Akron Life September 2022

WELCOME & THANK YOU FOR 20 YEARS!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We are excited to welcome you to our 20th running along the Blue Line! We have a fabulous weekend planned to commemorate this amazingmilestone We will be looking back on the history of the event, celebrating our achievements, and honoring those who have joined us every year since the race’s inception Our Blue Jean Bash kicks off raceweekend on Thursday, September 22 It will be our largest fundraiser to date, bringing us to the finish line of our $400,000 fundraising goal During the Blue Jean Bash, the John S Knight Center will be transformed into a 20-year celebration, filledwith interactive displays, running celebrities including Ali Feller, Meb Keflezighi, Bill Rodgers, and Kathrine Switzer, live entertainment by Theron Brown and The Vindys, and a walk down the history of the Blue Line Honorary Chairs of the Blue Jean Bash include City of Akron Mayor Horrigan, Summit County Executive Shapiro, and Summa Health’s Dr Shah TheAkronMarathonHealth andFitness Expowill be heldon Friday, September 23 from 11:00am to9:00pm at the John S Knight Center The event is free andopen to the public and features race packet pick up, official racemerchandise, and exhibitorswhowill be showcasing the latest health and fitness information andproducts This year’s Health & Fitness Expo will feature a 20-Year Museum which will highlight race memorabilia through the years and will include interactive displays and photo opportunities Our Blue Line Celebration Stage, located in the main exhibit hall, will feature speakers, celebrity runners, yoga classes, andmore! A Runners Lounge will be at the center of the exhibit hall This will be a place where runners can stretch, get KT taped, and relax before their big race Our FREE 1-Mile Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children’s Hospital will get underway Friday evening in the heart of downtown on South Main Street If you have never witnessed over 1,000 kids run a race, we encourage you to come downtown and get inspired! Our marquee race, the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & TeamRelay takes place Saturday, September 24 The Opening Ceremony begins at 6:00 am with a 7:00 am celebratory start This year’s race features a new course starting at the breathtaking Akron Art Museum and finishing in world-class style at the Akron Civic Theatre In between, runners will head over the All-America Bridge, experience North Hill, The University of Akron, Firestone Park, the Towpath Trail, Merriman Valley, Sand Run Park, the West Akron neighborhoods, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and Highland Square This year’s course will be loaded with local entertainment underwritten by the Ohio Arts Council and a dozen block parties Additionally, look for SummaCare’s Hydration/Motivation Station at Mile 37 and get energized at the FirstEnergy Ambassador Zip Zone at Mile 113 Following the race, don’t miss a one-of-a-kind finisher festival at Lock 3 in the heart of our city’s newly renovated downtown district Runners can cap their achievement with brag-worthy swag including a 20-year commemorative hat, shirt, and finisher medal Whether you’re one of our 9,000+ participants, 2,000 volunteers or 100,000+ spectators, we hope you enjoy this world-class experience We extend a big Blue Line thank you to the city of Akron, the Akron Police Department, and our generous sponsors Good luck to everyone and a warm Akron welcome to all our out-of-town guests Sincerely, The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation Board of Directors and Staff

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Mission & Vision Statement . . . . . . . 3

Board & Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Race Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Schedule of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Health & Fitness Expo and 20-Year Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Kids’ Fun Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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Explore Akron

Blue Jean Bash & Event Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – 14

Downtown Akron Parking . . . . . . . 15

Downtown Area Locations . . . . . . 15

Relay Shuttle Service . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Spectator Information . . . . . . . . . . . 15

20 Years on the Run . . . . . . . 16 & 17

Team Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Course Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Road Closures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Start Line Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Finish Line Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Akron Marathon & Half Marathon Champions . . 22 & 23

Prize Money & Awards . . . . . . . . . 23

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