Towpath Marathon - Race Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Well organized, great volunteers, beautiful course, a great event!

An absolutely great event! The course is the main attraction, mostly level, mostly crushed limestone surface. Didn't mind the 2 out and backs, at all. The organizers are very well prepared and do a great job of communicating. Nothing special about the small expo, but it was convenient. The nature of the course does not allow for great numbers of spectators, but volunteers (and other runners) were great. The spectators at the finish were very enthusiastic. I hope this marathon stays small. A great alternative to the big city marathons, as well as easy on the joints. Host hotel did a great job with the pasta meal and everything else. I'll certainly be back.

I had heard that this was a nice fall race; so i went for it because it was local....the race did not disappoint! Pros Hidden Gem of a course in the Cleveland/Akron Ohio, area....i dont think many even know there is a National Park in this part of Ohio.....but there is; and most of the course is in the park....perfect fall weather, amazing fall colors and nature...outstanding! -enthusiastic volunteers -hot tub (and a cold tub) at the finish line! -easy pack pickup Cons -traffic on a little 2 lane road to get to the the parking lots morning of the race took awhile -fairly standard, nothing too exceptional about the finisher medal or shirt given

This was a beautiful fall event with a lovely course running through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We put together a full weekend of activities thirty minutes away in Cleveland and also drove all around the park to major sites like ledges, caves, beaver marshes, and waterfalls, which involved very minimal trail hikes from the parking areas to each featured wilderness attraction . A trip worth taking! This small event with 500 marathoners has been combined with a half marathon and 10k to expand participation. The races take place in such a way that congestion on the trail course is completely avoided, a masterful planning success by the race organizers. The expo was full of friendly people and easy to get to and from. Finish area had plentiful food, including Subway sandwiches and beer for those inclined. The tech shirt was high quality, as was the finisher medal which had a simple design that was well executed. I highly recommend the race, which I completed in 2011 and will participate in again. Thank you race organizers for providing a beautiful, colorful trail race that was expertly executed. Well worth doing the Towpath Marathon!

I thoroughly enjoyed this marathon. I find the flat, packed limestone surface to be easy on the legs. The national park is pretty in October. There are plenty of other runners, but without the crowding of city marathons, and there were lots of places for friends and family to watch and cheer. I would prefer a 7 am start, but I expect to run this marathon again in the next few years.

The out-and-back course was great for those with families wanting to watch/help. Nice separation between full and half marathon. I'm not a big fan of HEED, but I just had my family give me bottles of my own fluids along the course. The limestone path was awesome to run on and the scenery was awesome. I will be back for another run next year.

This is my favorite marathon. The course is as beautiful and as picturesque as any you'll find. I love running on the limestone path and being able to view the canal and the ruins of the canal locks and the trees! The volunteers are helpful and friendly. This course is for purists who love to run and don't care about glitz and give-aways. I've run all but two of them over the years and it just keeps getting better and better. If you need spectators and bands this wonderful course isn't for you. No race is perfect and this isn't either but there are no major glitches. I strongly recommend it. I'll be back next year!

This was only my second marathon and it was a very enjoyable run. The organisation great and the whole experience was wonderful. Unfortunately, they ran out of t-shirts, and I am hoping to get mine soon.

My half marathon started with my bib not being there even though it was mailed and received back in June. That got taken care of quickly though. Expo was very interesting, to put it into words. Very few booths for an event of decent size. Half marathon started at least 10 minutes late and we couldn't hear a thing because the speakers were placed behind a truck that was blocking the sound. Course is great - very flat. Plenty of aid stations. Water was good; HEED was horrible (very diluted, and it shocked me a few times because I thought it was going to be water). Spectators at finish line and Highland Road were great. The finish line, in general, can be summed up in one word: HORRIBLE. Keep the families out of that area and back at least 100 feet. I crossed the line and 10 feet later there were people telling me not to move so they could get a family picture. Food wasn't great. A very crammed finish line area that should have been handled better. Other than that, I could see myself doing it again, maybe even the half.

