With less than two weeks to go, the Akron Marathon is racing to be ready for a record-setting 15,000 participants, 3,000 volunteers and untold thousands of spectators for its Sept. 24 run.The event, one of the region’s biggest sports draws, has several new or improved features planned for its ninth year.Those who aren’t running but wonder how their friends and family are doing can get free tweets, Facebook posts or text messages.The service is available for the marathon and half-marathon. On race week, sign up online for the runners you want to track and you’ll be notified of their progress along the blue line as they cross six timing mats for the marathon and four for the half-marathon.Last year, 20,000 people made their way to the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron for the Health & Fitness Expo the day before the race, and officials expect a crowd at least as big this year.The free, public event features more than 80 exhibitors and several speakers, including Phil and Amy Parham of NBC’s 2008 Biggest Loser, national author and trainer Hal Higdon, and Jay Hewitt, ironman and three-time member of the U.S. national triathlon team.The expo is a great way for nonrunners to learn about the sport and think about getting involved, Akron Marathon Executive Director Anne Bitong said.Because the Akron Marathon includes a half-marathon, relay races and a kids fun run in addition to the full 26-mile premier event, people of all ages and abilities can participate, she said.“For those who don’t know what the marathon is about, or you thought you couldn’t do it, or it’s something you have on your bucket list ... this is a great way to get inspired,” Bitong said.Runners will find changes at the starting and finish lines this year.To better accommodate the growing number of participants — the race has grown annually since some 3,500 joined the inaugural run in 2003 — slower-paced marathoners will line up on University Avenue and leave after the traditional Broadway starting line groups, giving everyone more elbow room and the ability to reach their desired pace faster.Meanwhile, the congestion that usually takes place at the finish line just inside Canal Park will be eased by having runners circuit the bases for some special activities. They’ll pick up water at home plate, a finisher medal and warming blanket at first base, snacks and drinks at second base and a get an official photo taken at third base.A new loyalty program will recognize and celebrate a growing legion of runners who return to Akron each September.The 213 runners this year who will have competed in at least their fifth Akron Marathon will be invited to a special pinning ceremony and be identified on the website.In the future, 10-year, 15-year and 20-year veterans will get special benefits, from perhaps a signature watch to free race entry for life.Race Director Jim Barnett noted that 88 percent of racers in all event groups return every year.“We really do treat everybody as if they’re world-class athletes,” he said.In addition to goodie bags, medals and pre-printed names on bibs for every preregistered participant, this year’s runners will also get a V.I.P. Runner Rewards card offering year-round discounts on everything from area restaurants to sporting events to retail stores.To register as a participant or learn more about the event, go to www.akronmarathon.org.Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.