From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
STARS Youth Indoor Track and Field has been created for the purpose of developing stamina, speed, agility, flexibility, and strength both physically and mentally for all who participate.
STARS Youth Indoor Track and Field program will teach:
-Training in proper running mechanics
-Speed acceleration drills and natural strength exercises
-All athletes will compete in 2 running events and 2 field events, concluding with a relay event.
AGES: For boys and girls ages 5-14.
WHEN: SUNDAYS: JANUARY 25th – MARCH 8th with the finals on Saturday March 14th
TIMES: SUNDAYS 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM FINALS: Saturday March 14th (check in & warm up @ 8:30 am)
WHERE: All Sunday Meetings are at St. Paul Gym, 1588 Greenlawn Akron, OH 44301
FINALS (SAT March 14th) ARE BEING HELD AT ST.VINCENT – ST. MARY HIGH SCHOOL 15 N. MAPLE STREET, AKRON, OH 44303
REGISTRATION FEE: 2 Options.
OPTION 1: $50 PER ATHLETE (Fee includes all Monday meetings and includes FREE! entry into the March 14th Finals).
OPTION 2: FINALS ONLY: $20 (No Sundays)
FOR MORE INFORMATION please contact Coach Dan Lancianese 330-352-5602 or at [email protected]
The Run to the Beach 5K and One-Mile Easter Eggs Scramble on April 11, 2026, features beautiful courses that loop around Portage Lakes State Park.
Great swag! Finisher medals for ALL 5K runners and walkers.
The Run to the Beach 5K and 1-Mile Easter Egg Scramble is set to take participants for a mostly flat and fast run or walk along the lakeshore of Portage Lakes State Park, where more than 2000 acres of lakes, camping sites and hiking trails make it a popular recreation spot for boating and fishing here in northeastern Ohio.
Both races start in the parking lot near the beach area with a mix of road and trails and end on the sand on the beach.
Entrants will also receive a tech tshirt in the 5K, food and a goodie bag.
The event benefits the Portage Lakes Advisory Council. Become a race sponsor or donate to our organization by going to our fundraising page HERE. Donations can also be made through the registration process.
Location/Schedule
Portage Lakes State Park (5031 Manchester Road, Akron, Ohio 44319)
7:30 AM - Packet Pickup Begins
8:30 AM - 1-Mile Easter Egg Scramble Starts
9:00 AM - 5K Run & Competitive Walk Starts
1-Mile Easter Egg Scramble
A one-mile race, with Easter eggs along the course. Participants finish on the beach!
The Easter eggs then can be redeemed for prizes after the race. Parents of children running may run with their child for no additional charge.
Participants receive a cotton shirt.
Awards to the Top 3 Overall Males and Females.
5K Run
Finishers receive a very unique finisher medal!
Participants get a technical t-shirt.
Awards to Top 5 Overall Males and Females.
Additional awards to Top 3 in Age Categories: 11 & Under, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over.
5K Competitive Walk
All participants must walk the entire event, no running/jogging!
Finishers receive a very unique medal.
Participants will get a technical t-shirt.
Awards to Top 5 Overall Male and Female.
Team Challenge
Largest team wins no matter the time or event!
Winning team will enjoy a team prize. The team leader will be given details of the team prize.
Gather up everyone you know to be on your team. Participants can do either the 5K, 1-Mile, or the Virtual Run/Walk. Each team member signs up individually for their event and can create/join a team when registering for the event. Get your friends and/or co-works together, come up with a unique team name, and come on out! Team members must cross the finish line at the race to count! Virtual members must turn in their completion of event by Friday, May 2nd, at 5:00pm.
Your team leader should create the team and then you can choose it from the dropdown list of existing teams so that no spelling errors occur!
Join us for the 2026 Race Judicata on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 5:00pm from the University of Akron School of Law. All proceeds benefit the Akron Bar Foundation that provides scholarships and law related grants.
Course: The course is on the University of Akron Campus.
Awards: Top Male and Female Finishers in the following categories: Top Overall and Top Age Groups: 24 and under, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75+, and Tortoise (last to cross)
Law Student Team Competition - Join your class members and compete as a team! Time to race for bragging rights!
