For The First Time
Akron Marathon provides sensory-inclusive toolkits so all can enjoy the event
By Kat Pestian
Photos: Provided By The Akron Marathon
Runners at the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Team Relay made history in the world’s first-ever, sensory-inclusive marathon in Akron, Ohio, in September 2019—thanks to a partnership with KultureCity.
KultureCity, a nonprofit with a mission to revolutionize and effect change in the sensory-needs community, was on-site at the race with its sensory-activation vehicle, along with available toolkits equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads for any guests who needed additional support at the race.
To prepare for the partnership, marathon staff and volunteers participated in a certification process to help support those guests and fans with sensory needs and to give tips on how to handle a sensory-overload situation.
The marathon and its staff were able to cater to people dealing with conditions like autism, PTSD, Parkinson’s disease, and early-onset dementia.
Runners Embrace The Idea
MaryBeth Emerich, a FirstEnergy employee, Akron Marathon volunteer, and mom of three sons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), was thrilled, knowing a safe space existed for her children at the race she adores. “I know my sons can attend this event, thanks to KultureCity’s sensory-inclusive help, and I’m aware that this is one more step to raising awareness and to full inclusivity in the community,” she says. “This is an amazing event that benefits Akron Children’s Hospital, and with the partnership of KultureCity, we can bring awareness and help include a community that otherwise may not feel comfortable participating or attending. I am so proud to volunteer with FirstEnergy.”
Prior to the event, families were invited to download the free KultureCity App, where users can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them.
“I believe if you truly want to see change, it starts with you,” says Amy Belles, KultureCity Ohio’s co-founder.
In 2016, Belles took up running as a hobby after her non-verbal son was diagnosed with autism. She wanted to see change, not only for her son, Carson, but for other children, so she became a vital part of KultureCity with her husband, Jeff. Since 2016, KultureCity has grown from seven sensory-inclusive ventures to more than 400 in four countries.
“Knowing that all of your loved ones can now be included and feel welcomed motivates my every step,” Belles says. “And having the first marathon be in my hometown of Akron makes it that much more special.”
An Unforgettable Experience
The race series is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit founded in 2002 to provide a marathon and other events that promote health and fitness, stimulate the local economy, galvanize the community, and benefit charitable organizations. The series features race dates in June (National Interstate 8K and 1-Mile), August (Goodyear Half-Marathon and 10K), and September with the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half-Marathon, Team Relay & Kids Fun Run.
“In the Northeast Ohio running community, inclusion and support are pillars of our foundation,” says Anne Bitong, Executive Director of the corporation. “Runners cheer for each other, run back to ensure a stranger can cross a finish line, and now for the first time in the country, runners and spectators of all abilities are not only encouraged to attend but felt intentionally welcomed.”
The course of the marathon went through West Akron neighborhoods, crossed the All-America bridge in North Hill, took runners down Main Street, and crossed into the Firestone Park neighborhoods before returning runners to downtown Akron on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, where a finish inside Canal Park Stadium and the Finisher Festival awaited the runners.
The 2020 event is already on the calendar, set for September 26, 2020, at 7:30 a.m., with pre-registration opening on November 18, 2019. Runners can expect another unforgettable start inside the historic grounds of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens before taking an exclusive foot-tour of the city—all with a lens of inclusivity.
Kat Pestian is the public relations liaison for the Akron Marathon. She is a partner with AMP Strategy, a communications and marketing firm in Akron, Ohio. Reach her at kat@ampstrategy.com.