Running may be an individual sport, but the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon is all about community. On Saturday, September 28, determined runners will lace up their shoes and set their sights on the finish line as thousands of dedicated spectators line the streets to cheer them on. Family, friends, and neighbors light up all 26.2 miles of the city’s beloved Blue Line – boosting spirits with handmade signs, words of encouragement, music, and noisemakers to help racers experience the energy of every mile.
Mile after mile, the racecourse winds its way through Akron’s award-winning park system and vibrant neighborhoods, where many residents – including FirstEnergy employees like Jessica Koly – celebrate race day with Blue Line block parties.
“I look forward to race day every year,” says Koly, born and raised in Akron. “I’ve hosted nine block parties, inviting family, friends, coworkers and the Castle Park neighborhood to join in the excitement.” With high-energy playlists, live DJs and cowbells in hand, Koly says it’s a great way for the community to show support and help runners power through the race.
Block parties are as diverse as Akron’s neighborhoods, but marathon organizers offer free block party kits every year to help hosts get the party started. To celebrate the company’s three-year sponsorship renewal through 2027, the kits now encourage participants to “Experience the Energy” with FirstEnergy-branded yard signs, thunder sticks, cowbells and other festive items.
With opportunities for everyone to get involved – as runners, volunteers or spectators – the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon doesn’t just take place in Akron; it illuminates the best of Akron and everyone who lives here. It also features some notoriously hilly terrain.
“Neighborhood block parties help keep the runner’s energy high especially during those challenging miles – like the infamous climb up ‘Heart Rate Hill’ on Garman Road,” says Koly. “You could often hear people yelling ‘You can do it; get up that hill!’ at my block party to help encourage runners.”
