Fall Classic
The Fall Classic Half Marathon celebrates its 50th year with a fast, scenic course through Cleveland Metroparks.
Race Date
Nov 21, 2026
Location
Strongsville, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Location
- Strongsville, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + Foxy Challenge, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Kids Dash (400m)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 12,004
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Fall Classic Half Marathon, now in its 50th year, offers a fast and scenic journey through the Cleveland Metroparks. This USATF-certified course, primarily run along the Valley Parkway, is designed for speed, making it an ideal location for runners aiming to set personal bests.
Each day of the event is capped at 1000 runners, with recent editions seeing around 1252 finishers. The race draws participants from approximately 15 states, highlighting its appeal beyond the local community. With a repeat-runner loyalty of about 19%, the Fall Classic has established itself as a cherished event.
Runners can look forward to a 1/4 zip pullover as their giveaway. The event also offers a Foxy Challenge for those who wish to tackle both the 5K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday, creating a full race weekend experience.
Race-provided description
It's the Fall Classic's 50th Anniversary, and we are bringing an exciting change to this classic race. The Fall Classic will be a two-day race: the 5k will be on Saturday, November 21st, and the Half Marathon and Relay will be on Sunday, November 22nd. This will allow us to welcome more runners and also offer a Foxy Challenge, completing both events! Join the Cleveland Road Runners Club for the 50th running of the Fall Classic 1/2 marathon and 5K at Bonnie Park. Over the past 5 decades, thousands of runners have enjoyed this fast, scenic course run entirely in the beautiful Cleveland Metroparks. The 5K & half marathon are USA Track & Field–certified! Both courses are flat and fast, running primarily along the scenic Valley Parkway road through the Cleveland Metroparks — ideal for chasing a personal best. Each day is capped at 1000 runners. We encourage everyone to carpool to keep the impact on the Cleveland Metroparks at a minimum. Parking is at the RTA parking lot at the corner of Rt. 80 entrance and Pearl Road. Race Location: Both races will start and finish at Bonnie Park Picnic Area (Link to Google Pin) NEW for 2026, the Foxy Challenge! Sign up for the Foxy Challenge: race the 5K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday! Making it a fun + challenging race weekend! Race Timeline: Saturday, November 21st | 5K 7:30 AM | Packet pick up opens (5k & Foxy Challenge only)9:00 AM | 5K Start10:00 AM | Kids DashAwards to follow Sunday, November 22nd | Half marathon 7:30 AM | Packet pick up opens8:15 AM | Early starter wave9:00 AM | Half Marathon start (individual & relay teams)Awards to follow
*Note, the above time is subject to change Half Maraton | Early Start (Optional): On Sunday, November 22nd, walkers are welcome to start early at 8:15 AM. Runners Perks: Finisher Medal for all participants (stay tuned for design)1/4 zip pullover included for all participants, including 5k (stay tuned for design)Beer from Masthead at the Masthead Beer Garden at the Race Site! One beer ticket is included with registration Chip Time and Live ResultsAwards The Overall winnerFirst MasterFirst Grand MasterTop 3 in each age group: Under 19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ Relay Teams will receive a runner belt to keep
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
1/4 zip pull over
Start Location
Bonnie Park Dr, Strongsville, OH 44136, Strongsville, OH, 44136
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.05 m
Separation
0.8%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
OH24024JHP · Fall Classic Half Marathon 2024
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9125 years running
~1,050 finishers a year
growing or steady
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 15 states
winner 1:14:50
typical high 46°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
33°
Afternoon (High)
46°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 12,004 finishers actually crossed the line across 25 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
12,004
Median time
2:02:05
Latest turnout
624
States
41
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Fall Classic?
The Fall Classic is held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Fall Classic take place?
It takes place in Strongsville, Ohio.
What distances does the Fall Classic offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus Foxy Challenge, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Kids Dash (400m).
Is the Fall Classic course flat and good for a PR?
The Fall Classic is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Fall Classic?
HalfRuns has finish records for 12,004 runners who have completed the Fall Classic.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Strongsville? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
