Marathon Details - Northern Ohio Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OH > Cleveland > Northern Ohio Marathon

Northern Ohio Marathon & Half Marathon, 5-Person Relay

Cleveland, OH USA

~~October 29, 2023~~ - CANCELLED

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Results:	2022 \| 2021 \| 2020 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Brian McCloskey
Address:	8791 Mentor Ave Mentor, OH 44060
Phone Number:	440-413-0907
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.5

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Number of comments: 15 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

B. B. from Pittsburgh,Pa (10/9/2018) "Solid Small Marathon" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A very well organized small marathon that had a lot of the elements of a bigger race including pacers and multiple Honey Stinger stations. Lots to like including the race day packet pick up which saved me a night in a hotel, free parking within steps of the start-finish and nice swag. The course was pretty flat with the occasional pretty view of Lake Erie, but it was generally unremarkable. I spent $30, including online fees so I have no complaints and could have spent more and felt that it was a value. If you're visiting Greater Cleveland stop by Masthead Brewing for great brews and pizza.
K. K. from Columbus, OH (10/8/2018) "Great small race" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a wonderful, well-organized small race. There were not many spectators, but those who turned out were enthusiastic. A nice little race for someone who does not need a lot of fan support and wants to enjoy a well-supported, scenic marathon. I echo all the positive comments from years past. Well done, race organizers! Keep up the good work.
C. S. from Evansville, Indiana (10/16/2014) "Wonderful Small Marathon" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Had a great time at this race! Nice people, well organized and a fun course that spanned a couple quaint small towns. I decided on this race because my wife and I were able to visit friends in Cleveland. For the race, the weather was a nice, crisp morning. Drop off and parking area was very close to the start. My wife and friends enjoyed that so they could easily navigate to the next stop to see me. The beginning and ending of the course has some hills, but it wasn't bad. Actually, it was a nice change of pace. The people at the water stops were extremely friendly and helpful. I was very impressed with the volunteers, which included runners from the local high schools. They were very supportive, despite the amount of time that they were out there. The traffic control was amazing, as police officers shut down an intersection just for me on every occasion. Runners did have to run with traffic, but cones marked off a runner's lane that was about 10 feet wide for most of the race, which is nicer than the usual 2-3 feet. My favorite part was running in the state park by Lake Erie. At one point, I turned off my head phones and listened to the waves coming in. Very cool experience! The volunteers and spectators at the finish were great too. They cheered and clapped for every runner coming in. Medals were really cool too! If I lived closer, I would definitely run this one again!!
T. I. from Michigan (10/13/2014) "Excellent small marathon" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Wonderful marathon! Extremely well organized. Started and finished in a very cute town. Easy parking, lots of water stops and people to help you follow the course. Small enough to be enjoyable, but big enough that you never got lonely. The course was nice, but did have some hills. Two suggestions - provide pacers (I always run faster with pacers), provide different medals for full and half.
J. D. from USA (10/31/2013) "very good 1st yr race!" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Packet pick up was smooth but there was a shorteage of race shirts being given away to pre-reg. runners. Race day was smooth. The parking was close by the start (easy in and easy out) and everything was on time. The course was uneventful other than running by Lake Erie for a short distance and more than enough off-road/crushed stone trail running. Since the course was through small neighborhoods there was a little crownd support but not much. On the other hand, its not a big city marathon and there are a lot of pluses to that! post race food was good unless you finished towards the back (which my wife did). The pizza was gone but mostly everything else (fruit, bread, drinks) was still avail. This was the best, most well staffed medical area I've saw at a small marathon. Good medals, nice long sleeve brooks running shirt, good post-race food...damn good for the 1st year!
R. G. from Ohio (10/22/2013) "Not bad for first year" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Like many others, I signed up for the race the week before when they opened up more spots. I enjoyed the small field size & the small town atmosphere. The course was flat with a few tiny hills throughout. The trail along the lake was a nice break from the pounding on the pavement. There were several points where the course was not well marked, particularly the out & back section another runner mentioned. Gatorade was offered on the course, but not at the finish; only water was available. Spectators were sparse & some were unenthusiastic. A few just stared at us as we ran by. As with all first year races there are some improvements that can be made, however this race shows great potential.
C. K. from Chardon, Ohio USA (10/15/2013) "Small race with big frills" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run a bunch of marathons, some big and some small. This one ranks up there as one of the best. You get a lot for your dollar at this race. The race shirts are top notch, quarter zip, long sleeve tech shirts. The race course was well marked and well patrolled. There were plenty of police, EMS and cyclists ensuring our well-being. There were at least 4 GU stops and water stops almost every mile. The race course was fairly flat with some small hills sprinkled in to break it up. The course was mostly through residential neighborhoods. There were people cheering throughout. Some spectators even had their own water stops! The post race was located in a park which gave family and friends a place wait, watch and connect with their runners. Post race cookies were also a hit with me:)
C. G. from Chardon, Ohio (10/15/2013) "Nice run through neighborhoods" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Scenic run through the neighborhoods of Fairport Harbor and Mentor with some time along the lake too on roads and bike paths. Great support at water stops. Only a few spectators but they were very supportive. A really nice small race. I would do it again!
B. S. from Madison, Wisconsin (10/15/2013) "Met all my expectations and more!!!" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I came in from WI to run the Towpath half marathon that was canceled. I was so greatful that you opened up more spots. The race was perfect and I loved all the spectators along the course. What a friendly community!!! I would definitley do it again.
M. M. from Ohio (10/15/2013) "Great crew and organizers, family atmosphere!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Really nice race, easy access for pre race pick up, and nice post race refreshments. Organizers did a great job ensuring each runner was safe on the course. Volunteers were great and friendly! Course was mostly flat, some small hills, really nice section along a wooded area along Lake Erie from 16-18 or so, plenty of water and fuel stops. Nice Medals and shirts!~ Also includes a half and a 5k, which my 9 year old did.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

