Join Us For the Akron Marathon

Runners flood through the "starting gate" during last year's Akron Marathon

This Saturday, nearly 15,000 people are expected to participate in the Akron Marathon, an event that’s become a major attraction for Northeast Ohio. And since the inaugural race nine years ago, Time Warner Cable has been along for the run as the title sponsor.

But our involvement goes well beyond that. Each year Time Warner Cable employees proudly represent the company by running the full- or half-marathon, or competing on a relay team. Employees also volunteer their time in support of the event: working water stations, cheering on runners and fellow employees and pitching in wherever they can to help participants and fans.

The Akron Marathon has been an ideal partner for Time Warner Cable over the years. It gives us the opportunity to reach out to the community in a meaningful, economically productive and health-focused way.

According to Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon executive director, “the event not only provides a health incentive for residents and out-of-town guests, but also adds an estimated $4 million to the local economy, almost $600,000 in increased local incomes, and the equivalent creation of more than 24 full-time jobs.”
 
We aren’t the only ones saying great things about the race. It continues to receive accolades from the sports and fitness industry. For instance, this year the marathon was named by Active.com as one of “11 running events to do in 2011.” According to the article, runners will “enjoy the treatment of a world-class athlete and a unique, Olympic-style stadium finish.”

In addition, word-of-mouth has been a major factor in growing the event. Fewer than 3,000 runners turned out in 2003. Over 15,000 will pack the streets of Akron this year.

Never witnessed the “opening bell” for a marathon? Here’s a video of last year’s start, which took almost 7 minutes.

TV Coverage Note: If you live in Northeast Ohio and are a Time Warner Cable customer, you can watch video from the marathon finish line. Check out Local On Demand channel 411 beginning September 30.

Categories: In the Community, Local On Demand, Ohio