Cleveland Marathon running and walking divisions

The Full Marathon course has been updated! 

The Second Half: A Return to Legacy (Miles 13–26) We are thrilled to bring back classic Lakewood highlights to the UH Cleveland Marathon! With previous construction projects completed, the second half of the course has been redesigned to offer the perfect mix of scenic neighborhoods, fast straightaways, and energetic cheer zones.

Course Highlights:

  • Vibrant Neighborhoods: Run through the heart of Hingetown, Ohio City, and Gordon Square.
  • Scenic & Fast Stretches: Catch your stride on the long, flat sections from Lake Avenue to West Boulevard, followed by a beautiful run through the Edgewater neighborhood.
  • The Lakewood Turnaround: Head from West 115th into the beautiful, tree-lined streets of Lakewood—a direct callback to our classic, fan-favorite routes.
  • A Better Shoreway Experience: The return trip features a brief, two-mile stretch on the Shoreway (reduced from six miles in previous years). This section provides wide-open space for runner safety and will be packed with music and cheer stations to power you through the late miles.
  • The Final Push: Drop back onto Detroit Avenue for an electric final mile through Ohio City and Hingetown, carrying you straight into the downtown finish line.

Check out the new Full Marathon Route


marathon
Running and walking divisions

 Features

  • USA Track and Field course certified
  • Boston Qualifier
  • 14 Water stations along course
  • University Hospitals aid station at every water station
  • Awards for 1st place in age group
  • Hydration along course

*Minimum age requirement - 16

date

Sunday, May 17, 2026

time

Marathon start (runners and walkers): 7:00 am

Benefits

All participants will receive a short-sleeved participant T-shirt in men's/women's cut, goody bag, finisher's medal, food and refreshments plus one FREE BEER  at the 26.3 Mile After Party presented by Miller Lite! (21 and over only). Must have ID to enter beer garden.


start & Finish location

St. Clair Avenue Northest at Mall B

full marathon course - New 

Full Marathon Route (PDF) - coming soon

Full Marathon Turn by Turn

Full Marathon Route (Link)

PLEASE NOTE:

  • GPS measurements are not reflecting the accurate distances. All routes will be certified to the exact distance you will be running/walking.
  • The elevation follows the ground so bridges will show LARGE false elevations.
  • May be subject to minor changes (construction, etc).

Full Marathon Turn-by-Turns and Pace Chart

Turn-by-turns and Pace Chart

 


Post Race amenities and after party

Participants: Once you exit the runner services finish corral, you will enter Mall B and find Finish Line Engravers, charity village, gear check, challenge medal pick-up, the PR Bell by K&D Group, Cleveland Water buggy, official merchandise sales, beer garden and more!

PDF Map to View/Print

Cm Map 2025 Startfinish (1)

 


 

Water Stations

*Subject to change

*There will be a University Hospitals first aid station at each water stop

*Gu Energy gel in Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Outrage and Tri Berry will be at various locations along the route at the following locations: #4, #9, and #11.

Full And Half Marathon Water Stops


course time limits

Due to city limitations, please be advised that runners must keep a 16 min/mile plus 15 minute buffer. 7-hour pace to maintain open access to the marathon course. For runner safety and to adhere to street closure ordinances worked out with communities along the course route, participants who fall behind this pace who wish to finish will be required to move to the sidewalks, where available. The finish line will remain open and be staffed beyond the 7-hour mark to allow for these participants to complete their race experience.

Cut Off Times and Locations

#1 (Mile 9.2) @ 9:40am - W 14th St and Clark Ave - Runners must be on the SIDEWALK going north until Starkweather

#2 (Mile 13.0) @ 10:40am - Superior and Huron/W 9th - Half Full Split - All runners must do Half

#3 Starting at Mile 16 (West Blvd and Clifton Blv - Runners must maintain a 16 minute mile pace plus a 15 minute buffer to allow for runners in back of corrals to start. If a runner falls behind the 16 minute/mile pace, we will turn them around on the out-and-back section (Miles 16 to 22.5) to ensure they can complete the Shoreway section within the 7 hour cut off.

 


Packet Pick-up/Expo

The Cleveland Marathon Health and Fitness Expo presented by University Hospitals is a free two-day event open to the public where participants will need to pick up their bibs and other race items. The expo features race information, sponsors, screenings, apparel and other vendors, plus much more! is open to the public and FREE, so be sure to invite friends and family to attend.

 

Location, Dates and Times

Location:

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
300 Lakeside Ave E, Hall A, Cleveland, OH 44113

Dates/Times:

Friday, May 15, 2026
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Important:

Please have your Race Roster confirmation page including QR code ready via phone or print-out (see image below). Can't find your confirmation email? You can access the confirmation page by logging into your Race Roster dashboard and clicking on your "Confirmation number" link at the top - see below.

Confirmation Email To Print

2025 How To Get Confirmation Email Us Letter

PLEASE NOTE: There are no preassigned bib numbers. When you arrive at the Expo, go to the packet pick-up area and find your race distance (marathon, 10K, etc).  When you check in, you will be assigned and receive your bib.  Shirts will be in a separate area so you will need your bib first.

You may pick up for someone else but should have either their confirmation QR code or valid ID.


gear check

IMPORTANT: GEAR CHECK INSTRUCTIONS

If you are using gear check, please read carefully:

1. Approved Bag

  • FOR SECURITY REASONS, you MUST use the clear bag provided at the expo — NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Extra clear bags will be available when you pick up your bib if needed.

2. Preparing Your Bag

  • On race day, please have your bag fully prepared before approaching the gear check tent according to your distance and bib number range.
  • Gear check will be located at Mall B, off St. Clair Avenue, near the start and finish lines.

3. Labeling Your Bag

  • ALL bags MUST be labeled with:
  • The pull tab from your race bib
  • A label with your bib number clearly written

4. Items NOT Allowed

  • Personal backpacks, duffel bags, or any non-clear bags are NOT permitted.
  • These items must be left with a family member or secured in your vehicle.

overall and Age Group Awards (Running Division)

1) The top 3 male, female, and non-binary OVERALL FINISHERS will receive an award that will be mailed out after the event.

2) The first place male and female finisher in each age group will receive an award that will be mailed out after the event.

-Age Groups:

  • 16 - 19
  • 20 - 24
  • 25 - 29
  • 30 - 34
  • 35 - 39
  • 40 - 44
  • 45 - 49
  • 50 - 54
  • 55 - 59
  • 60 - 64
  • 65 - 69
  • 70 - 74
  • 75 - 79
  • 80 - 84
  • 85+

Awards (Walking Division)

1) The top three male and female OVERALL FINISHERS in the Marathon Walking Division will receive an award that will be mailed out after the event.

 In order to compete in the walking division, you will be expected to walk the entire distance; completion of the course is on the honor system.

If you win an award and did not walk the entire route, you will be expected to inform the race officials in order to move you into the Marathon Running Division.

 

Top