The Connect 5K Run for Youth Missions is a fundraising event that supports the youth of Connect Church in Akron, OH. Our high school and middle school students will serving their local Akron community this summer through partnership with local organizations! Our own backyard matters to God and also matters to us. Additionally, students will be going to camp to develop their faith and community with one another. Every step you run and dollar you donate helps get them that much closer to having a life-changing summer they will never forget.
This is also a great course for running on hills!
Come join us for our 2nd Annual Donut Dash 5k run/walk that supports the Women's Auxiliary Board (WAB) of Summit County Children's Services!
This 5K route begins and ends at Hardesty Park in Wallhaven, West Akron. This mostly flat route will take runners and walkers through the picturesque neighborhood of Castle Park. The ending is extra sweet: get a free donut as soon as you cross the finish line!
NEW EVENT: Kids Fun Run! This untimed race will be before the 5k begins.
Featured on the Akron Promise Race Series for 2026!
Run or walk in style with your new race t-shirt, included with registration. Runners, walkers, and strollers are welcome!
Race award prizes to be announced.
We will also have a raffle table at the event on race day.
Register by 4/13 to guarantee your T-shirt!
Please join us this year for our 14th annual running of the Race for Case. Race for Case is a community-oriented event benefiting all students of Case CLC. Profits from the event have helped us build our permanent greenhouse on school grounds and fund a set of digital microscopes, a VR system, and school events. Help us continue our tradition of successfully funding projects that provide our students with equipment and opportunities many APS students miss out on.
The Race for Case is just one of the Neighborhood races in the Akron Promise City Series, held to support community organizations, promote youth opportunity, explore Akron, and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
On Saturday, June 6, Akron Promise will host the fifth annual Kenmore Cowbell 7k, which highlights the Summit Lake Trail as well as Akron’s Music Row, Kenmore Boulevard, where guitar shops and percussion are plentiful.
The Cowbell 7k is unique not only in its distance but in its combination of natural and urban experiences. The race will kick off at 8 a.m. at the historic Rialto Theatre to the sound of guitars and cow bells. It will continue east on Kenmore Boulevard to the south end of Summit Lake, Akron's only glacial lake, where runners will connect to the Towpath via the Summit Lake Trail. A bridge will take them across the water past Summit Metro Parks’ Summit Lake Nature Center and Summit Lake Park. Runners will cross the Ohio & Erie Canal via a second bridge and head west, then south along the north side of the lake through a picturesque neighborhood. Runners will experience a slight uphill roll on Kenmore Boulevard which will level out, then head slightly downhill to finish to a bevy of Will Ferrell wannabes cheering them on with more cowbell than the Blue Oyster Cult can shake a drumstick at.
The finishers’ medal will include a literal cowbell: complete with ringer and all. Runners who finish five of the Akron Promise City Series races will receive a specially designed medal by an Akron Artist.
According to the race’s organizer, Nick Korora, a 1996 graduate of Kenmore High School, the origins of the cowbell theme are all local. Ellen Benn, known to Kenmore residents as “Grandma Benn,” was known as Kenmore High School’s biggest cheerleader. For over 60 years, she was a fixture at Kenmore High School sporting events, ringing her signature cowbell for the likes of the country’s longest-serving Mayor Don Plusquellic and former New York Jets players Dave and Don Buckey.
Although Benn died in 2006, Korora sees the race as an opportunity to keep her spirit alive.
“Spectators are a huge part of this race, just as Grandma Benn was a huge part of our childhoods,” Korora explained. “We offer a variety of race packages, so whether you want to be an athlete, Grandma Benn or Will Ferrell for the day, there’s an opportunity for everyone to participate and have fun.”
Proceeds from the race will provide resources, mentorship and post-secondary scholarships to Akron Public School students in Kenmore and surrounding communities.
Discounted registration is available until April 5, 2026
Aware Categories
Top 3 Active Military of Veterans
Top 3 Kenmore High School Graduates
Top 3 Breast Cancer Survivors
Top 3 Female and Male Adult and Youth Champions
Top 3 Male And Female in these Age Categories
18-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-50
60-64
65-69
70+
Event Overview
We’ll once again feature community resource tables, along with activities for all ages. The event is designed to celebrate community connections, wellness, and fun for everyone.
