West Akron 5K Race takes place at 1040 Copley Road in Akron, Ohio on August 1, 2026. Despite its name, the event offers a 1-mile distance rather than a traditional 5K. The race accommodates both runners and walkers, making it accessible to a range of fitness levels. The typical start time is 8:00 AM. Entry fees fall between $30 and $40. If you're traveling to Akron for this early-morning event, you'll want accommodation within a reasonable drive of the Copley Road venue to ensure you can arrive comfortably before the start.
From the Race Organizer
The 13th Annual West Akron African American Wellness 5K Race is fast approaching and we look forward to exceeding last year’s participation and seeing you on Saturday, August 1, 2026 8:00AM!! The goal of the West Akron 5k Race is to unite the community in a spirit of wellness and philanthropy while raising funds to benefit students in the community. With the support of United Baptist Church, The Akron NAACP, Summa Health, the Gus Johnson Community Foundation, CareSource, Akron Children’s Hospital, Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home, this year’s race is on track to do just that with the help and support of our long-time sponsors. This 5K Race Initiative aims to bring awareness of disparities with diabetes, high blood pressure, and the risk of stroke among men while also supplying our schools, that are lacking, the resources needed to ensure our children receive the best education possible. The West Akron 5K was founded by two-time Iraq war veteran and Buchtel alumni Mary Anderson (class of 1994) began the West Akron 5k in 2013 as a means of giving back to the school and community that nurtured her. We aim to unify a community around wellness and philanthropy that benefits the students in the Buchtel Cluster and citizens in Summit County and surrounding areas. The pandemic prompted us to expand into education around COVID-19, testing, and partnering with entities to provide vaccines and boosters. A goal of the 5K Run/Walk is to raise funds in order to supply our cluster schools, that are lacking, the resources needed to ensure our children receive the best education possible while also informing the community about living a healthy life. We need your support to take both of these important issues head on! If you can’t run you can walk. If you can’t walk you can still donate!!! We look forward to another successful race that will benefit the children and families within our community.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in AKRON, OH. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to AKRON, OH.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
West Akron 5k Race 2026 — AKRON, OH takes place on August 1, 2026. The race is held in AKRON, Ohio.
Where is West Akron 5k Race 2026 — AKRON, OH held?
West Akron 5k Race 2026 — AKRON, OH is held at 1040 Copley Road in AKRON, Ohio.
Where can I find hotels near West Akron 5k Race 2026 — AKRON, OH?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in AKRON. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
