BEST spots to watch & cheer - Spectators

Looking for the best spots to cheer—and experience the excitement of race day?

The course comes alive with energy all weekend long, featuring local run clubs, live bands, neighborhood businesses, DJs, dancers and spirited cheer zones all along the route. From high-energy entertainment to hometown support, there are countless places to gather with family and friends, cheer on runners and be part of the celebration. Bring your signs, bring the noise and join the fun—every mile has something special to experience. Plan to arrive early to beat road closures, find a great spot and take in all the excitement along the course.

Saturday, May 16 - 5K & 10K

5K and 10K

Browns Stadium – Mile 1
Feel the game-day energy as runners pass one of Cleveland’s most iconic sports landmarks with enthusiastic fan support.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Mile 1.2
A signature Cleveland highlight where music, energy and lakefront views create a memorable race moment.

Public Square – Mile 2.4
The heart of downtown comes alive with spectators, city energy and a big boost of hometown encouragement.

10K Only

Cleveland State University (Euclid & E. 22nd) – Mile 3.4
Campus spirit and neighborhood support energize runners through this lively mid-race stretch.

Sunday, May 17 - Half & full marathon

Mossom Band – Mile 0.5
W. 9th and Superior
The Mossom Band gets race day rolling with live music, big energy and a spirited sendoff right out of the gate.

Public Square – Mile 0.8
Downtown spectators pack the streets early, giving runners a huge hometown welcome and plenty of encouragement.

Run With The Winners & Something Good Cleveland – Mile 1.5
1302 Euclid Avenue /Playhouse Square
Something Good Soul Kitchen
7am - 1pm 
Bright lights, big cheers, and Cleveland pride fill this iconic stretch of the course as Run With The Winners and Something Good Cleveland bring nonstop encouragement and community energy to runners early in the race, alongside the Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere (RAKE), an official charity partner, spreading positivity and uplifting support every step of the way.

Cleveland State University – Mile 2
Students and supporters bring campus spirit and uplifting energy as runners settle into their rhythm.

Run With The Winners and Rock and Roll Hall Half - Mile 4.5
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
8am -1pm
Join Greater Cleveland XC—the team behind the Rock Hall Half—for a true Cleveland moment where the spirit of rock meets the rhythm of the race. Expect big energy, loud cheers, and a crowd that knows how to put on an event as runners cruise past one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Browns Stadium – Mile 5
Football-style fan energy makes this stretch feel like game day, with loud support lining the course.

Flats East Bank – Mile 5.3
A lively waterfront party atmosphere with spectators bringing nonstop energy and excitement.

Run With The Winners and Cocky's Bagels – Mile 5.8
1127 Old River Road
7am - 1pm
Great vibes, loud cheers and a fun neighborhood boost from passionate supporters, led by the Run With The Winners crew bringing runner-to-runner encouragement.

Good Work Gang Cheer Group – Mile 6.7
1801 Carter Road, near fire station #21
The official GWG Cheer Zone will carry you up the toughest climb – Scranton Hill. High energy, and non-stop support.

St. Eds Trash Talkers – Mile 7.0
Scranton Hill and Train Avenue
Their famous playful banter, humor and spirited support always give runners a memorable lift.

Lincoln Park Cheer Party - 9.7
In the heart of Tremont, this cheer zone brings together families, friends, and a whole lot of energy to support runners along the course.

Studio 82 Dancers – Mile 11.1
W. 19th and Abbey
High-energy performances and crowd interaction keep runners smiling and moving strong.

Roger Davis Cheer Group – Mile 11.4
Lorain Avenue and W. 20th
A welcoming, heartfelt cheer zone built around community support and uplifting encouragement.

Rising Star Coffee – Mile 13.7
Neighborhood supporters bring warm encouragement and local energy right when runners need a boost.

Saucy Brew Works – Mile 14/25.1
A fan-favorite cheer zone with great energy, lively spectators and strong support on both passes.

Harness Cycle – Mile 14/25.1
Fitness-minded fans bring motivating, upbeat energy and encouragement to this key stretch.

The Alley Katz – Mile 14.3
Live music and neighborhood spirit make this a fun and memorable lift along the course.

Brewnuts – Mile 15
A sweet spot on the course with spirited spectators, local flavor and lots of neighborhood love.

Egan Irish Dancers – Mile 16.3
West Blvd. and entrance to Shoreway
Traditional dancers and lively performances bring rhythm, culture and excitement to the course.

Canton Drumline – Mile 18.8
Lakewood Park
The beat of the drumline helps power runners through the late miles with incredible energy.

Tri CLE Cheer Zone – Lakewood U-turn Mile 19.5
A signature wall of noise where the endurance community shows up big when runners need it most.

Luna Bakery – Mile 25
Warm neighborhood encouragement welcomes runners as the finish line draws near.

St. Malachai – Mile 25.3
One of the course’s beloved traditions, with incredible crowd support helping bring runners home.

Run With The Winners & GCXC Racing – Mile 26.3
W. 9th & St. Clair
8am - 1pm
A high-energy finish line cheer squad led by the Run With The Winners run club, bringing powerful encouragement, community spirit, and a final surge of motivation to carry runners home. Joined by Greater Cleveland XC, this is the place to feel the full force of Cleveland at the finish.

Prophecy DJ – Mile 26.3
W. 9th and St. Clair Avenue
Music pumping and finish-line excitement building as runners make their final push.