AKRON, O.H. (Dec. 30, 2025) — The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation announces that the Acme Fresh Market Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 8k & 1 Mile, the kickoff race of the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health. The Foundation succeeds National Interstate Insurance Company beginning in 2026, elevating a partnership that has supported Akron’s running community since the Marathon’s inception.
For more than two decades, Acme Fresh Market has helped fuel the Akron Marathon experience, providing runners with water, bananas, and recovery snacks throughout race weekend. With a 125-year legacy of feeding and supporting families across Northeast Ohio, the expanded partnership reflects a shared commitment to health, wellness, and community.
“The Akron Marathon Race Series is one of our region’s most inspiring celebrations of health, community, and togetherness,” said Katie Swartz, Vice President of Marketing, Acme Fresh Market. “We are honored to deepen our support as presenting sponsor of the 8k & 1 Mile and look forward to helping families across Northeast Ohio start their race season with energy, excitement, and fun.”
As part of this enhanced partnership, the 8k & 1 Mile will return to InfoCision Stadium, offering participants a memorable on-field finish and a post-race celebration inside the stadium, complete with fresh snacks and a festive atmosphere. The event will also debut the Acme Fresh Family 1 Mile, designed to inspire runners, walkers, and families, including kids and strollers, to take part together. Both events, the 8k & 1 Mile are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026.
“We are grateful to expand our partnership with the Acme Fresh Market Foundation,” said Anne Bitong, president & CEO of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “Their dedication to strengthening families and improving community well-being makes them a natural partner as we launch the 2026 Race Series with a shared commitment to health, wellness, and community connection.”
The 8k & 1 Mile presented by the Acme Fresh Market Foundation anchors the Akron Marathon Race Series presented by Summa Health, followed by the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k on August 8 and culminating with the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay in the fall on September 26.
Registration for all 2026 Akron Marathon Race Series events opens Jan. 7, 2026, at AkronMarathon.org.
About the Akron Marathon Race Series
The Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 to provide a world-class marathon and related events that promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community, and benefit charitable organizations. The series features race dates in June (8k & 1 Mile) and August (Half Marathon & 10k), culminating with the annual Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, and Kids Fun Run in September. Additional information is available at AkronMarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
About the Acme Fresh Market Foundation
F. W. Albrecht, founder of Acme Fresh Market in 1891, believed strongly in supporting the communities where his stores operated. Known as the “Mister,” his commitment to community support continues through the Acme Fresh Market Foundation. Since it’s founding in 1990, the Acme Fresh Market Foundation has provided support to many non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio. In addition, the Acme Fresh Market Foundation awards scholarships annually to associates and children of associates to help them reach their educational goals.