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Marathon Details - Towpath Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OH > Cleveland-Akron Area > Towpath Marathon

Towpath Marathon

Towpath Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

Cleveland-Akron Area, OH USA

October 5, 2024

http://www.canalwaypartners.com/events/2024/04/14/the-towpath-trilogy

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Race Details

The course is run on the Towpath.

Contact Information

Name:	Julie Sciarrino
Address:	Canalway Partners P.O. Box 609420 Cleveland, Ohio 44109
Phone Number:	216-520-1825
Fax Number:	216-520-1833
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Run "America's Most Beautiful Race Course" (1/25/13)

Kathy Cole

If you like scenery, running under the shade of tree canopy, and autumn colors... If you've run on trails and liked the experience, then you may favor the Towpath Marathon held in mid-October. It's a trail run through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A FLAT course that follows the historic Ohio Canal made of a firmly-packed crushed limestone surface. The beautiful fall colors helped to dub The Towpath Mrathon "America's most beautiful race course by Runner's World Magazine." This race offers a full marathon, half marathon and 10K with a unique finish area boasting a package of amenities you'll love Band, massages, food, and a beer garden featuring a locally made brew.

Runner Reviews (201)

Course 4.7

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.5

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Number of comments: 201 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]

A. C. from Youngstown, Ohio (10/12/2021) "Disappointing - what it used to be" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Towpath Marathon has been on my marathon bucket list for awhile. I was greatly disappointed in the new course and it's a huge shame that this race is no longer completely within the National Park. If you want fall foliage, a shady tree covered route, crushed limestone and a fast flat BQ course this is no longer your race. The race started in the flats near downtown Cleveland. You had to pay to park and some parking lots had very long lines to pay a machine before the race. A lot of people didn't have enough time to pay to park, wait in line for the restroom and start the race on time. The course had hills in the first four and last four miles and only a short stretch was on crushed limestone. The course goes through steelyard commons, industrial areas and you see more graffiti then fall foliage. Most people ran the half and after the turnaround there weren't many runners on course. Very little spectators on course to help motivate you as well. Overall it was a huge disappointment and it was obvious it was a low budget race.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan USA (10/17/2019) "Flat and Fast - Except For The Bridges" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 When I first learned about this marathon, the course went through the Cuyahoga National Park. It looked like a point-to-point through the Park, along the Ohio & Erie Canal. One other thing up front, this race organization - as with many larger events - requires permits from different organizations in order to put on their marathon event. One required permit was from the National Park. And after 27 years, the Park declined to issue the permit for the marathon course to go through the Park. And to me personally, I wanted to enjoy the experience of the course going through the Park in the autumn. I think in mid-July they still did not have this issue resolved, so registration had not yet been opened. I dialoged through e-mail with a race official named Kathy, and that helped me understand the frustration that they were dealing with as an organization. But with little time to determine an alternate course, and still allow runners a course along the Canal, they devised an alternate course. Our hats are off to the organizers to put together an alternate course with little time to spare. The course started in Cuyahoga Heights where there is a Visitor's Center for the Canal. From the parking lot there, the marathon course followed a road that led us on to the Towpath. We headed north to the Harvard Ave. trailhead. There, we did a course reversal and headed south to the Rockside trailhead. From there, another course reversal and we returned to the