The Towpath Marathon
Cleveland's Towpath Marathon offers a fast, flat half marathon on a historic trail.
Race Date
Oct 3, 2026
Location
Cleveland, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 10K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 14,150
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Towpath Marathon, first run in 2006 and now in its 20th year, offers a classic fall race experience along Cleveland's historic Towpath Trail. Starting in Canal Basin Park, the half marathon course is known for its flat and fast profile, making it a popular choice for runners aiming for personal bests. The race is part of the Towpath Trilogy and includes marathon, half marathon, and 10K distances.
With around 1000 finishers each year, the event draws participants from approximately 21 states, showcasing its appeal beyond the local community. While repeat-runner loyalty is around 15%, the growing field size indicates increasing popularity. Runners can expect a well-supported race on paved surfaces, with the marathon course also being Boston Qualifier certified.
Race-provided description
The Towpath Marathon is a classic fall race that starts in Canal Basin Park on the east bank of The Flats in downtown Cleveland and continues along the Towpath Trail. The race includes a 10k, half marathon and a Boston qualifier certified marathon course. The Towpath Marathon is the last leg of the Towpath Trilogy!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Start Time
7:45 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Canal Basin Park, Cleveland, OH, 44113
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7720 years running
~1,019 finishers a year
growing or steady
15% returning runners
5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 21 states
winner 1:23:03
typical high 70°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
58°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 14,150 finishers actually crossed the line across 20 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
14,150
Median time
2:11:55
Latest turnout
529
States
48
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the The Towpath Marathon?
The The Towpath Marathon is held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 7:45 AM.
Where does the The Towpath Marathon take place?
It takes place in Cleveland, Ohio.
What distances does the The Towpath Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 10K.
Is the The Towpath Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The The Towpath Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the The Towpath Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 14,150 runners who have completed the The Towpath Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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