5K Challenge
This 5K offers friendly competition for athletes of all ages and abilities. The course features winding trails, hills, and other obstacles, symbolizing the challenges many individuals overcome on their recovery journey. All participants receive a medal.
1-Mile Family Fun Walk
The Family Fun Walk is a great way to get everyone involved! Each paid participant receives a custom shirt. Kids under 5 years old are $5.
Event Schedule
Saturday, June 6, 2026
8:00 AM – Packet Pickup & Registration
9:00 AM – 5K Start
9:15 AM – 1-Mile Start
Awards
5K Awards
Top 3 in each age group:
10 & Under
11–18
19-30
31-45
46-55
56+
The 6th Annual North Hill 5K is a great local event and included in the Akron Promise Race Series. We are honoring long time Track & Field,/Football Coach/Teacher, Joe Lutz. This year's event will take place at the North Hill Community Development Corporation in North Hill on Saturday June 20th at 8:00 AM
Price increase to $35 on May 1st. Proceeds benefit Akron North High School Athletics and the AECHS Running Club
Ready to put on your sneakers and cross the finish line at the Akron Marathon? 🏃♂️ This sports adventure in the heart of Akron, Ohio, promises you not only to take on a personal challenge but also to discover a city full of surprises.
Acme Fresh Market Foundation
8k & 1 Mile
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Akron, Ohio
#runAkron
Join us as we kick off Race Week at the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.
Your chance to run a great course AND finish the final stretch on the legendary Derby Downs Track.
A great event shirt and custom medal to all finishers
Awards: Top 3 Overall Men / Women, Top 1 Master Men / Women, Top 3 Men / Women Age Groups 1-10, 11-13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+
War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem
Run • Walk • Ruck
When: July 26, 2026 8 AM Start
Where: Tuscarawas Shelter at Firestone park in Akron
2620 Harrington Rd
Akron, OH 44319
Fighting the Silent Battle: A 2 mile, 4 mile, or 8 mile for Addiction, PTSD, & Recovery
The 2nd Annual Anthony Salem Challenge is more than a race—it is a movement.
Created in honor of Iraq Combat Veteran Anthony Salem, who tragically lost his battle with addiction and the invisible wounds of war on September 24, 2023, this event stands as a public declaration that no one should have to fight alone.
Every day, veterans and individuals in recovery wage an unseen war—against PTSD, addiction, trauma, and the weight of experiences most will never understand. Too many lose that battle in silence.
This challenge exists to change that.
On race day, participants will run, walk, or ruck a scenic 2 mile course, each step symbolizing the burdens so many carry quietly.
Your participation—and your fundraising—become part of someone’s survival story.
All proceeds power Running2bWell, helping provide:
• Bicycles for transportation
• Fitness clothing
• Running shoes
• Race entries
• Community support and connection
Every dollar fuels hope. Every mile lifts a warrior. Every fundraiser becomes part of the fight.
Join us as we honor Anthony’s legacy, uplift those still fighting, and ensure that no warrior battles alone.
Welcome to The War Within Peer-to-Peer Challenge—where your courage becomes someone’s lifeline.
Peer-to-Peer Challenge Fundraising Levels
War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem Run • Walk • Ruck
Fighting the Silent Battle: Addiction • PTSD • Recovery
The Challenge Entry — $40
“Answer the Call”
This is your basic registration or “sign-up challenge.”
Includes:
Event entry for Run • Walk • Ruck
Participant bib
Exclusive Anthony Salem Challenge T-shirt
Access to fundraising platform
The opportunity to dedicate your challenge “In Honor Of” a loved one
“No One Fights Alone”
Official “Battle Buddy” digital badge
Exclusive Anthony Salem Challenge T-shirt
Fundraisers who raise $100 or more will receive a food truck voucher as a thank-you for their impact
Name included on event website supporters page
Helps provide fitness clothing or race entries to someone in recovery.
“Every Mile Helps a Warrior Fight Another Day”
All previous rewards
Salem Challenge wristband
Supports a pair of running shoes for a veteran or person in recovery.
