9 walking events in Akron, Ohio

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

1. Battle Buddy Level — $100-499 Raised

“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.

2. Strength in the Struggle Level — $500-999 Raised

“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.

3. Warrior Shield Level — $1,000- 2499 Raised

“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.

4. The Salem Hero Level — $2,500 Raised

“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.

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.

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!