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Towpath Marathon

Cleveland, OH
Saturday, October 3, 2026


  4.3 Stars from 6 Reviews

Course Description
The course will follow the Towpath Trail within the Cleveland Metroparks. Along the course you’ll see Camp Cleveland, the Towpath Mounds, sweeping views of the Cuyahoga River Valley and the downtown skyline.

Just over 22 miles of the course is run on pavement.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Ohio Marathons near Cleveland, OH



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Mostly on Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 54°F (12°C)
Average High: 64°F (17°C)
Average Low: 44° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.03
Course Score: 98.53

Race Size

2026: No Results
2025: 169 Finishers
2024: 138 Finishers
2023: 134 Finishers
2022: 151 Finishers
2021: 114 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: N/A
2025: 4.7%
2024: 8%
2023: 6%
2022: 11.3%
2021: 4.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 17 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 67°F  (19°C)
Low: 49°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

51°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 81%

Clear
N 6 mph

PR Score

98.19

Course Score

99.21






Towpath Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Towpath Marathon was the 283rd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 304th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 4.7% of Towpath Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 8% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Towpath Marathon ranked 295th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 209th in 2024. In Ohio, it ranked 12th in 2025 and 8th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Towpath Marathon has a Course Score of 98.53, ranking it as the 296th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 12th fastest marathon course in Ohio.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Towpath Marathon a PR Score of 98.03. The PR Score ranks the Towpath Marathon as the 280th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 9th best marathon for a PR in Ohio.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Towpath Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Ohio for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Towpath Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed296th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 12th fastest marathon course in Ohio
Top 64% Nationally#12 of 14 in Ohio
PR Potential280th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 9th best marathon for a PR in Ohio
Top 61% Nationally#9 of 14 in Ohio
Boston Qualifier Rate295th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 12th highest BQ percentage in Ohio
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 62% Nationally#12 of 13 in Ohio
Race Size283rd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 10th largest marathon in Ohio
Based on 2025 results
Top 48% Nationally#10 of 17 in Ohio

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 675 feet (205m)
Min Elevation: 578 feet (176m)

Elevation Gain: 595 feet (181m)
Elevation Loss: 595 feet (181m)


Towpath

Course updated 07/08/2026




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Race Reviews


4.3
Based on 6 reviews
Write Your Own Review

'New' Towpath Marathon is a different classic

Full Review:

I get that a lot of people loved 'the old Towpath' course through CVNP. It was beautiful. However, the new Towpath course is pretty cool in its own right. Nearly the entire path is inside some section of the Metropark system and the views of downtown Cleveland are spectacular. The foliage is beautiful. The course support is better because the access points are well, accessible. Spectators are far more plentiful, again because access is easy. The history of this section of the trail is unique. And people along the trail who are not in the event are positive, courteous, and encouraging. There are very few street crossing and the police staffing those points were excellent. 130 full marathoners made using the multi-purpose trail a breeze. And there was shade for at least 60% of the course. I challenge anyone to find a better urban fall marathon on a dedicated path for less money, more parking, prettier course, nicer people, and more competent race management. I've run 107 marathons, this now my favorite fall event.

Race Tips:

Hills in first 3 and last 3 miles are no joke. Incorporate hill training in your prepration.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking in the Flats can be tricky. Arrive 45+ minutes before the event to find a spot that works for your post event departure.
Reviewed by MKD About 2024

Sadly, no longer "a fall classic"

Full Review:

This marathon once lived in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and nestled you into a timeless valley full of fall colors and smells with the shuffle of leaves and limestone beneath your feet. Now with the new course in 2021, it is basically the same as any city marathon, just without much course support and barely a curb to sit on for an after party.

Race Tips:

Way more hilly than a "towpath" for a canal would imply.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2021

Weather makes a huge difference

Full Review:

I wanted to love this marathon. I read about it and traveled from the west coast just to run it. Unfortunately I picked 2018. It was hot and humid! It poured rain (with thunder) all night the night before so the trail was muddy and had huge puddles. It was 70 degrees when we started and got warmer from there with very little drop in humidity. I have run over 30 marathons in a wide variety of conditions (including altitude heat and humidity) but this one felt the hardest and was my slowest since my very first one. I think it was partly the slowing to negotiate around standing water (which sometimes took up the whole path and sometimes swallowed your whole foot even when you stepped on its outermost perimeter) and then speeding back up and partly just because it was hot and sweaty and nothing evaporated. It wasn't just me. They postponed the awards ceremony because not enough people had finished when it was schedule. It was well run and the volunteers and supporters were great. I can see how it might be beautiful if it wasn't so muddy and the leaves were still on the trees but in 2018 was tough. I had such high hopes I might come back for another try another year to get the fall color experience just know - you don't always get the perfect weather other reviews have mentioned

Race Tips:

Pray for good weather!
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2018

Full Review:

Cool, beautiful weather on gorgeous trail in national park. Flat as can be. Most of run on crushed limestone path which is easier on the joints. Relatively small and friendly.

Race Tips:

If you need a lot of crowd support, this isn't your marathon. Crowd is enthusiastic but sparse.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Park right by the start. 1/4 - 1/2 mile from finish.
Reviewed by FXR About 2016

Gorgeous trail

Full Review:

This is a gorgeous trail for the entirety of the race. However, bring your own food as although there are regular fluid stations, there is only minimal food provided. Also, you go past the finish line and have several more miles which can be disheartening! Overall though a really nice course and a beautiful area.
Reviewed by WH About 2016

Running in nature

Full Review:

I love the feeling of running in nature on a limestone trail surrounded by trees that are changing to fall colors. Perfect fall race that allows you to get totally absorbed into the marathon! They had a very nice after race party, a live band, beer, food etc.

Race Tips:

You will be surrounded by trees for the majority of the race. But there are breaks in the trees and road crossings where family can cheer you on. There are plenty of water stops.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking at Boston Mills Ski resort is the way to go. It's a short walk to the start and a little walk from the finish line. They also run a shuttle if you don't want to walk after the race. Arrive at least an hour before the race starts because the road will close shortly before start time.
Reviewed by EV About 2015