AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation announced today that The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will serve as the presenting sponsor for the Half Marathon & 10k event to be held on Aug. 15, 2015 as part of the new Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series.

The Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k will start and finish at the company's global headquarters in southeast Akron. The race course will include local landmarks such as the East End development, Derby Downs and the Lockheed Martin Airdock. The race will also feature a lap around the track at Goodyear's restricted access Akron Proving Grounds.

"Goodyear has maintained a strong community presence for more than a century and played an instrumental role in establishing Akron as the rubber capital of the world," said Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon President/Executive Director. "Having Goodyear participate in the inaugural year of the Rubber City Race Series is very meaningful for our organization, and we are thrilled to be able to offer our runners the amazing experience of taking a lap around Goodyear's test track."

All participants in the Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k will receive race premiums for which the Akron Marathon has long been known, including a tech shirt and finisher's medal. The half marathon runners will also get a commemorative gift. The finish line will feature an "Akron's Best" food festival, which will be open to participants, volunteers and spectators.

"We are delighted to join forces with the Akron Marathon as it introduces two new race events this year that will build on the success of its annual fall marathon," said Alison White, Goodyear Director of Community Engagement. "The Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k is a terrific opportunity to welcome the community to our campus and to involve our Goodyear associates as race participants and volunteers."

Registration for all three Rubber City Race Series events opened in November with incentives geared toward running multiple events. The entry fee is $75 for the Half Marathon and $55 for the 10k, with roughly 3,000 spots available between the two events. Registration is available at www.RubberCityRaceSeries.org.

The 2015 race dates for the inaugural running of the Rubber City Race Series are as follows: June 27 (8k & 1-mile), Aug. 15 (Goodyear Half Marathon & 10k) and Sept. 26 (Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run). The dates were developed to help guide runners through a typical training schedule.

About Goodyear

Headquartered in Akron since 1898, Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 68,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

About the Akron Marathon Rubber City Race Series

The Akron Marathon Rubber City 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. This year will mark the 13^th 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 will feature 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 on the Series is available at www.RubberCityRaceSeries.org or by calling (330) 434-2RUN (2786).

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company; Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation