Erie Marathon
Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
Overview
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.
Erie Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Erie Marathon 2026 race day
The next Erie Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Erie Marathon course route
Starts and finishes inside Presque Isle State Park. The loop passes Lake Erie shoreline, wooded park roads, and wide open lake views with almost no climbing. The peninsula loop is made for even effort, with spectators concentrated at the park entrance and beachside aid zones.
Erie Marathon elevation profile
The Erie Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Erie Marathon uses open online registration at eriemarathon.net with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the September race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Erie Marathon elevation profile?
- The Erie Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Erie Marathon?
- The Erie Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside loop road starts and finishes inside Presque Isle State Park.
- What time does the Erie Marathon start?
- The 2026 Erie Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on eriemarathon.net/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Erie Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes inside Presque Isle State Park. Updated course maps are published at https://eriemarathon.net/ each year.
- When is the Erie Marathon and how do I register?
- Erie Marathon is typically held in September. Registration opens through https://eriemarathon.net/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Erie Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Erie Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Erie Marathon pass?
- The loop passes Lake Erie shoreline, wooded park roads, and wide open lake views with almost no climbing.
- What weather should runners expect at Erie Marathon?
- Typically cool with lake breezes, low morning temperatures, and comfortable humidity.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Erie.
Buffalo, New York, United States· 130 km away
Buffalo Marathon
The Buffalo Marathon draws approximately 1,209 finishers each May on an urban road in Buffalo, United States. Western New York's signature Memorial Day marathon combines a flat course with strong local crowd support. The route passes Delaware Park, waterfront stretches along Lake Erie, and Buffalo neighborhoods on a flat urban loop. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Cleveland, Ohio, United States· 151 km away
Cleveland Marathon
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.
Next race: Sunday, 16 May 2027
Akron, Ohio, United States· 167 km away
Akron Marathon
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
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