will be based on gun time. Age groups awards will be based on chip time.
8k
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Overall
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Masters
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Age Group (mailed out 6-8 weeks post-race)
1 Mile
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Overall
Top 3 Men’s and Women’s Masters
*The Stroller Division is excluded from awards.
Q: Can I win double awards (overall and age group)?
A: No. You can only win one award. There is no double dipping for awards. If a masters finished in top 3 overall, they become an overall and taken out of Masters.
Q: What age is Masters?
A: You must be at least 40 years of age on race day.
Q: What's the age breakdown for Age Group Awards?
A: Age groups: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+. Please note participants of the 1 Mile race are not eligible for Age Group Awards. Age group awards will be mailed; please allow 6–8 weeks.