The Akron Marathon is making the finish line a little sweeter for the swiftest. Organizers are boosting the overall prize pool by $65-hundred dollars in 2012 for the September 29th race.

(Akron Marathon) Winners of the Akron Marathon events will have more reasons to celebrate during the 10th annual running this September. Event organizers have increased overall event prize money by $6,500.

In addition, the Invited Runner Program has been expanded to include the ever-popular half marathon, and prize money has been added for this event. The many benefits of the Invited Runner Program can be found at www.akronmarathon.org.

“The course modifications for our 10th running have been well received,” said Jim Chaney, Associate Race Director. “This is very exciting as there are cumulative cash incentives that will be given to all runners who reach threshold levels in various marathon categories. These levels will be more achievable in 2012.”

Prize money and awards for the Akron Marathon, presented by Time Warner Cable, will be presented to the top men and women finishers in a variety of categories. They include:

Marathon Open Division

Men's and Women's First Place: $2,500 (plus Champion Brouse Cup)
Men's and Women's Second Place: $1,500
Men's and Women's Third Place: $500
Men's and Women's Fourth Place: $250
Men's and Women's Fifth Place: $100

Marathon Masters Division

Masters Men's and Women's First Place: $1,000 (plus Champion Brouse Cup)
Masters Men's and Women's Second Place: $500
Masters Men's and Women's Third Place: $250

Half Marathon Open Division

Men’s and Women’s First Place: $500
Men's and Women's Second Place: $250
Men's and Women's Third Place: $100

Half Marathon Masters Division

Men’s and Women’s First Place: $250
Men's and Women's Second Place: $100
Men's and Women's Third Place: $50

Additional Cash Incentives
In addition to prize money the following cumulative, cash incentives will be given to all runners who reach threshold levels in these marathon categories:

Marathon Men Open Division:

Under 2:22 - $500
Under 2:20 - $500
Under Course Record [2:18:48] - $500

Marathon Women Open Division:

Under 2:45 - $500
Under 2:42 - $500
Under Course Record [2:39:09] - $500

Marathon Men Masters Division:

Under Course Record [2:29:13] - $500

Marathon Women Masters Division:

Under Course Record [2:49:52] - $500

Men’s Half Marathon

Under Course Record [1:06:48] - $500

Women’s Half Marathon

Under Course Record [1:17:56] - $500

“We’re hopeful that talented runners will continue to be drawn to this premier event,” Chaney said.

The Akron Marathon includes a Full Marathon; a Half Marathon, presented by Acme Fresh Markets; a 5-person Team Relay, presented by Novo Nordisk; and a Kids Fun Run, making it ideal for all levels of athleticism. It will take place Saturday, September 29, 2012, beginning in downtown Akron.

Registration is now open at www.AkronMarathon.org. Registration for each event within the Akron Marathon is capped and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged as registration numbers are well ahead of last year’s pace.

To be eligible to participate in the Invited Runner Program, runners must have met qualifying times in a documented race within the last two years. Online application forms are due by June 1, 2012. Formal invitations will be sent by July 1, 2012.