Only reason why organization was rated 4 stars was because I registered in advance and came from Canada, St. Catharines, ON. When I picked up my race kit, I was told that there were no small shirts left after I pre-registered my shirt size. I am a tiny person and the medium was way too big, so I took no shirt; the person behind me actually took the medium. This was very disappointing, and it's a long drive to come and support your marathon and to go home with no shirt. I loved the course, and the aid stations and spectators were fabulous.

The Towpath Marathon was perfect for first-timers like myself. It's flat with a mostly crushed limestone surface... easy on the joints. The volunteers were very supportive and friendly, and the event was well organized. My only complaints were the lack of clocks on the course (just at the finish line), that the beer was gone by the time I finished (just over 4 hours), and that we did not get the advertised "tech" shirt. I agree that the lack of spectator spots hurts your stamina, but that is just part of the course. The finish line was also a bit short. Lastly, kudos to the organizers for getting off three events at the same time on such a small track!

This was my first marathon ever. I am 59 years-old and wondered if I could even finish. I am so glad I picked this as the one since the trail was flat, very scenic, and extremely well-equipped with everything that I needed along the way. I am not competitive, so enjoying myself during the challenge was the top priority. I cannot say enough "good" about this marathon. Everything about it was top quality!!!!

Very good, tranquil, end-of-the-year marathon without crowded roadways. Although the heat got the best of me (no PR compared to the previous year), I still am glad to have run it. Biggest need: REAL FOOD after the race. I was hypoglycemic at the end, and pasta, steak or chicken would have been great EVEN if I have to pay. I am sure some restaurant owner in the town could set up a big grill and then the popcorn would have seem great as dessert. Looking forward to the next year. Well done.

If you want to run a fast marathon - and are not looking for the glamour or excitement of a "city" marathon - the Towpath is for you. This was a PR marathon for me and I loved the course - but it was all business. Arrive for the race, warm-up, run the trail, have a beer at the end, and go home. No excitement, no bands, no entertainment, no big crowds - the trappings of the big-city marathons. All in all, a very satisfying for the pure running.

The reason I gave the race a 4 out of 5 is that the start of the race is congested due to the fact that you start out of a narrow parking lot. We were at a slow jog for a good 5 minutes. My other problem was that I had ordered a small shirt but they had given the smalls away by the time I picked my packet up; so order more shirts or make sure that the people who ordered in advance get the shirt they signed up for. Other than that, this was, hands down, the race had the best course and best post-race fun!

Wonderful race in the Cuyahoga River National Park, a national treasure, at the peak of the fall leaf colors. Somehow a marathon, half-marathon (I ran the half but I know the whole length well), and 10K intertwined on the narrow Towpath without casualties, a phenomenal organization effort and clockwork planning. The organizers found parking spaces for thousands in the nearby ski slopes. Be prepared for some walking to the starting lines and arrive early. I've been a local for a year but was still somewhat confused in finding my way from the parking lot to the start. Great choice of finish line at the Boston Store Nat'l Park station. It must be understood that the area is one of the most scenic in the USA, but there are space limitations. Surely there will be more instructions and directions next year because this race is becoming nationally popular, and it well should be. Can't wait to run it again, and many thanks to the National Park Service for allowing it!

Parking was not so great and there were no garbage cans! Seriously, folks! Put a few garbage cans out at the two starting points. I had to carry my trash for 20 minutes. This being said, the rest was great! The people, location, registration, course provisions for runners, etc., was all really good!!

Basically two long out-and-backs along a pretty, flat trail, which is very narrow and congested for the first 2-3 miles. Plenty of aid stations with water, Hammer Gel, and, unfortunately, HEED. I like the signs alerting runners to upcoming toilets and aid stations. Nothing to complain about, but I realize that I like more variety regarding scenery and topography. Not great food post-race, but it was also inexpensive. Medal was fine and the shirt is great. A nice, quiet race.

