Our Sports Scene Sizzles

These are just a few of the places to test your mettle whether you walk, run, ride or cheer.

Akron Marathon Race Series Presented by Summa Health A blue stripe runs down Akron roads for miles—26.2 of them to be exact. It marks the route of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay, the marquee event of this race series now celebrating its 21st year. The series begins in June and ends with its capstone race in September. Funds raised benefit numerous non-profi t organizations.

Regal Beagle Ultra Marathon More than 250 runners turn out each November for this 50K run through wetlands, woodlands and hills in the Bath Nature Preserve. Proceeds benefit the preserve. Those whose expectations are a bit more modest can run a 25K or 5K.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Race Series Four family-friendly walk/run events throughout the year conclude with a two-day celebration and half marathon in downtown Canton at the end of summer.

Up, Up & Away 5K by OrthoUnited Part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in summer, this race draws hundreds of runners, walkers, parents with strollers and trotters with pets. Hot air balloons, in town for the weekend’s Balloon Classic, float overhead.

Huntington Towpath Century Ride A fundraiser for the beloved Ohio & Erie Canalway, a designated National Heritage Area, this 101-mile ride traverses the towpath trail from Settler’s Point in Cleveland to New Philadelphia or Massillon. Do it in one day or two.

Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree Each fall, hundreds of hikers lace up their boots to log miles at 15 designated trails in the Metro Parks. Complete eight trails, earn a hiking staff or shield. It’s the oldest community hike of its kind in the nation.

. . . or go fan-crazy for your favorite teams.

The Pros

The Cleveland Guardians—rebranded and renewed—play at Progressive Field, just a 35-minute drive from downtown Akron. It’s a fan-friendly ballpark, from its raised bullpens to its Kids Clubhouse. It’s been called one of the best ballparks in the nation.

The Cleveland Browns attract some of the most passionate fans in the NFL, win or lose. Just check out the insane Dawg Pound posse during the fourth quarter. Cleveland Browns Stadium on the shores of Lake Erie is a gorgeous place to see a game.

The Cleveland Cavaliers play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which underwent complete renovations a few years ago. It’s a full fan and family experience. It’s also home to the AHL’s Monsters, the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team.

The Akron RubberDucks, whose home is Canal Park in the heart of downtown Akron, is the minor league AA affi liate of the Cleveland Guardians. Games, mascots, extreme food and up-and-coming players make the Ducks a budget-friendly blast.

Legends of golf such as Ernie Els and Jerry Kelly take on the famed Firestone Country Club’s south course for the PGA Tour’s Kaulig Companies Championship in July. After play, families can enjoy concerts and great food. Proceeds benefi t many local charities.

The NFL’s annual Hall of Fame Game takes place in in August in Canton, the birthplace of professional football. The game, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, is part of the week-long festivities celebrating the induction of the game’s icons into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

College

The University of Akron Zips: 17 varsity NCAA Division I teams in the Mid America Conference, including a nationally ranked men’s soccer team

Kent State University Golden Flashes: 18 varsity NCAA Division I teams, including football and men’s track and field, in the Mid America Conference

Malone University Pioneers, Canton: 18 varsity Division II teams in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, including recently formed men’s and women’s lacrosse teams

Walsh University Cavaliers, North Canton: 20 varsity Division II teams in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, including football at Larry Staudt Field

University of Mount Union Purple Raiders, Alliance: 22 varsity Division III teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference, including a century-old and storied football team