Next race
Sunday, 25 April 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Glass City Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 2,500 finishers
Course & terrain
Starts and finishes at the University of Toledo. The course passes Old West End boulevards, Ottawa Park, and wide residential roads designed for uninterrupted rhythm. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.
The Glass City Marathon course is 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.
Registration
The Glass City Marathon uses open online registration at glasscitymarathon.org with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. The full marathon routinely sells out months before race day, so early sign-up is essential.
Getting there
Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL)
23 km / 14 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Toledo.
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.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
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: Saturday, 15 May 2027
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, 25 September 2027
The Columbus Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Columbus, United States. The course starts and finishes at North Bank Park (311 W Long St). The route passes the Ohio Statehouse, Short North, Ohio State University, German Village, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
The Grand Rapids Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each October on an urban road in Grand Rapids, United States. It is known regionally as a dependable Midwest BQ course. The course passes the Grand River, city parks, and long straight sections through neighborhoods built for even splits. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
The Carmel Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a suburban road in Carmel, United States. It is notable for how smoothly the course runs through Carmel's distinctive roundabout network. The route passes Monon Trail-adjacent streets, roundabout-lined boulevards, and manicured suburban neighborhoods. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Saturday, 17 April 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Which US marathons produce Boston qualifiers in practice — course data, typical BQ rates, and how to match a race to your qualifying window.
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
