The Akron Marathon was the 100th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 90th largest in 2022.
This year 5.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 7.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Akron Marathon the 257th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 245th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.67 ranks it as the 346th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 10th fastest course in Ohio.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Akron Marathon a PR Score of 97.00. This PR Score ranks it as the 330th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 10th fastest in Ohio.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Akron Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 1103 feet (336m) Min Elevation: 749 feet (228m)
I've run this race all 20 years as well as 10 other marathons around the country and Akron is always one of the best. It's well organized, great fan support and great after race festivities. Top notch!
Race Tips
It's a hilly race. Race day start is so energizing with huge loud speakers and music. Bill Rodgers is a regular supporter of this race.
Akron is a well organized and very fun event. Compared to the many other races I have done, the Akron Marathon is a top notch event, especially when factoring in the ease of participation in the small city race.
Race Tips
The main hills are at mile 19 and 22, with the 19th mile containing a lot of incline overall. Nothing crazy, but at that point of the run, they can feel tough.
I find that Akron gets great runner turnouts for the smaller-sized city that it is. And its a pretty fast group. I believe it is because they have great runner accommodations, better than average turnout and crowd support and great after-parties. The course is challenging, but not ridiculously so. Most of the course is scenic and interesting - some stretches through bland commercial zones, but no more than most (it's tough in any city to find 26 consecutive miles of scenery). I think it measured about 0.20 miles long, according to the 2022 Akron Race Series App. But, they change up the course frequently - sometimes just a little, sometimes quite a bit. Another reason it's interesting.
Race Tips
I ran Akron twice, now. Once it was sunny and reached into the 80's. Once it was overcast with a high in the mid-60's. That's what you get in NE Ohio. You need to conserve for the hills from 17 through 23 - that's the whole race. So take time to prepare on the Towpath Trail (13-16) because it's flat and shady. The Sand Run ascent is gradual, but lengthy. Then once you recover, there's Heart Rate Hill, which isn't too long, but it's steeper. After you pass Stan Hywet Hall, Portage Path is a slight ascent. But since its at mile 23, it's tougher than it should be. You can go all out approaching 24, because it's all down hill from there - a nice and easy descent to 26.
We stayed at the Blu-Tique hotel. It's right on the course, 2 blocks from the expo and the start. Very clean. Nearby several restaurant districts.
EOR's review of 2018 Akron Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was my 10th marathon and the best one so far. I had nothing but positive experience in this race. From the Expo to the Finish Line, it was obvious that the organizers put a lot of thought into runners' needs. Having blue lines at the expo and the marathon definitely helped guide the runners without much confusion. The crowd support was wonderful and even the gels were handed out open (optional) so the runners didn't have to while running! Parking was plentiful and free.
Race Tips
The two big hills are saved for the full marathoners in the last half so leave some fuel for those later hilly miles.
