The women's Long Distance Running Committee of USA Track & Field (USATF) has announced that Akron, Ohio, has been selected to host the 2008 USA Women's 8 km Championship. The championship will be held as part of the Road Runner Akron Marathon next September and will be organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation.

Marking the return of the 8 km distance to the women's USA Running Circuit (USARC) schedule for the first time since 2005, Akron, which has formerly played host to the North American Men's Relay Championship (2003-'04), will host the event on September 27, 2008.

"The Leadership of the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation is excited and honored to be awarded this opportunity to host the 2008 USA Women's 8 km Championship race," said Dave Hunter, spokesman for the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation. "We look forward to working closely with USATF to stage an outstanding and competitive championship race for the elite athletes, the fans, USATF, and our community."

The USA Running Circuit (USARC), a USA Track & Field road series, featuring USA Championships from 5 km to the marathon and attracts the best U.S. distance runners, including Olympic medalists Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi.

The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $4 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.