“Your Support Becomes Their Shield”
All previous rewards
Name listed on event “Honor Field” signage
Sponsors a full fitness-support package: clothing, shoes, race entries, and community programming.
Helps fund a bicycle for transportation to work, meetings, and recovery groups.
“Fight the Battle They Can’t Fight Alone”
All previous levels
Personalized certificate presented at the event
Funds nearly all components for the Sponsor a Warrior program.
Additional Fundraising Components
Ruck-Weight Fundraiser (Add-On Option)
Participants can collect pledges tied to their effort:
$5 per pound rucked
$1 per minute run
Great for teams and high-impact fundraisers.
Memorial & Honor Field (Event Day).
Supporters can donate to add a name to the 2026 Honor Field:
A veteran
A loved one lost to addiction
Someone fighting PTSD or rebuilding in recovery
The 12th Annual West Akron African American Wellness 5K Race is fast approaching and we look forward to exceeding last year’s participation and seeing you on Saturday, August 2, 2025!
The goal of the West Akron 5k Race is to unite the community in a spirit of wellness and philanthropy while raising funds to benefit students in the community. With the support of United Baptist Church, The Akron NAACP, Summa Health, the Gus Johnson Community Foundation, CareSource, Akron Children’s Hospital, Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home, this year’s race is on track to do just that with the help and support of our long-time sponsors. This 5K Race Initiative aims to bring awareness of disparities with diabetes, high blood pressure, and the risk of stroke among men while also supplying our schools, that are lacking, the resources needed to ensure our children receive the best education possible.
The West Akron 5K was founded by two-time Iraq war veteran and Buchtel alumni Mary Anderson (class of 1994) began the West Akron 5k in 2013 as a means of giving back to the school and community that nurtured her. We aim to unify a community around wellness and philanthropy that benefits the students in the Buchtel Cluster and citizens in Summit County and surrounding areas. The recent pandemic has prompted us to expand into education around COVID-19, testing, and partnering with entities to provide vaccines and boosters. A goal of the 5K Run/Walk is to raise funds in order to supply our cluster schools, that are lacking, the resources needed to ensure our children receive the best education possible while also informing the community about living a healthy life.
We need your support to take both of these important issues head on! If you can’t run you can walk. If you can’t walk you can still donate!!!
We look forward to another successful race that will benefit the children and families within our community.
Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k
Saturday, August 8 | Akron, Ohio
#runAkron
TIME TO GET YOUR PICKLE ON!
Akron’s Pride: Akron Pickle
We’ve been magically turning cucumbers into something way better since 2009. Join us for a FUN FUN FUN 5K that kicks off the Akron Pickle Fest in Downtown Akron. Awards to the Top 3 Overall Men/Women and Top 3 in Age Groups 1-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Special Run with Your Dog Division!
The Pickle Fest itself opens immediately after the awards for the 5K at 10:00am
We invite you to the Return of the Four Leaf Clover 4-mile run and Alayna Bretsik Family Fun Run to benefit cancer patients of all ages right here in Northeast Ohio on Saturday, September 12th at 10:00am.
This is the must do short distance run in the Akron area for 2026! Of course, you can walk it too! This challenging, fun four-mile course will travel through some of the famous brick road West Hill neighborhoods of Akron, including historic Glendale Cemetery. The run will finish on the 50-yard line of John Cistone Field at the VanDevere Automotive Family Station on the campus of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Yes, the same field that LeBron played on! Included in all the fun is the finisher’s party. The Four Leaf Clover Run Finisher’s Festival is complete with live music featuring Disco Inferno, refreshments, and an onsite BBQ. There is also an awards ceremony for overall and age group winners and recognition of fundraising champions and cancer fighters. Most importantly, your entry fee is not just another race fee; think of it as a gift to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
All Runners/Walkers receive:
Commemorative Gift
Race T-shirt
Finishers Festival
Goodie Bag
BBQ Meal
One Beer Ticket (21 age or over)
Overall/Age/Group Awards.
Start Time
Registration/Packet Pick Up- 8:00am
5K Run/1 Mile Walk - 9:00 a.m.
Timing
5K is Bib-Tag chip timed
1 Mile Walk is untimed
What Is PS I Love you?
