Cleveland, Ohio, United States
The Cleveland Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Cleveland, United States. The course starts and finishes in downtown Cleveland. The route crosses the Hope Memorial Bridge, passes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and follows the Lake Erie shoreline. Hilly with climbs on the Hope Memorial Bridge and through Ohio City.
Cleveland Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Cleveland Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 16 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 188 m of climbing on a hilly with notable climbs layout.
The Cleveland Marathon is a loop starting and finishing downtown, crossing the Hope Memorial Bridge, passing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and tracing the Lake Erie shoreline. Bridge climbs and the rollers through Ohio City are the toughest sections, while spectators cluster downtown, along the lakefront, and near the Public Square finish.
The Cleveland Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 188 metres of climbing and 188 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Cleveland Marathon uses open registration at clevelandmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the May race usually opens the previous autumn and tiered pricing increases as race day approaches. Charity entries are available through official partner organisations, but the general field rarely sells out far in advance.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Cleveland.
The Akron Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each September through the Rubber City on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The course passes Stan Hywet Hall, the Akron Art Museum, and the canal towpath on rolling northeast Ohio terrain. September's crisp Midwest autumn and the intimate community atmosphere make it one of Ohio's best-loved marathons.
Next race: Saturday, 26 September 2026
The Detroit Marathon draws approximately 5,500 finishers on an urban road in Detroit, United States. The course starts and finishes in downtown Detroit. Mostly flat with climbs on the bridge and tunnel approaches.
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The Erie Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each September on a lakeside loop road in Erie, United States. Running almost entirely inside a state park gives it an unusually calm race-day feel for a fast marathon. The loop passes Lake Erie shoreline, wooded park roads, and wide open lake views with almost no climbing. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026
The Glass City Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April on an urban road in Toledo, United States. It is one of the Midwest's best-known Boston-qualifier courses because the layout stays smooth and fast. The course passes Old West End boulevards, Ottawa Park, and wide residential roads designed for uninterrupted rhythm. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Pittsburgh Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Pittsburgh, United States. The course starts and finishes at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The route crosses the city's three rivers via multiple bridges, passing PNC Park and Mount Washington. Hilly with repeated bridge climbs throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
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