CLEVELAND - (March 26, 2026) — The University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon today revealed a newly redesigned route for the full 26.2 marathon distance reintroducing the long straightways and active cheer zones that make it the region’s premier distance running event. The new route features a return to its legacy second half along Lake Avenue through Lakewood and an improved finish with a brief, 2-mile stretch along the scenic shoreway before its final push through the Hingetown neighborhood to cross the finish line downtown.
“We are so thrilled to be bringing back so many of the fan favorite parts of our full marathon course this year, ” said Race Director Ralph Staph. “We’ve also been able to remove some of the tight turns in the early parts of the race, while maintaining its tour of scenic vistas, quaint neighborhoods, and sightseeing destinations that really make this race so special. It really is a little bit of everything that makes Cleveland a world-class city.”
“I think most people in Northeast Ohio are familiar with orange barrel season and the region’s construction projects were definitely not our friend the last several years,” said Director of Operations Jay Toole. “We listened to our runners, and our spectators, about what they loved the most and we’re excited to be able to deliver that again this year.”
The marathon begins at The Mall in downtown Cleveland and proceeds west along St. Clair before turning back towards Euclid Avenue and taking runners past Public Square, Tower City Center and Playhouse Square. Participants then get their first views of Lake Erie as they turn towards the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Browns Stadium before heading downhill to The Flats and up their first big hill into the historic Tremont neighborhood.
Runners then enjoy incredible views of downtown and the Cuyahoga river as they cross under the watchful eyes of the 43-foot tall art deco Guardians of Traffic on the Hope Memorial Bridge before swinging back over the river and outward on Detroit Avenue towards the straightaways of Lake Road into the bustling streetcar suburb of Lakewood. Finally runners race back through the beautiful Edgewater neighborhood and over the shoreway next to Edgewater Park into Hingetown before finally sprinting downhill to finish in the heart of Cleveland.
More information on the race is available at clevelandmarathon.com/races/marathon and see a detailed map of the marathon route here.
Registration is open for the 49th University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon welcoming runners back to The Land May 16 - 17. As northeast Ohio’s premier distance running event, race weekend features activities for all ages and skill levels, from the 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run to the half and full marathons and Two-Day Challenge Series. The University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon is committed to working with organizations featuring the diverse talent and ingenuity across northeast Ohio.
For more information on the University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon or to register, head to clevelandmarathon.com.
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About the University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon
One of the 50 oldest races in the country, the University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon features the following opportunities: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Fun Run and Challenge Series. Online registration and additional information are available at clevelandmarathon.com. There are opportunities for non-profit organizations to raise funds through their participation in the race through Cleveland Marathon Charities. Find out more at clevelandmarathon.com.