The "P.S. I Love You" event honors Patrick Steurer, a 1997 graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and a dedicated member of the downtown Akron YMCA. An avid runner, Patrick completed his first half marathon in under two hours in 2013 and aimed to run his first full marathon in 2015. Unfortunately, he tragically passed away during a training run before achieving this goal. His father and board member emeritus, Dan Steurer, was involved in the YMCA for many years, including chairing the Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K for two decades. Today, we honor the Steurer legacy…Patrick’s positive spirit and support for others at the YMCA left a lasting impact.
He is remembered fondly by all who knew him. Patrick Steurer, we love you.
Registration
Pre-Registration
Until August 31st
$30
September 1st through race day
$35
Register by September 1 to be guaranteed a t-shirt
5K Awards
Top Male and Female Overall
Top Male and Female Master Overall (60+)
Top Male and Female Junior Overall (18 & Under)
*Dogs are allowed at this race but we ask that you line up in the back and have a short leash.
FirstEnergy Akron Marathon,
Half Marathon & Team Relay
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Akron, Ohio
#runAkron
The fall tradition is back!
Get ready to tackle the 5K (3.1 miles) in downtown Akron this October. Open to all ages and abilities, runners and walkers will enjoy a picture-perfect course. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a cup of apple cider while you choose the perfect pumpkin!
Gourdy’s Pumpkin Run has become a tradition for hundreds of thousands of fall-natics since 2012. Your registrations helps support Girls on the Run, who is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
Registration Includes:
-Entry to the 5K
-2026 Lightweight Tech Hoodie, perfect for fall running weather
-2026 finisher's medal
-Commemorative race bib with chip timing
-Cup of apple cider at the finish line
-Small pumpkin to take home
Join Us for the 3rd Annual James Anderson Built on Belief 7K & 1-Mile Walk for Recovery!
📅 Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
📍 Location: 916 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44314
We’re excited to announce the 3rd Annual James Anderson Built on Belief 7K & 1-Mile Walk for Recovery —an event dedicated to celebrating resilience, recovery, and community. The 1 Mile Walk is an untimed event!
Virtual: Can't participant on race day. We offer virtual so you can run the event any day/time and log your results from October 18-31!. You can pickup your items on Saturday/Sunday the weekend of our event or add on $10 for your items to be shipped to you after our event. The virtual mailing will be shipped after the event by October 23 and should be received by October 31. Virtual isn't included in the awards!
This race was inspired by James Anderson, whose journey of recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, James ran 100 miles straight over 30 hours, pushing his body and mind to the limit to raise $20,000 for our organization. His dedication and belief in the power of recovery continue to inspire others to take that next step—whether it’s one mile or one hundred.
In 2024, we launched this race as a way to honor James’ efforts and create a lasting tradition that brings the community together in support of recovery. Our inaugural event was a huge success, but we also learned a lot—and we’re making exciting improvements for 2026! This year, participants can look forward to:
✅ A newly paved driveway at the start/finish line for a smoother race experience
✅ An updated and more accurate race map to ensure precise course measurements
✅ An even better event experience with improved logistics, amenities, and more surprises!
🏅 Whether you’re running the 7K, walking the 1-mile course, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps change lives.
Register today and be part of something bigger than a race—be part of a movement.
Together, we run for recovery. Together, we believe.
T-Shirt:
Short Sleeve T-Shirt for all registrants Adult X-Small to 3X-Large. Discount is available for a No Shirt option of $5 up to Race Day! Shirts will be limited after Sunday, October 4!
Medals:
All participants will receive a medal.
Schedule:
Saturday, October 17:
12:00-4:00 PM - Pre-Packet Pickup
Sunday, October 18:
7:30 AM - Packet Pickup/Registration
9:00 AM - 7K Run/Walk Start
9:00 AM - 1 Mile Family Fun Walk Start (untimed event)
10:00 AM - 7K Awards
7K Awards:
Top 1 Overall Male & Female
Top 3 Age Group Male & Female in 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, & 70+
Sponsorship:
If your interested in sponsoring our event please visit our sponsorship page!
USA Swimming Club. 158 members.