FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series Inks FirstEnergy as
Presenting Sponsor for Marquee September Event
Akron-based corporation serves six million customers in six states
AKRON, Ohio (Oct. 27, 2015) – FirstEnergy Corp. has signed a three-year
agreement with the Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series to
serve as the presenting sponsor of the Marathon, Half Marathon and Team
Relay held each September. The announcement was made Tuesday at a special
event at Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron.
FirstEnergy replaces Time Warner Cable, which had served as presenting
sponsor since the Akron Marathon's inception in 2003.
"The Akron Marathon has always been about community and we're extremely
happy one of the largest employers in Summit County has stepped up to
become presenting sponsor," said Steve Marks, Akron Marathon founder. "At
the same time, we'd like to thank Time Warner Cable for being a great
partner for the first 13 years of the event."
Headquartered in Akron, FirstEnergy has more than 15,000 employees who
serve six million customers across six states.
"We're thrilled to partner with Akron Children's Hospital to increase our
sponsorship of the Akron Marathon," said Chuck Jones, president and CEO of
FirstEnergy. "This race has become a nationally-respected event, both
because it's so well-organized and because of the tremendous ways this
community has embraced it. Many of our employees and customers run,
volunteer and cheer for this event every year, making this a perfect fit
for FirstEnergy."
FirstEnergy has been a major sponsor of the Akron marathon since its
inception in 2003.
The inaugural Akron Marathon featured 3,775 participants and has grown to
more than 14,000 across the weekend's events. The marquee event generates
more than $6 million in economic activity and generates thousands of
dollars more in contributions to countless charities.
"FirstEnergy has been a longtime partner of Akron Children's Hospital, and
we are delighted that they accepted our invitation to step up to presenting
sponsor of the marathon as we become the race's title beneficiary in 2016,"
said Bill Considine, Akron Children's Hospital president and CEO. "We are
grateful to FirstEnergy and all the individuals and organizations who are
so civic-minded and make Akron such a great place to live."
Known as the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series in 2015, more than
20,000 runners participated across the three events. The series dates were
developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule leading
up to the marquee events. The 2016 events will be held June 25 (8k &
1-Mile), August 13 (Half Marathon & 10k) and Sept. 24 (Full Marathon, Half
Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run). Registration is scheduled to open
this winter.
About the Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series
The Akron Children's Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series is organized by
the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a non-profit group founded in
2002 to provide a world-class marathon and other events that promote health
and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community and
benefit charitable organizations. 2015 marked the 13th running of
September's marquee event (Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids
Fun Run), which has grown by more than 300 percent since its inception in
2003. The series featured new race dates in June (8k & 1-Mile) and August
(Half Marathon & 10k), providing greater opportunity for participation on
all levels in the sport of running. Additional information is available at
www.akronmarathon.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).
About FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety,
reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution
companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems,
serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia,
Maryland and New York. Visit FirstEnergy on the web at
www.firstenergycorp.com, or follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.
About Akron Children's Hospital
Ranked among the best children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report,
Akron Children's Hospital is the fastest growing children's hospital in the
U.S. according to Modern Healthcare. We own and operate two pediatric
hospitals in northeast Ohio and more than 80 primary and subspecialty care
locations. We have the second busiest emergency department in the state and
perform more pediatric surgeries than any other hospital in northeast Ohio.
With more than 800,000 patient visits each year, we've been leading the way
to healthier futures for children and communities through expert medical
care, prevention and wellness programs since 1890. Learn more at
www.akronchildrens.org.
###
|
