HalfRuns
Athens Ohio Marathon

Athens Ohio Marathon

Athens, Ohio's longest-running marathon and half marathon offers a historic, scenic, and fast race experience.

Race Date

Apr 11, 2027

Location

Athens, OH

Standout70

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, April 11, 2027
Location
Athens, Ohio
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 42K, Virtual Athens Half Marathon
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
1,374

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBQ RelevantDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Fast FlatScenic Route

The Experience

Athens, Ohio, plays host to a race series with deep roots, boasting the title of "Ohio's Longest-Standing Marathon" since 1968. The half marathon, established in 1994, shares this rich heritage. Runners begin in historic "Uptown" Athens, starting on the city's signature brick streets near Ohio University's College Green.

Both the full and half marathon courses quickly transition to the flat and scenic Hockhocking Adena Bikeway. This USATF-certified route is known for its fast profile, making it a prime location for personal bests. The full marathon is even a Boston Qualifier.

Recent editions have seen around 722 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 19 states. While the field has seen a slight trend downward, a loyal 23% of runners return year after year, testament to the race's enduring appeal and the pleasant spring weather, typically ranging from 43–64°F.

Race-provided description

Join us at "Ohio's Longest-Standing Marathon" - the full marathon started in 1968 and has started in historic "Uptown" Athens ever since. Our Half Marathon has run since 1994.  The race starts at the corner of South College and East Union streets, adjacent to Ohio University's College Green on the brick streets Athens is known for.  Both races enter the flat and scenic Hockhocking Adena Bikeway just 1.5 miles in, before turning around and finishing on Ohio University's track at Pruitt Field. Both courses are USATF certified and well-marked; the Full Marathon is a Boston Qualifier Race!

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, April 11, 2027

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Unisex Garment

Start Location

30 E Union St, Athens, OH, 45701

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

+0.85 m

Separation

4.2%

Also Offers

42KVirtual Athens Half Marathon

USATF Certified Course

OH22001DH · Athens Half Marathon

Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout70
Methodology
Heritage4/20

2 years running

Size14/15

~778.5 finishers a year

Momentum1/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

23% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 3 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 19 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:15:29

Weather8/10

typical high 64°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

43°

Afternoon (High)

64°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

63%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,374 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

1,374

Median time

2:08:13

Latest turnout

722

States

24

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:054:45

Turnout by year

20252026

'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Athens Ohio Marathon?

The Athens Ohio Marathon is held on Sunday, April 11, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Athens Ohio Marathon take place?

It takes place in Athens, Ohio.

What distances does the Athens Ohio Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 42K, Virtual Athens Half Marathon.

Is the Athens Ohio Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Athens Ohio Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Athens Ohio Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,374 runners who have completed the Athens Ohio Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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