Upcoming Races in Akron, Ohio 2026

Written By: Jeremy N

If you are looking for races in Akron, Ohio, you have come to the right place. Akron has a growing running scene with 9 races listed in our directory, including 3 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.

Upcoming Races in Akron, Ohio

Here is a look at the top upcoming races in Akron this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.

9/11 25th Anniversary Stair Climb

Date: September 11, 2026

Lace up to honor the brave first responders who lost their lives on 9/11climb the stairs in Akron with us as we remember the 343 firefighters, 72 police officers, 10 EMS personnel, and countless others who made the ultimate sacrifice. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


2026 Four Leaf Clover Run

Date: September 12, 2026

Join us on September 12th, 2026 at 10:00am in Akron for this fantastic 4-mile run (or walk!) that winds through the beautiful brick-lined West Hill neighborhoods and historic Glendale Cemetery before finishing right on the field where LeBron James once played at St. Vincent-St. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


10th Annual KJ’s 5K for Mental Health and Animal Rescue

Date: October 3, 2026

Distance: 5K

Join us for the 10th celebration of this awesome 5K benefiting mental health and animal rescue at Portage Lakes State Park in Akron! Whether you prefer the energy of an in-person event on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 (with check-in at 8 am and the race starting around 9 am), or… Read full details →

Register for this Race →

Why Run in Akron?

Running events in Akron offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.

Find More Races in Ohio

Akron is just one part of a thriving Ohio running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for Ohio — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.

Get Ready to Race

Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.

Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.

Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in Akron!

Hi, Jeremy Here, 

I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journeyAbout Jeremy. 

I have run over 250 races including the California International Marathon, Clarksburg Country Run, and various other 5K & 10K races throughout the United States. I am a former Athletics department employee at University of the Pacific and Shoe Consultant with Dicks Sporting Goods

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