Towpath Marathon Reviews

  'New' Towpath Marathon is a different classic

By MKD about 2024

Review

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Parking in the Flats can be tricky. Arrive 45+ minutes before the event to find a spot that works for your post event departure.

  Sadly, no longer "a fall classic"

By Anonymous about 2021

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.

  Weather makes a huge difference

By Anonymous about 2018

Review

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

Race Tips

Pray for good weather!

  Gorgeous trail

By WH about 2016

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.

  

By FXR about 2016

Review

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.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Park right by the start. 1/4 - 1/2 mile from finish.

  Running in nature

By EV about 2015

Review

I love the feeling of running in nature on a limestone trail surrounded by trees that are changing to fall colors. Perfect fall race that allows you to get totally absorbed into the marathon! They had a very nice after race party, a live band, beer, food etc.

Race Tips

You will be surrounded by trees for the majority of the race. But there are breaks in the trees and road crossings where family can cheer you on. There are plenty of water stops.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Parking at Boston Mills Ski resort is the way to go. It's a short walk to the start and a little walk from the finish line. They also run a shuttle if you don't want to walk after the race. Arrive at least an hour before the race starts because the road will close shortly before start time.