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B. B. from Pittsburgh,Pa (10/9/2018) "Solid Small Marathon" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A very well organized small marathon that had a lot of the elements of a bigger race including pacers and multiple Honey Stinger stations. Lots to like including the race day packet pick up which saved me a night in a hotel, free parking within steps of the start-finish and nice swag. The course was pretty flat with the occasional pretty view of Lake Erie, but it was generally unremarkable. I spent $30, including online fees so I have no complaints and could have spent more and felt that it was a value. If you're visiting Greater Cleveland stop by Masthead Brewing for great brews and pizza.
K. K. from Columbus, OH (10/8/2018) "Great small race" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a wonderful, well-organized small race. There were not many spectators, but those who turned out were enthusiastic. A nice little race for someone who does not need a lot of fan support and wants to enjoy a well-supported, scenic marathon. I echo all the positive comments from years past. Well done, race organizers! Keep up the good work.
C. S. from Evansville, Indiana (10/16/2014) "Wonderful Small Marathon" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Had a great time at this race! Nice people, well organized and a fun course that spanned a couple quaint small towns. I decided on this race because my wife and I were able to visit friends in Cleveland. For the race, the weather was a nice, crisp morning. Drop off and parking area was very close to the start. My wife and friends enjoyed that so they could easily navigate to the next stop to see me. The beginning and ending of the course has some hills, but it wasn't bad. Actually, it was a nice change of pace. The people at the water stops were extremely friendly and helpful. I was very impressed with the volunteers, which included runners from the local high schools. They were very supportive, despite the amount of time that they were out there. The traffic control was amazing, as police officers shut down an intersection just for me on every occasion. Runners did have to run with traffic, but cones marked off a runner's lane that was about 10 feet wide for most of the race, which is nicer than the usual 2-3 feet. My favorite part was running in the state park by Lake Erie. At one point, I turned off my head phones and listened to the waves coming in. Very cool experience! The volunteers and spectators at the finish were great too. They cheered and clapped for every runner coming in. Medals were really cool too! If I lived closer, I would definitely run this one again!!
T. I. from Michigan (10/13/2014) "Excellent small marathon" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Wonderful marathon! Extremely well organized. Started and finished in a very cute town. Easy parking, lots of water stops and people to help you follow the course. Small enough to be enjoyable, but big enough that you never got lonely. The course was nice, but did have some hills. Two suggestions - provide pacers (I always run faster with pacers), provide different medals for full and half.
J. D. from USA (10/31/2013) "very good 1st yr race!" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Packet pick up was smooth but there was a shorteage of race shirts being given away to pre-reg. runners. Race day was smooth. The parking was close by the start (easy in and easy out) and everything was on time. The course was uneventful other than running by Lake Erie for a short distance and more than enough off-road/crushed stone trail running. Since the course was through small neighborhoods there was a little crownd support but not much. On the other hand, its not a big city marathon and there are a lot of pluses to that! post race food was good unless you finished towards the back (which my wife did). The pizza was gone but mostly everything else (fruit, bread, drinks) was still avail. This was the best, most well staffed medical area I've saw at a small marathon. Good medals, nice long sleeve brooks running shirt, good post-race food...damn good for the 1st year!
R. G. from Ohio (10/22/2013) "Not bad for first year" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Like many others, I signed up for the race the week before when they opened up more spots. I enjoyed the small field size & the small town atmosphere. The course was flat with a few tiny hills throughout. The trail along the lake was a nice break from the pounding on the pavement. There were several points where the course was not well marked, particularly the out & back section another runner mentioned. Gatorade was offered on the course, but not at the finish; only water was available. Spectators were sparse & some were unenthusiastic. A few just stared at us as we ran by. As with all first year races there are some improvements that can be made, however this race shows great potential.
C. K. from Chardon, Ohio USA (10/15/2013) "Small race with big frills" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run a bunch of marathons, some big and some small. This one ranks up there as one of the best. You get a lot for your dollar at this race. The race shirts are top notch, quarter zip, long sleeve tech shirts. The race course was well marked and well patrolled. There were plenty of police, EMS and cyclists ensuring our well-being. There were at least 4 GU stops and water stops almost every mile. The race course was fairly flat with some small hills sprinkled in to break it up. The course was mostly through residential neighborhoods. There were people cheering throughout. Some spectators even had their own water stops! The post race was located in a park which gave family and friends a place wait, watch and connect with their runners. Post race cookies were also a hit with me:)
C. G. from Chardon, Ohio (10/15/2013) "Nice run through neighborhoods" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Scenic run through the neighborhoods of Fairport Harbor and Mentor with some time along the lake too on roads and bike paths. Great support at water stops. Only a few spectators but they were very supportive. A really nice small race. I would do it again!
B. S. from Madison, Wisconsin (10/15/2013) "Met all my expectations and more!!!" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I came in from WI to run the Towpath half marathon that was canceled. I was so greatful that you opened up more spots. The race was perfect and I loved all the spectators along the course. What a friendly community!!! I would definitley do it again.
M. M. from Ohio (10/15/2013) "Great crew and organizers, family atmosphere!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Northern Ohio Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Really nice race, easy access for pre race pick up, and nice post race refreshments. Organizers did a great job ensuring each runner was safe on the course. Volunteers were great and friendly! Course was mostly flat, some small hills, really nice section along a wooded area along Lake Erie from 16-18 or so, plenty of water and fuel stops. Nice Medals and shirts!~ Also includes a half and a 5k, which my 9 year old did.

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Marathon Details - Northern Ohio Marathon