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.

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.

outstanding event for enabling the family to work together and train up for health!

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,

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

The 9th annual Akron marathon was another splendid display of superb organization, all details impeccably in place. Jim Barnett, the race director, gets my vote for one of the top ten marathon directors in the USA. He's such a student of the game and makes the average Joe runner feel important. In fact, if he wants to run for President, I'll vote for him. On second thought, Jim, just stay in Akron.

This was my 49th marathon since 2005 and my third Akron, which is one of my favorites despite the difficulty of the course. The Brooks Essential Run Jacket, Running Times subscription, and all the other extras thrown in (you never know whats waiting for you at the finish line) make this the most runner friendly marathon in America. Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, only ten minutes away, which was as excellent as the race. Thanks again, Akron!!

This was my second marathon, but first large one, so I don't have a lot to compare to. However, it was easy to get my packet, which was nice. Driving to the marathon, parking, doing the gear check and getting to the starting line were unbelievably easy. As for supplies along the course, there were plenty of porto potties, and also so many water stops along the way I didn't need the camelback I usually run with. At the end of the race they call you out by name over the whole stadium (where it ends) and there is a free massage right at the finish line. The spectators were definitely the best part - I had DOZENS of people I'd never met calling out my name to cheer me on. Literally dozens! And they were out as early as 0700! Absolutely phenomenal. I would say Akron is a must do whether it's your first marathon or one of many. The only part I didn't like was they had a 2 mile long hill around mile 16, but they warn you about this on the website, so it's not like I didn't know about it. It just turned out to be quite a challenging course. Loved it overall!