Art & Sole, an initiative co-created by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation and ArtsNow, a Summit County arts and culture nonprofit, is bringing the arts to Akron’s Blue Line.

Art & Sole will inspire runners and fans alike during this year’s Akron Marathon by showcasing local artists and entertainment along the scenic route. Together, the ArtsNow and Marathon teams will be engaging a diverse group of local musicians and entertainers to create experiences throughout the 13 neighborhoods activated by the Akron Marathon’s racecourse thanks, in large part, to support from Ohio Arts Council.

“We’re thrilled with the partnership and to be encouraging and supporting local artists with our partner ArtsNow,” states Anne Bitong, president of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. “The Akron Marathon is Akron’s largest single-day sporting event, and participants wind their way through beautiful and unique Akron neighborhoods as supporters line up through the city to cheer them on. This year, the arts will only make for more of an incredibly unique running experience.”

Artists interested in working with the Art & Sole project are welcome to apply at bit.ly/akronmarathonartists.

“At The Ohio Arts Council, we’re funding and supporting quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically,” states Donna Collins, executive director of the Council. “The ArtsNEXT grant award to ArtsNow for the creative elements of the Art & Sole project will surely meet its goals to engage with a diverse group of local artists in all genres to create artwork throughout the dozen-plus neighborhoods activated by the racecourse. We send our best wishes to artists and runners alike.”