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Thousands of runners to return to Summit County for 20th Akron Marathon Race Series

Events start on Thursday, Sept. 22, with the half/full marathons and team relays taking place on Saturday, Sept. 24.

AKRON, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Sept. 24, 2021.

This upcoming weekend, officials expect nearly 7,000 runners to head to Summit County and compete in the 20th FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, half marathon and team relays. 

The races are set to begin on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 7 a.m., but events leading up to the big day will start on Thursday, Sept. 22. 

RELATED: 20th Akron Marathon to take place Sept. 24, 2022

This year, the Akron Marathon Health and Fitness Expo will return to being open to the public, following last year's closure to the public due to COVID-19 protocols.

RELATED: Akron Marathon Health and Fitness Expo closed to public amid COVID concerns

Below is a guide of everything you need to know ahead of the 20th Akron Marathon: 

Thursday, Sept. 22 

Blue Jean Bash

  • Location: John S. Knight Center 
  • Time: Doors open at 6 p.m. 
  • The fundraising event will feature the following; 
    • Food stations 
    • Open bar 
    • Live auction 
    • Live music 
    • Early access to packet pickup

Friday, Sept. 23

Health and Fitness Expo and 20-Year Experience

  • Location: John S. Knight Center 
  • Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

  • Packet pickup 
  • 20-year museum 
  • Blue line celebration stage
  • Expo vendors
  • Official race merchandise 

Akron Marathon Kids Fun Run 

  • Location: Lock 3 
  • Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Free 1-mile run run 
  • Children ages 12 and under  

Saturday, Sept. 24 

FirstEnergy Marathon, half marathon and team relay 

  • Saturday, Sept. 24
  • Start: Akron Art Museum 
  • Opening ceremony: 6 a.m. 
  • Wheelchair division: 6:59 a.m. 
  • Marathon, half marathon and team relay start: 7 a.m. 
  • Course closes: 1:40 p.m. 
  • Lock 3 closes 1:45 p.m. 

Finisher Festival

  • Location: Lock 3 Park 
  • Time: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Road closures 

The running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon will cause some road closures throughout the area this weekend. Click HERE for more information. 

An interactive map from Waze will also show the road closures throughout Akron. 

Course routes 

Kid's Fun Run Course 

Credit: Akron Marathon

Full Marathon Course 

Credit: Akron Marathon

Half Marathon Course 

Credit: Akron Marathon

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Aug. 13, 2022. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out