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AKRON, Ohio — It’s all about the “Blue Line” in Akron this weekend, when the Akron Marathon draws thousands of runners and spectators to the city for the 20th year of the popular event.

The main and final race events of the annual series — the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay — take place on Saturday. The National Interstate and 1 Mile were run in June, followed by the Half Marathon and 10K in mid-August.

Each year, the marathon series averages 14,000 runners and 2,000 volunteers, race organizers said.

From start to finish, thousands of spectators traditionally line the race course cheering on the runners throughout the race.

On Saturday morning, runners will follow the Blue Line on a course that winds around the city, past historic landmarks, through neighborhoods and into Summit Metro Parks.

The Blue Line begins downtown, with runners crossing the All-American Bridge in North Hill toward downtown where they pass the Akron Art Museum and University of Akron. At Firestone Park, runners turn north, navigating different areas of downtown, and picking up the Towpath Trail toward Sand Run Parkway. Passing Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, runners move through the Highland Square neighborhood and back into downtown. A detailed course description can be seen on the Akron Marathon website.

The marathon weekend kicks off with the Blue Jean Bash on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill Street in downtown Akron. This year’s honorary chairs for the event are Mayor Dan Horrigan, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and Dr. Nilesh Shah, Summa Health Sports Medicine.

Runners pick up their race packets during the one-day Akron Marathon Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Knight Center. More than 6,000 people attend the expo each year, according to race organizers.

The exhibit is free and open to the public and features the latest in health and wellness info and products.

To commemorate the 20th year of the Akron Marathon, this year’s expo includes:

The Akron Marathon was launched by Akronites Steve and Jeannine Marks, who in 2002, after several years of research, established the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. The following year in October, the first Akron Marathon took place, with 3,775 runners and 3,000 volunteers.

Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of the Boston and New York marathons, served as a spokesman the first year and Jay Leno provided post-race entertainment for participants.

In 2021, the race went on during the coronavirus pandmic but runners and volunteers were required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test 72 hours prior to the race to participate.