Event Highlights & Achievements

For 25 years, the Akron Marathon has brought runners, volunteers, partners and the community together along the Blue Line. Along the way, the event has reached important milestones, earned meaningful recognition and continued to grow its impact throughout the region. This timeline celebrates the achievements, memorable moments and defining accomplishments that have helped shape the Akron Marathon’s story over the past 25 years.

  • Inaugural race with field of 3,775 participants
  • Hosted the North American Men’s Marathon Relay Championships
  • Hosted the USA Track & Field National Club Marathon Relay Championships
2003
  • Hosted the North American Men’s Marathon Relay Championships
  • Hosted the USA Track & Field National Club Marathon Relay Championships
2004
2005
  • Ranked as one of the Fastest Growing Marathons, marathonguide.com
2006
  • Celebrated 5th running with field of 8,000 participants
  • Added Half Marathon to schedule of events
2007
  • Selected as one of the Top 10 Newer Marathons, Runner’s World
  • Hosted USA Track & Field Women’s 8 km Championship
2008
  • Event participation surpassed 10,000
  • 5-Person Team Relay event sold-out
2009
  • Selected as a runner-up in reader’s choice category for Best Value, Runner’s World
  • 2010 event generated an economic impact of over $4 million dollars to the Greater Akron area
2010
  • Ranked as the largest 5-person marathon relay in the U.S., Running USA
  • Selected as one of 11 races to run in 2011, Active.com
  • 2011 event generated an economic impact of $5.2 million dollars and the equivalent of creating 46-jobs in the Greater Akron area
2011
  • Record setting field of 15,000 runners
  • Spectacular start line celebration for 10th running
  • Special appearance of the Goodyear Blimp
2012
  • Awarded the Summit of Sustainability Award in the Nonprofit/Community category for our greening efforts
  • Fastest Marathon Time in Ohio (Getachew Asfaw – 2:15:59)
2013
  • Generated an economic impact of $6.2 million dollars in the Greater Akron area
  • Earned Gold Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport for event greening efforts
2014
  • Added the 8k & 1 Mile and Half Marathon & 10k races
  • Generated a combined economic impact of $8.2 million dollars in the Greater Akron area
2015
  • Selected as one of the “50 US Road Races To Attempt In Your Lifetime” by HolidayLettings
  • Collectively raised more than $425,000 for Akron Children’s Hospital through the support of sponsors and runners
2016
  • Named one of the best “Mid-Sized Marathons” by findmymarathon.com
  • Celebrated 15 years on the Blue Line
  • Purchased permanent office in downtown Akron
2017
  • Sold Out the First 2 Races in the Race Series
  • Selected as a 2018 Marathon Maniacs Signature Race Series event
2018
  • Sold Out the First 2 Races in the Race Series
  • Became the world’s first sensory inclusive marathon, thanks to a partnership with KultureCity
  • Start Line for the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay moved to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
  • Selected as a runner-up in RaceRaves poll for Best Half Marathons in the U.S.
2019
  • Held first virtual race dubbed the Blue Line Remix
2020
  • Returned to live racing
  • Return to downtown start line
  • New finish line at Lock 3 on Main Street
2021
  • Hosted 20th running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay
2022
  • Nearly 12,000 participants celebrated personal victories across the series.
  • 361 race entry scholarships were awarded through the Blue Line Runnership program, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
  • Runners from 45 states and 8 countries contributed to an impressive $6 million economic boost for the greater Akron area.
  • Over $200,000 was raised through the organization’s Blue Line Charity program, benefiting local organizations that make a meaningful difference.
2024
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Inclusion & Accessibility
Akron Marathon Race Series