Harvard Ave. trailhead. Then there was a smaller loop over that overlaid ground that we had already covered. Completing that loop, we returned to the Rockside trailhead again, where the finish line was located. It was all asphalt trail - except for the concrete bridge structures. And the way they had the course laid out, we passed the same hydration stations multiple times. That made it feasible to have fewer volunteers and still offer a lot of options to the runners to get fluids and carbs. Most of the course had shade, but there were some sunny spots too. It was a cold start - I would guess the temperature being in the low 40's and it warmed to about 60 by mid-day. It was a beautiful autumn day for a marathon. The finish line routine was a bit awkward. At the actual finish line, there were the typical medical staff, fruits and fluids available. But the post-race was at Quaker Steak - which was perhaps a half-mile away. Buses (shuttles) were running about every 10-15 minutes to take runners to the post-race. They had burritos there for the runners, one free beer, along with cookies and red licorice. Then, if you parked at the start-line, you had to catch another shuttle, to get a ride back to your car. They were supposed to be running until 1:00 p.m. I do know one guy skipped the post-race and rode the shuttle back to get his car because he was afraid of the service stopping at noon, stranding him - and it was several miles back to the Visitor's Center parking lot. I cannot be too critical of this set-up. They did the best they could with little time to prepare for the details. As far as I could tell, everything worked as best as it could have. They did have a string band there playing music, but they were just finishing up their last song about the time I showed up, and then put their instruments away. From information I received earlier from the race organizers, it sounds like this year's course was just for this year, and by next year they hope to have a new improved course in place to use for the foreseeable future. We will have to wait and see how things unfold.
Gordon Borkat from Columbus, GA (11/4/2015) "Great marathon in all regards" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the older version in the early 1990's and had high expectations. As I was in the area, I wanted to run it again. Happily, 2015 exceeded all expectations. From the start, communication was outstanding, even when I could not get my number as I was traveling. Organization was excellent with a good start close to parking. The course is flat, fast, and quite scenic, with plenty of very enthusiastic and helpful volunteers. Course directions were clear, and when needed, traffic control was perfect. Wherever spectators could get to the course, they did, and they supported me mightily. Finally, as I was running slowly, I was really pleased to find lots of spectators still there to cheer for me at the finish. Food and drink were plentiful, and the medal will be among my most cherished. Given the opportunity to run this marathon, it should be done in a heartbeat!! My thanks to all who made it such a memorable experience.
L. B. from HOWLAND,OHIO (11/2/2015) "No traffic to worry about!" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a beautiful tree-lined course. The towpath was flat and fast. Great start down the only hill. Enjoyed the finish with craft beers and music. Emcee was very entertaining.
j. h. from Cleveland, Ohio (I have lived across the US and EU (10/30/2015) "Fastest trail marathon in the country" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Towpath Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The crushed limestone towpath course lends itself to be one of, if not, the fastest trail marathons in the country. If there was a curb on the course...it would be the highest elevation. Rivals Chicago or Rotterdam from a speed perspective. Just as important, it has to be one of the top 3 beautiful marathons in the country (behind Big Sur and Lake Tahoe). The setting (in a national park) and the time of year (fall) provides great colors and perfect weather (dry and cool temps).
