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2 of Akron's summer races canceled, funds to be donated to nonprofits

Racers can donate entry fee as well
The Goodyear Half marathon
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AKRON, Ohio — The first two races of the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series—the National Interstate 8k to 1 mile on June 27 and the Goodyear Half Marathon and 10K on Aug. 8—have been canceled, according to the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation.

The cancelation of these races is due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also comes after the city officials announced the restriction of city-sponsored events of more than 250 people through Sept. 7.

The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half and Team Relay on Sept. 26 remain on scheduled.

Runners who have already registered for the June or August races will have the option to donate their registration fee or defer their entry for a future race.

The Akron marathon will donate funds that were allocated to T-shirts and medals to the Akron Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund for Nonprofits, with the minimum donation being around $20,000.

“When faced with the reality of canceling the National Interstate 8k & 1 Mile and the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k, we were compelled to make a deeper impact,” states Anne Bitong, president and CEO of the Akron Marathon. “This community is always proving itself, time and time again, as one that stays together—even when apart, and we are proud to show our Blue Line support to those on the front lines.”

Runners who choose to donate their race entry will join the marathon in donating a larger sum of money to the nonprofit.

Find more info here.

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