![There are typically a series of events leading up to the full Akron Marathon in September. This year two of them, including the Goodyear Half Marathon, have been canceled because of the coronavirus. [WKSU]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5377f9d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x541+0+0/resize/840x568!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fimages%2Fnews%2Fnpr%2F2020%2F04%2F843404817_1502677753.jpg)
The Akron Marathon is canceling two summer events following restrictions set by the city of Akron on city-sponsored events of more than 250 people until Sept. 7.
Canceled races include the National Interstate 8K and 1 Miler scheduled for June 27 and the Goodyear Half Marathon and 10K scheduled for Aug. 8.
Marathon president and CEO Anne Bitong says they are doing what they can to make sure the canceled races don’t go to waste.
The marathon is donating at least $20,000 that is usually used for shirts and medals to the Akron Community Foundation's Community Response Fund, which is assisting local charities to help those affected by COVID-19. Bitong said.
Runners have the option of donating their registration fee to the same fund, or deferring it so they can participate in a race at a later date. The marathon, half marathon and team relay races scheduled for Sept. 26 are still on for now, but Bitong says they are constantly evaluating their options.
Bitong on the factors considered in canceling a race.
“Mostly, we’re factoring in the health and safety of our participants, making sure that we can continue to provide a safe, well organized race that our customers have come to love,” Bitong said.
Marathon organizers are communicating often with the city of Akron and USA Track and Field to come up with the best plan for how to safely hold future events, Bitong said.
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