Are you up to the Cleveland Marathon challenge? Do you like to run a marathon on one of the flattest courses in the country?
The Marathon in Cleveland is a USATF certified road race held annually in Cleveland, Ohio that is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
The marathon is officially known as the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and is a member of the national organization for road racing, Running USA.
Race History
The race was established in 1978, in part, to heighten community awareness concerning physical fitness. It is one of the 50 oldest marathons held annually in the country.
It was the first race offering a large cash prize to race finishers when an overall $150,000 was offered in 1988. Additionally, the Cleveland Marathon was the first U.S.-based race to invite Soviet athletes to participate during the Cold War era.
The race has been won three times by three runners: Pablo Vigil (1980, ’81 and ’88), Demetrio Cabanillas (1983, ’84 and ’85) and Lyubov Klochko (1992, ’93 and ’94).
A 501 (c) 3 was created in 2007 as a vehicle for coordinating the participation of the many local charitable organizations that received more than $40,000 alone during this year.
Race Course
The original course started at Cleveland State University travelling west to Bay Village and then back the same route, area growth has changed the runner’s path.
The 26.2 mile course begins at St. Clair and 9th St. The race path passes many historic and notable landmarks including the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns stadium, Ohio City Playhouse, the Square Theater District, along the Lake Erie shore way, University Circle, Rockefeller Park, the Great Lakes Science center and many more places of interest.
Registration
The Cleveland Marathon has partnered with Active.com to provide safe and secure online registration for all marathon events taking place the weekend of May 14-15. There are varying registration prices according to the race entered and the timing of the registration. Check online to find the correct registration information for any selected events.
These events include Saturday’s 5K run and the Kid’s Run offering different levels of participation including:
- 3 years old and under – 50 yards
- 4 to 6 years old – 100 yards
- 7 to 8 years old – 1/4 mile
- 9 to 10 years old – 1/2 mile
- 11 to 12 years old – 1/2 mile
The Marathon takes place on Sunday that also includes both a half marathon and a 10K race for walkers and runners.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
Great Spots for Viewing
The race organizers have compiled a Top 10 List for the best spots for watching the race and these include:
- East 9th Street at Lakeside
- Near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by East 9th Street
- East 30th Street and Euclid Avenue
- St. Clair Avenue and East 55th Street
- Martin Lither King and State Park Path
- East 55th Street and North Marginal (viewing the Marathon and 10k only)
- West 5rd Street and Ontario Avenue
- Shoreway and Edgewater Drive
- Near Progressive Field at Carnegie and Ontario
- Starkweather and West 11th Street
Once races conclude, the annual Rock Party takes place at the finish line. The festivities include music entertainment, food offerings from a variety of vendors and a beer garden.
Are you in? Good luck with the Cleveland Marathon!
The last edition of Hal Higdon´s Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
Return from Cleveland Marathon to Marathon Guide
Return to Marathon Training Tips home
