The Akron Marathon has a reason to celebrate other than the big races this weekend.

Akron Marathon founder Steve Marks will be given the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award by the Greater Akron Chamber.

Greater Akron Chamber President Dan Colantone says Marks was chosen unanimously for the award because of his continued leadership and his contributions to the community.

"It's amazing when you have an event like this,now with a 4 million impact, but more importantly it gives our citizens of the community, in the region and in Northeast Ohio, to just enjoy a family weekend," says Colantone.

With the leadership of Marks, Colantone says he has seen the economy in Akron strengthen as both large and small businesses grow from the marathon.

The recognition is given out each year by the Greater Akron Chamber to a business leader who promotes economic development in the Greater Akron region.