Back to Akron Marathon Information & Reviews
Gid Oswitch from Kent, Ohio
(10/1/2012)
"A fantastic event!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran my 10th Akron Marathon on Saturday morning and this race has not lost a bit of energy, enthusiasm, or A-1 organization since 2003. Great Brooks jacket, baseball cap, drawstring bag, and finisher's medal to all marathon finishers at a very reasonable entry fee is your reward for running in their race. The knock on Akron over the years has been the # of hills; there have been course adjustments to help limit these and though the hills still rear their ugly face, the course is definitely faster. Notwithstanding, as I say every year, Akron has a top notch priority to make their race appeal to every runner and treat them like an elite athlete; Congrats for another banner race. See ya' next September!! | |
T. P. from Akron Ohio
(9/30/2012)
"26.2 on the line blue" (about: 2012)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Akron Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The Akron Marathon went all out for the 10th Running. Fireworks at the start, the Goodyear Blimp flying overhead, perfect weather, 20 aid stations, finisher hats and by far their best looking medal to date. If I could only run one marathon a year this would be it. My only complaint was the changes to the course, they added more cement and I didn't care for the Howard St decent. If it ain't broke don't fix it. | |
D. H. from Steelers Country
(9/29/2012)
"The best has somehow gotten better" (about: 2012)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Just when you think it can't get better, they add an 8-minute (or longer) firework show at the start, the Goodyear Blimp makes an appearance, crowd support seems to grow, and they summon up perfect marathon weather. And this may also be the best marathon bargain going. Runners get a jacket, a cap, an excellent medal, and, oh yeah, free beer. Kudos to Jim Barnett and staff. | |
T. C. from Medford, MA
(3/5/2012)
"Great Organization, Fun People & I Enjoyed Akron!!" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my Ohio marathon and it was well worth the trip. A friend and I arrived Thursday night. We went to the expo which we thoroughly enjoyed, then visited the Akron Art Museum nearby and then had a lovely lunch. All in downtown Akron. The next day I found my pace leaders (two for the five hour pack) and off we went. The pacesetters were good; unfortunately my training was inadequate to keep up but they kept me steady for 14 miles. The course was lovely and the water stops were well managed. The size of the race was comfortable; not too big and not so small as to be lonely. If I was not trying for all 50 states, I would come back. | |
Ron Zumpano from USA
(3/1/2012)
"outstanding vehicle for family unity and health." (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 6+ Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 outstanding event for enabling the family to work together and train up for health! | |
J. P. from Started out of state but now live in Medina
(1/11/2012)
"I love this race and organization. First Class" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run this race 9 times. It is a class race headed up by a class race director. It remains well organized with no fall off of entusiasm even after 9 years, | |
J. J. from Rootstown Ohio
(10/4/2011)
"A truley great experience" (about: 2011)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran this race as a relay member for 8 years and decided after turning 50 its time to get a full race in the books. I had great anticipation and fear at the same time....but when race day came the stars lined up for one of the best experiences of my life.Outstanding support on the course!! I was well aware of the terrain and trained accordingly. Great organization and support. I said I would be one and done, but now may actually jump in again next year....great job to Akron and all involved with putting this event on!!! | |
Goldie Bonewell from Warren, MI
(9/26/2011)
"Amazing race!" (about: 2011)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Akron Marathon was my first race ever. I was nervous at first, but quickly loosened up with the cheering spectators along the course. I don't have anything to compare it too, but this marathon seemed very well organized. The volunteers were so nice and encouraging. It seemed the organizers of the race wanted everyone to feel special with the great give-aways and the personal handshake upon crossing the finish line. I had such a great time running this race, that I almost forgot how bad I hurt :-) Heart-rate hill at mile 22 was difficult, but short. The good thing is, that once I passed heart-rate hill, I realized there was nothing between me and the finish line. The last 4 miles flew by. Akron in a beautiful city that I fell in love with and will always remember as my first marathon. | |
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa
(9/26/2011)
"Hard To Find Faults" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Akron Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A great race all around from the expo to the course and the swag. Coming from a hilly area, I didn't find the course to be difficult. I managed to PR. I loved the variety of scenery, terrain and topography. Many thanks to pacer Jaime who was great. My only slight complaint is that I am not a fan of food bags after a race, but many people liked it. Very well done Jim. | |
Timothy Powell from Akron oh
(9/25/2011)
"If your looking for a challenge this is it." (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Akron Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Having run this marathon 8 times and after running a marathon the week before the last thing I expected was a PR but I achieved one. This has to be one of the greatest courses in the USA. . It has many elements, It starts in an urban city center, crosses a high level bridge, traverses a once mighty industrial area, passes through a park like neighborhood, cuts across a college campus back through downtown and enters a canal towpath into a valley and onto a fully shaded parkway for a three mile incline then through a rolling neighborhood with lots of boisterous spectators and through the grounds of Akron's most famous estate followed by a two mile downhill followed by a main st sprint with a finish in a stadium.This marathon is never boring. This marathon has plenty of well stocked aid stations. The whole event was flawless. |
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