The course will follow the Towpath Trail within the Cleveland Metroparks. Along the course you’ll see Camp Cleveland, the Towpath Mounds, sweeping views of the Cuyahoga River Valley and the downtown skyline.
Just over 22 miles of the course is run on pavement.
The Towpath Marathon was the 295th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 253rd largest in 2022.
This year 8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Towpath Marathon the 306th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 194th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.53 ranks it as the 271st fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest course in Ohio.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Towpath Marathon a PR Score of 98.03. This PR Score ranks it as the 258th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 7th fastest in Ohio.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Towpath Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 675 feet (205m) Min Elevation: 578 feet (176m)
I get that a lot of people loved 'the old Towpath' course through CVNP. It was beautiful. However, the new Towpath course is pretty cool in its own right. Nearly the entire path is inside some section of the Metropark system and the views of downtown Cleveland are spectacular. The foliage is beautiful. The course support is better because the access points are well, accessible. Spectators are far more plentiful, again because access is easy. The history of this section of the trail is unique. And people along the trail who are not in the event are positive, courteous, and encouraging. There are very few street crossing and the police staffing those points were excellent. 130 full marathoners made using the multi-purpose trail a breeze. And there was shade for at least 60% of the course. I challenge anyone to find a better urban fall marathon on a dedicated path for less money, more parking, prettier course, nicer people, and more competent race management. I've run 107 marathons, this now my favorite fall event.
Race Tips
Hills in first 3 and last 3 miles are no joke. Incorporate hill training in your prepration.
Parking in the Flats can be tricky. Arrive 45+ minutes before the event to find a spot that works for your post event departure.
Anonymous's review of 2021 Towpath Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
Review
This marathon once lived in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and nestled you into a timeless valley full of fall colors and smells with the shuffle of leaves and limestone beneath your feet. Now with the new course in 2021, it is basically the same as any city marathon, just without much course support and barely a curb to sit on for an after party.
Race Tips
Way more hilly than a "towpath" for a canal would imply.
I wanted to love this marathon. I read about it and traveled from the west coast just to run it. Unfortunately I picked 2018. It was hot and humid! It poured rain (with thunder) all night the night before so the trail was muddy and had huge puddles. It was 70 degrees when we started and got warmer from there with very little drop in humidity. I have run over 30 marathons in a wide variety of conditions (including altitude heat and humidity) but this one felt the hardest and was my slowest since my very first one. I think it was partly the slowing to negotiate around standing water (which sometimes took up the whole path and sometimes swallowed your whole foot even when you stepped on its outermost perimeter) and then speeding back up and partly just because it was hot and sweaty and nothing evaporated. It wasn't just me. They postponed the awards ceremony because not enough people had finished when it was schedule. It was well run and the volunteers and supporters were great. I can see how it might be beautiful if it wasn't so muddy and the leaves were still on the trees but in 2018 was tough. I had such high hopes I might come back for another try another year to get the fall color experience just know - you don't always get the perfect weather other reviews have mentioned
Cool, beautiful weather on gorgeous trail in national park. Flat as can be. Most of run on crushed limestone path which is easier on the joints. Relatively small and friendly.
Race Tips
If you need a lot of crowd support, this isn't your marathon. Crowd is enthusiastic but sparse.
Park right by the start. 1/4 - 1/2 mile from finish.
WH's review of 2016 Towpath Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This is a gorgeous trail for the entirety of the race. However, bring your own food as although there are regular fluid stations, there is only minimal food provided. Also, you go past the finish line and have several more miles which can be disheartening! Overall though a really nice course and a beautiful area.
4.3 Stars from 6 Reviews