C. B. from Mason City, Iowa (10/28/2015) "Beautiful course!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Towpath marathon is run on a flat, crushed limestone path next to the river. Tree-covered, fall race. Fog coming off river, water flowing over rocks, leaves falling down, old ruins of locks, just beautiful! Secluded path, so no spectators except at crossing roads. But the park and race volunteers get 5 stars - so friendly! Host hotel: Hampton Inn is newly remodeled and were very welcoming and accommodating to those of us in the race. The shuttle picked us up in the lobby and dropped us off at start. We missed the last shuttle back because had a late finisher in our group and the race volunteers made sure our group of 10 got back to the hotel. Now THAT is above and beyond! Unique artwork on shirt and medal. I give this race a 10 out of 10.
M. S. from MI (10/16/2014) "Beautiful, well-supported race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Towpath Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run this marathon for the last two years (2013, 2014). It is absolutely beautiful, very flat, and a perfect size for my taste. There are portions that are pretty quiet and you can just appreciate the beauty. Aid stations seemed to come more often than every two miles. The volunteers are fabulous.
B. H. from Conway, PA (10/16/2014) "Great course and scenery, well organized" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Towpath Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The tree-lined flat course makes this a beautiful race. I have run the Towpath five times and it still retains the feel of a smaller race, which is more enjoyable than big city courses. Many thanks to the volunteers and the organizers who did a great job.
w. o. from georgia (10/14/2014) "FLAT, BEAUTIFUL, AND WELL-ORGANIZED" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Course: One word: FLAT! The residents in the Cleveland-Akron area are so lucky to have this miles-long trail available to them for walking/running/biking. And in October, the course is just breath-taking drifting fog, falling leaves, dappled sunshine, rushing water, and historic landmarks! Organization: This race is well-organized from packet pick-up to the post-race party. The website and Facebook page were informative and helpful. The mile markers were accurate, and the aid stations were well-stocked and well-manned. I particularly liked the Go Browns aid station and the Candy Corn aid station! The website and the race director provided severe warnings about traffic jams on race morning and about the need to arrive early. I stayed at one of the race hotels that provided a shuttle to the start line, so I had absolutely no issues at all getting to the start. Fans: This is the perfect race to get into the zone and march off the miles. There are plenty of fans at the road crossings and lots of friendly aid-station workers. But in between, there are some quiet patches that allow you to run within yourself and breathe life in. Special thanks to the volunteers who braved the cold morning start to come out to support us! And a special shout-out to the National Park Service personnel who were on hand to assist! Overall, a fabulous race in a fantastic setting! Kudos to the race director and his crew!
Rick Bruno from Tinley Park, IL (10/14/2014) "DO THIS RACE!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon last Sunday as my 32nd. I LOVED everything about it. I read up on this race here at marathonguide before we signed up, and the reviews were very accurate. The expo was small and efficient for a race this size. We stayed at the Hampton Inn and took the shuttle on race morning. I would not hesitate to drive my car to the start next time, as there was ample parking there. I have seldom seen such nice people, everyone was cheerful and very helpful. One person in particular (Barb - a member of the Towpath board of directors) discovered that 4 of us had missed the last shuttle back to the hotels, and gave us a ride (about 6 miles) back. A very nice lady to say the least. OK, so you want more race details. The course is mostly on crushed limestone trails, with some on plank trails through the beautiful marshy areas. The majority in through some very scenic and shaded areas. It is also flat. The autumn colors were GLORIOUS! Not many spectators (trail run), but those who were there and EVERYONE at the many waterstops were people I'd love to have as my neighbors. And the waterstops seemed to be every 1.2 miles. If you do not need thousands of spectators (why would you?), and you are not interested in running in huge packs of humanity (been there, done that), this race is for you!! I would definitely do it again.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]



