AKRON, Ohio - More than 100,000 spectators are expected in Akron this weekend to cheer on participants in the final three events of the 16th Akron Marathon.

Sponsored over the next three years by FirstEnergy, the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay will be held Saturday along the blue lines painted throughout the city's roadways. The races kick off at 7 a.m. Saturday on High Street in downtown Akron, and end at Canal Park Stadium, 300 South. Main St. downtown. A Finisher Festival will be held at Canal Park from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

About 10,000 people ages 11 to 91 are expected to participate, with runners hailing from 44 states and six countries, the marathon reports.

"Akronites and city visitors alike see the blue line weave throughout the city all year long, a reminder of one of the preeminent events that showcase our city, both to the running community and also the world," said FirstEnergy President & CEP Charles Jones in a news release. "Our employees have been volunteering and running in this race for years. It's an event that has truly galvanized our company and our community."

Each year, Summa Health and SummaCare hosts the Akron Marathon Health and Fitness Expo at the John S. Knight Center, 77 East Mill St. in downtown Akron.

The expo, which runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, is free and open to the public. It features exhibitors offering health and fitness information and products.

The Akron Marathon Race Series promotes health and fitness while benefiting local charities, including Akron Children's Hospital.

A Kids Run for kids 12 and under also takes place on Friday, at 6:30 p.m., starting and finishing at 200 South Main St.

During the expo, three-time Olympic marathon runner and race ambassador Kastor Deena will meet runners, and sign autographs and copies of her new book "Let your Mind Run."

This weekend's events are a culmination of a race series that included the National Interstate 8k & 1-Mile in June and the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k in August.

The Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corp. The series is designed to promote health and fitness and stimulate the local economy while benefiting charities.

For a detailed schedule of the weekend's events visit the Akron Marathon website.

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