This was my first time running the Towpath Marathon. The crushed limestone surface was a welcome change from the typical asphalt and concrete I typically run on. The wood bridges and tunnels (early in the race) were interesting as well. The spectators were few and far between - however, that has to do with the way the course is laid out. The aid stations were adequately stocked and appropriately placed and the signs indicating "aid station ahead" were very much appreciated. The large gravel (rocks) at 23 or 24 miles into the course was not the best running surface, but I trudged through it without twisting an ankle. The finish line area needs to be expanded as I felt cramped after just running 26.2 miles in under 3 hours and 33 minutes.

This is a very enjoyable course - flat, but with nice scenery. The organization was flawless; I didn't have or hear any complaints. Aid stations were never far apart. Every mile was marked. No worries at all. The volunteers and staff were wonderful. I had a great time at the Towpath Marathon.

I have run this trail course three times now andI still find it a marvel to run. The finish line area is a bit crowded though - too congested. The clock was not prominently displayed. I'll keep going back till we get it right.

This was my 31st marathon. I haven't run one that was a 99%+ trail run, but I enjoyed it (the pebbles in my shoe were a nuisance but manageable). The race was EXTREMELY organized... lots of communication before the race, lots water/aid stations, plenty of porta-potties throughout the course, etc. The fans were everywhere they could be and they were great. Great volunteers as well. The course itself was very flat (you wouldn't know it by driving around the area because it is pretty hilly). It's a loop course. I liked how it was broken up... I looked at it in four parts. First, you go ~8.5 miles south on the trail. Second, you run back north on the trail and pass the finish line/area. Third you go ~4.5 miles north of the finish line/area. Fourth, you go back south to the finish line/area. There were a LOT of fast runners (lots of people qualifying for Boston); 221 of the 604 runners listed on the race website ran it in under 4 hours. The course is set up for a PR (I didn't get one but was still under 3.5 hours). I liked the shuttle from the hotel and back for the race (I stayed at the host hotel... the pasta dinner was "ok" - I would have preferred to have had the pasta and add my own sauce). I am from Georgia and wish the marathon t-shirt were short-sleeved for the marathon (it was for the half). I liked the medal and the ceremonies/fun at the end of the race (jacuzzi, beer, music, etc.). I give it an all-around A+ and would highly recommend it... these folks know how to put on a race!

I enjoyed the race, but it's a very simple out-and-back track on a very narrow trail. Surprisingly flat compared to the surrounding roads! Not much else in the area.

I am from the Cleveland area and run on the towpath a lot. If you are from our of town and have never run on this scenic, flat trail, then you would find this race very enjoyable. I was too used to the scenery and got very bored. Be aware that there are very few spectators on this course, but you do get to watch the faster runners coming back towards the finish line due to the layout of the course. I would totally recommend this race if you are looking for a smaller pool of people and some beautiful scenery. Weather is usually nice and cool this time of year. They organizers do a great job with the expo and after party. It's an easy place for your family to park and come meet you at the end.

This was the first time I ran the Towpath Marathon. I was totally surprised how nice the organizers were - like the person at Mile 22, sitting on the chair, who you saw twice. They gave me the extra energy to keep going. I was able to finish without a lot of training (due to injuries). But wow, I really love the course and great support when you need it. Thanks to all of the Towpath support team. I will be back. Great job. - Robert from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a well-kept secret in Northeast Ohio. This was my 2nd marathon and my 1st Towpath Marathon and I loved the race! Well-organized with easy pre-race packet pick-up and parking at the morning of the race ( ample parking at the Boston Mills parking lot). The start was with only the marathon runners and the race went off uneventfully. There were plenty of water stations and a very caring and supportive staff of volunteers. The course was well paved and cared for - a relatively soft surface with less impact on the legs (post-race recovery went smoothly). A great experience in a small-town marathon - a real "diamond in the rough!" Look forward to 2010.

This was such a great course and I loved that it was small. It felt great crossing the finish line and having my family run right up to me. The staff and volunteers were organized, and there were plenty of aid stations and porta-potties. The race started smoothly and the course was clearly marked. I loved this marathon!