Youngstown is getting ready for the 2021 Youngstown Marathon taking place on Sunday, Oct. 24.

The marathon is now in its fifth year with nearly 500 participants already registered to take part in the event, which is expected to be a showcase of Mill Creek Park and the surrounding community.

Returning sponsors, Mercy Health, Huntington Bank and Second Sole will all be at the event to celebrate the excitement and victory of running the 5k, half marathon and full marathon distances.

Additionally, the NovaCare Health and Fitness Expo at the DD & Velma Davis YMCA (45, McClurg Rd. Youngstown) on Saturday, Oct. 23 will feature a kid's race.

The expo will feature booths with vendors featuring local health services as well as merchandise to purchase. The event is free to attend. Participants can register for one of the race distances and pick up their shirts and swag bags from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. here.

The main race begins on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. with the start of the half marathon and full marathon on Route 224 in front of the second sole. Participants will head west to the golf entrance of Mill Creek Park. The 5k run will begin 15 minutes later with a similar start.

After the race, there will be an after-party in the parking lot across the street from Second Sole. Penguin City Beer will be on hand helping to celebrate as the finisher medals are awarded.

Proceeds from this year's event will be donated to Cadence Care Network, Youngstown Blue Coats, Gleaners Food Bank and the Rich Center for Autism. 

Participants can register online here.