The Akron Marathon enters its 10th year with the introduction of a new website, course improvements and early-bird registration rates.Race day, Sept. 29, once again will include a full marathon (26.2 miles); a half-marathon (13.1 miles), a team marathon relay and a Kids Fun Run.The course has been modified to create a flatter marathon, a faster half-marathon and a shortened final leg of the team relay, allowing for a dash to the finish line in that event, race organizers said.New course maps became available on the website — www.akronmarathon.org — on Tuesday with the opening of registration for the 2012 races.Race officials said they collaborated with marketing communications agency Hitchcock Fleming & Associates to create a website that reflects the “personality of the marathon” and reorganizes content.“The new website captures the essence and magnitude of the race while providing essential training advice, important event details and post-event results,” said Anne Bitong, executive director at the Akron Marathon.Registration for each event within the Akron Marathon is capped, and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the lowest rates of the year and register before fees increase March 1.The Akron Marathon has grown by 10,000 participants since its inaugural year in 2003. In 2011 the races added an estimated $5.2 million to the local economy, according to a study conducted by the University of Akron’s Department of Economics.“In its 10th-year celebration, we are planning a full lineup of entertainment, including a local band to play at every mile and runners’ commemorative gear,” Bitong said.Akron’s race is ranked as a top 50 marathon in the book Fairbanks to Boston: 50 Great U.S. Marathons.Marisha Daniels can be reached at mdaniels@thebeaconjournal.com.