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A. C. from Youngstown, Ohio (10/12/2021) "Disappointing - what it used to be" (about: 2021) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The Towpath Marathon has been on my marathon bucket list for awhile. I was greatly disappointed in the new course and it's a huge shame that this race is no longer completely within the National Park. If you want fall foliage, a shady tree covered route, crushed limestone and a fast flat BQ course this is no longer your race. The race started in the flats near downtown Cleveland. You had to pay to park and some parking lots had very long lines to pay a machine before the race. A lot of people didn't have enough time to pay to park, wait in line for the restroom and start the race on time. The course had hills in the first four and last four miles and only a short stretch was on crushed limestone. The course goes through steelyard commons, industrial areas and you see more graffiti then fall foliage. Most people ran the half and after the turnaround there weren't many runners on course. Very little spectators on course to help motivate you as well. Overall it was a huge disappointment and it was obvious it was a low budget race.
Rob Klein from Paradise, Michigan USA (10/17/2019) "Flat and Fast - Except For The Bridges" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 When I first learned about this marathon, the course went through the Cuyahoga National Park. It looked like a point-to-point through the Park, along the Ohio & Erie Canal. One other thing up front, this race organization - as with many larger events - requires permits from different organizations in order to put on their marathon event. One required permit was from the National Park. And after 27 years, the Park declined to issue the permit for the marathon course to go through the Park. And to me personally, I wanted to enjoy the experience of the course going through the Park in the autumn. I think in mid-July they still did not have this issue resolved, so registration had not yet been opened. I dialoged through e-mail with a race official named Kathy, and that helped me understand the frustration that they were dealing with as an organization. But with little time to determine an alternate course, and still allow runners a course along the Canal, they devised an alternate course. Our hats are off to the organizers to put together an alternate course with little time to spare. The course started in Cuyahoga Heights where there is a Visitor's Center for the Canal. From the parking lot there, the marathon course followed a road that led us on to the Towpath. We headed north to the Harvard Ave. trailhead. There, we did a course reversal and headed south to the Rockside trailhead. From there, another course reversal and we returned to the Harvard Ave. trailhead. Then there was a smaller loop over that overlaid ground that we had already covered. Completing that loop, we returned to the Rockside trailhead again, where the finish line was located. It was all asphalt trail - except for the concrete bridge structures. And the way they had the course laid out, we passed the same hydration stations multiple times. That made it feasible to have fewer volunteers and still offer a lot of options to the runners to get fluids and carbs. Most of the course had shade, but there were some sunny spots too. It was a cold start - I would guess the temperature being in the low 40's and it warmed to about 60 by mid-day. It was a beautiful autumn day for a marathon. The finish line routine was a bit awkward. At the actual finish line, there were the typical medical staff, fruits and fluids available. But the post-race was at Quaker Steak - which was perhaps a half-mile away. Buses (shuttles) were running about every 10-15 minutes to take runners to the post-race. They had burritos there for the runners, one free beer, along with cookies and red licorice. Then, if you parked at the start-line, you had to catch another shuttle, to get a ride back to your car. They were supposed to be running until 1:00 p.m. I do know one guy skipped the post-race and rode the shuttle back to get his car because he was afraid of the service stopping at noon, stranding him - and it was several miles back to the Visitor's Center parking lot. I cannot be too critical of this set-up. They did the best they could with little time to prepare for the details. As far as I could tell, everything worked as best as it could have. They did have a string band there playing music, but they were just finishing up their last song about the time I showed up, and then put their instruments away. From information I received earlier from the race organizers, it sounds like this year's course was just for this year, and by next year they hope to have a new improved course in place to use for the foreseeable future. We will have to wait and see how things unfold.
Gordon Borkat from Columbus, GA (11/4/2015) "Great marathon in all regards" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the older version in the early 1990's and had high expectations. As I was in the area, I wanted to run it again. Happily, 2015 exceeded all expectations. From the start, communication was outstanding, even when I could not get my number as I was traveling. Organization was excellent with a good start close to parking. The course is flat, fast, and quite scenic, with plenty of very enthusiastic and helpful volunteers. Course directions were clear, and when needed, traffic control was perfect. Wherever spectators could get to the course, they did, and they supported me mightily. Finally, as I was running slowly, I was really pleased to find lots of spectators still there to cheer for me at the finish. Food and drink were plentiful, and the medal will be among my most cherished. Given the opportunity to run this marathon, it should be done in a heartbeat!! My thanks to all who made it such a memorable experience.
