Everything you need to know about this weekend's Akron Marathon

Thousands of runners and as many spectators are expected to take to the streets in Akron on Saturday.

The 22nd running of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon will step off at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Akron Art Museum at 1 S. High St.

The 8,000 runners for both the full and half marathons will start off in phases.

The course will wind through Akron streets and neighborhoods along its signature blue line resulting in numerous road closures throughout the city.

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The race day festivities kick off at 6 a.m. with the opening ceremonies.

The races conclude on South Main Street outside of Canal Park, where the FirstEnergy Finisher Festival will be held, featuring live music and food trucks.

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Where is the Health & Fitness Expo?

The Akron Marathon will once again host a Health and Fitness Expo on Friday.

The free Expo will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the John S. Knight Center at 77 E. Mill St. in downtown Akron.

Participants can pick up their race packets and also other items before the race day.

There will also be exhibits and talks by speakers including Ali Feller, host of the “Ali on the Run Show” podcast, along with a Runners Lounge with KT taping and Normatec boots.

Where do I park for Akron Marathon 2024?

There will be some parking restrictions along the marathon route.

Akron is offering free parking in most city parking decks and lots located throughout downtown on Saturday.

Race officials urge spectators and runners to arrive downtown before 6 a.m. as some roads along the route will begin to close after 6:50 a.m.

Some of the parking areas will have delayed exiting to allow the runners to pass by.

When is the Akron Marathon's Kids Run?

The Mandel Family Kids Fun Run presented by Akron Children’s Hospital Promises Family Fun is Friday night.

The free event starts at 214 W. Bowery St. and finishes at 300 S. Main St., near Canal Park.

The free registration tent opens at 5 p.m. and the race starts at 6 p.m.

Organizers expect more than 1,000 kids participating this year.

When will the Akron Marathon and Half Marathon finish?

The finishing times for the marathon and half marathon depend on the speeds of the participants.

The awards ceremony for the Half Marathon participants is scheduled for 8:50 a.m.

Awards for Marathon runners are scheduled for 10:45 a.m.

The course will close at 1:40 p.m.

The Finisher Festival will close at 1:45 p.m.

For more information, visit akronmarathon.org .

What are the Akron Marathon relay legs?

There are five relay legs in the marathon this year. The first leg is 4.2 miles, the second leg is 6.9 miles, the third 5.6 miles, the fourth leg is 4.5 miles and the fifth leg is 5 miles.

For more information, visit akronmarathon.org .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Everything you need to know about this weekend's Akron Marathon