Cleveland Marathon

Now in its 48th year, the Cleveland Marathon & Half Marathon has welcomed over 500,000 runners since 1978, generating more than $15 million annually for the community. The half-marathon course is a showcase of downtown Cleveland, taking you past the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Browns Stadium, Progressive Field, and the Flats. The first seven miles are relatively flat and fast, offering a scenic tour of the urban core.

The second half introduces a real test: a lengthy incline over the Detroit Avenue bridge and a few rolling hills that demand respect. The course is almost entirely exposed, with little shade—on a sunny day, the heat and lake-effect wind can be factors. Spectator support is strong downtown but fades in the residential stretches. Despite the challenges, the race is exceptionally well-organized (production rating 4.2/5) and offers a 'Challenge Series' for those tackling multiple distances over the weekend.

With typical race-day temperatures in the upper 50s to mid-60s and a 3.1/5 difficulty rating from runners, this half is approachable for those who train for hills. The finish line awards the unique 'Cleveland’s Happiest Runner' title—a quirky touch that captures the friendly, gritty spirit of this long-running event.