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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse 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
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
Standout775 years running
~864 finishers a year
shrinking
25% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 15 states
winner 1:18:03
typical high 61°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2021–2025
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.
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