HalfRuns
The Haunted Forest Marathon

The Haunted Forest Marathon

The Haunted Forest Marathon offers a unique, family-friendly themed race through Ohio's crushed limestone trails.

Race Date

Oct 25, 2026

Location

Canal Fulton, OH

Standout77

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location
Canal Fulton, Ohio
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 5K, 13.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
2,391

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Haunted Forest Marathon Weekend in Canal Fulton, Ohio, presents a unique, family-friendly, and themed running experience. This event, now in its 6th year, offers a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K, drawing participants from around 15 states.

The course begins with an initial mile on the road, transitioning to hard-packed crushed limestone and blacktop for the remainder of the race. While the marathon boasts a minimal 57 feet of elevation gain over its 26.2 miles, the half marathon is noted for its fast, PR-friendly profile. The event is recognized as a Boston Qualifier, with 18% of marathoners achieving this feat in 2025.

With a median field size of approximately 864 finishers, the Haunted Forest Marathon is a well-established event. A quarter of participants are repeat runners, attesting to its loyal following. Runners are encouraged to "Smash the PR Pumpkin" if they achieve a personal best on the course, adding a fun, competitive element to the day.

Race-provided description

Welcome to the 6th Annual Haunted Forest Marathon Weekend

Family Friendly / Themed event featuring a Full Marathon (26.2 miles), a Half Marathon (13.1 miles), and 5K (3.1 miles).

First mile on the road / remainder of the race on hard packed crushed limestone and blacktop. Marathon has a total of 57 feet of elevation over the 26.2 mile distance!

A GREAT Boston Qualifier which includes a SECOND medal if you qualify on race day. 18% of our 2025 Marathon participants qualified for Boston.

AWARDS handed out on a rolling basis throughout the morning NEW 5K course that is MUCH FASTER! Don't forget our "Smash the PR PUMPKIN" activity if you run a personal best on our course.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Event Shirt

Start Location

123 Tuscarawas St NW, Canal Fulton, OH, 44614

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Park

Surface

Dirt Trail, Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

+0.20 m

Separation

0.7%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles5K13.1 Miles

USATF Certified Course

OH24035JHP · Haunted Forest Half Marathon (20% Gravel)

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout77
Methodology
Heritage10/20

5 years running

Size15/15

~864 finishers a year

Momentum4/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

25% returning runners

Course & details10/15

USATF certified · 5 timing sources

National draw7/10

runners from 15 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:18:03

Weather8/10

typical high 61°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

61°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

69%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 2,391 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

2,391

Median time

2:13:00

Latest turnout

403

States

30

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 2:105:40

Turnout by year

20212025

'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the The Haunted Forest Marathon?

The The Haunted Forest Marathon is held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the The Haunted Forest Marathon take place?

It takes place in Canal Fulton, Ohio.

What distances does the The Haunted Forest Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 5K, 13.1 Miles.

Is the The Haunted Forest Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The The Haunted Forest Marathon 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 The Haunted Forest Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 2,391 runners who have completed the The Haunted Forest Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Canal Fulton? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races