L. B. from HOWLAND,OHIO (11/2/2015) "No traffic to worry about!" (about: 2015) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a beautiful tree-lined course. The towpath was flat and fast. Great start down the only hill. Enjoyed the finish with craft beers and music. Emcee was very entertaining.
j. h. from Cleveland, Ohio (I have lived across the US and EU (10/30/2015) "Fastest trail marathon in the country" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Towpath Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The crushed limestone towpath course lends itself to be one of, if not, the fastest trail marathons in the country. If there was a curb on the course...it would be the highest elevation. Rivals Chicago or Rotterdam from a speed perspective. Just as important, it has to be one of the top 3 beautiful marathons in the country (behind Big Sur and Lake Tahoe). The setting (in a national park) and the time of year (fall) provides great colors and perfect weather (dry and cool temps).
C. B. from Mason City, Iowa (10/28/2015) "Beautiful course!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Towpath marathon is run on a flat, crushed limestone path next to the river. Tree-covered, fall race. Fog coming off river, water flowing over rocks, leaves falling down, old ruins of locks, just beautiful! Secluded path, so no spectators except at crossing roads. But the park and race volunteers get 5 stars - so friendly! Host hotel: Hampton Inn is newly remodeled and were very welcoming and accommodating to those of us in the race. The shuttle picked us up in the lobby and dropped us off at start. We missed the last shuttle back because had a late finisher in our group and the race volunteers made sure our group of 10 got back to the hotel. Now THAT is above and beyond! Unique artwork on shirt and medal. I give this race a 10 out of 10.
M. S. from MI (10/16/2014) "Beautiful, well-supported race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Towpath Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run this marathon for the last two years (2013, 2014). It is absolutely beautiful, very flat, and a perfect size for my taste. There are portions that are pretty quiet and you can just appreciate the beauty. Aid stations seemed to come more often than every two miles. The volunteers are fabulous.
B. H. from Conway, PA (10/16/2014) "Great course and scenery, well organized" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Towpath Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The tree-lined flat course makes this a beautiful race. I have run the Towpath five times and it still retains the feel of a smaller race, which is more enjoyable than big city courses. Many thanks to the volunteers and the organizers who did a great job.
w. o. from georgia (10/14/2014) "FLAT, BEAUTIFUL, AND WELL-ORGANIZED" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Course: One word: FLAT! The residents in the Cleveland-Akron area are so lucky to have this miles-long trail available to them for walking/running/biking. And in October, the course is just breath-taking drifting fog, falling leaves, dappled sunshine, rushing water, and historic landmarks! Organization: This race is well-organized from packet pick-up to the post-race party. The website and Facebook page were informative and helpful. The mile markers were accurate, and the aid stations were well-stocked and well-manned. I particularly liked the Go Browns aid station and the Candy Corn aid station! The website and the race director provided severe warnings about traffic jams on race morning and about the need to arrive early. I stayed at one of the race hotels that provided a shuttle to the start line, so I had absolutely no issues at all getting to the start. Fans: This is the perfect race to get into the zone and march off the miles. There are plenty of fans at the road crossings and lots of friendly aid-station workers. But in between, there are some quiet patches that allow you to run within yourself and breathe life in. Special thanks to the volunteers who braved the cold morning start to come out to support us! And a special shout-out to the National Park Service personnel who were on hand to assist! Overall, a fabulous race in a fantastic setting! Kudos to the race director and his crew!
Rick Bruno from Tinley Park, IL (10/14/2014) "DO THIS RACE!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Towpath Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon last Sunday as my 32nd. I LOVED everything about it. I read up on this race here at marathonguide before we signed up, and the reviews were very accurate. The expo was small and efficient for a race this size. We stayed at the Hampton Inn and took the shuttle on race morning. I would not hesitate to drive my car to the start next time, as there was ample parking there. I have seldom seen such nice people, everyone was cheerful and very helpful. One person in particular (Barb - a member of the Towpath board of directors) discovered that 4 of us had missed the last shuttle back to the hotels, and gave us a ride (about 6 miles) back. A very nice lady to say the least. OK, so you want more race details. The course is mostly on crushed limestone trails, with some on plank trails through the beautiful marshy areas. The majority in through some very scenic and shaded areas. It is also flat. The autumn colors were GLORIOUS! Not many spectators (trail run), but those who were there and EVERYONE at the many waterstops were people I'd love to have as my neighbors. And the waterstops seemed to be every 1.2 miles. If you do not need thousands of spectators (why would you?), and you are not interested in running in huge packs of humanity (been there, done that), this race is for you!! I would definitely do it again.

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Marathon Details - Towpath Marathon