FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

A: The 1 Mile will be held on Friday night, June 28, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The 8k will start at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Both races will start on Spicer St at intersection with Carroll St.

A: On Friday, for the 1 Mile, there will be 5 waves. There will be 50-100 participants per wave. Each wave will be walked up to the start line, held for 1 minute, and have their own starting commands. 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 1 minute, 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.

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.

A: The temperature typically varies from 62°F to 78°F and is rarely below 54°F or above 86°F

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).

A: No, spectators will not be able to purchase beer tickets. 

A: Packet Pickup will be held at the James A. Rhodes (JAR) Arena 373 Carroll St, Akron on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 28, 2025 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.  

A:No, online registration closes on Monday, June 23. If caps are not met, there will be on-site registration at Packet Pickup.

A: Confirm your National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile registration. 

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. 

A: Yes, transfers are accepted up to 45-days prior to the event. If you would like to transfer your registration to a new participant, please click the National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile registration page. From our registration page click on “Transfer” from the left or right-side navigation bars. Once logged into your Race Roster account, click “Transfer to a New Participant” in the blue box and complete the steps as directed. If necessary, click here for detailed directions on how to transfer your registration to a new participant from Race Roster. 

Please note the NEW participant will pay a $10 transfer fee. The original participant will NOT receive a refund. The exchange of monies is between the original participant and the new participant. 

A:
8k – 90 minutes (18:06 pace)
1 Mile – 30 minutes

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.

A: The race is run on paved asphalt and concrete streets.

A: 

8k

Ascent – 285 feet total

Descent – 310 feet total

1 Mile

Ascent – 40 feet total

Descent – 80 feet total

A: The course is not entirely drivable due to some restricted areas only accessible to runners on race day. 

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.

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.

A: Only push-rim racing wheelchairs and push team racing wheelchairs are permitted. Strollers and baby joggers are permitted in the 1 Mile Stroller Division only. The following items are not permitted on the course: non-racing wheelchairs, pets, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, roller blades, strollers, baby joggers, baby carriers or any other types of vehicles (other than official race vehicles). These regulations are for the participant’s safety and the safety of the other participants in the race. 

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.

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.

A: You must be at least 40 years of age on race day.

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.

A: The inclusion of sex-related questions on the Akron Marathon Race Series Registration Form aligns with USA Track & Field and World Athletics, our governing bodies, which uses sex for competition and awarding prize money and awards. This ensures compliance with sporting regulations and maintains fairness in competition. Simultaneously, the question about gender identity aims to promote inclusivity within the Akron Marathon Race Series community, reflecting a commitment to recognizing and respecting diverse gender identities. While sex is a regulatory necessity for prize distribution, gender identity ensures a welcoming and representative environment for all participants.  Men’s and Women’s Divisions will be classified by sex. Participants who elect to compete in the Non-Binary Division will be eligible for placement awards for 1st – 3rd.