The Glass City Marathon course is a fast, flat, scenic tour of some of Toledo's most beautiful neighborhoods. The majority of the race is run on paved asphalt bike trail and concrete streets.
The flat course, coupled with favorable race day temperatures, can make the Glass City Marathon a very good prospect for a PR or BQ (Boston Qualifier).
The Glass City Marathon was the 60th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 57th largest in 2022.
This year 16.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 26.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Glass City Marathon the 24th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 74th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.09 ranks it as the 182nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Ohio.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Glass City Marathon a PR Score of 99.09. This PR Score ranks it as the 131st fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Ohio.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Glass City Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 680 feet (207m) Min Elevation: 582 feet (177m)
I loved the course and the support, while not huge, was enthusiastic. People came out in the residential neighborhoods to tailgate and provided us with extra fuel and drink (the ice cold bottles some offered were heaven-sent). It's really flat, but there's one little, steep elevation one has to do twice that can be soul-crushing the second time. Organization was great. Gear check could have been more clearly announced. Post-race food was meh. After the half runners had gone through, all that was left was cold pizza, chips, and a cookie. I'd have loved a banana and more drink options! It was either water or alcoholic beer (I love my beer, but after a marathon prefer non-alcoholic versions).
Expo was a little sparse. Almost no free samples, though they did have everything I needed to prep for the race.
Race Tips
You can't really plan for good weather. The past few years, it's been on and off with perfect race conditions one year and terrible the next. That being said, it's a great course when the weather is good!
Parking is great. There are maps sent out about where to park based on when you'd like to leave by. It can mean a bit of walking (maybe 1km?), but that's always kind of good after a marathon.
Anonymous's review of 2024 Glass City Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
Expo was good. Course was beautiful and flat. Post race there were dixie cups w warm water until you walked out of the stadium across the parking lot where there were bags of lays chips, cookies and pizza. No fruit whatsoever. No food trucks. No chocolate milk. No electrolyte drinks.
Race Tips
Have your friends and family bring post race nutrition/recovery drinks.
Stay on Secor close to UT or downtown on the river. Pre race dinner at Zia's Saturday is excellent.
D G's review of 2023 Glass City Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This is a well-organized marathon with a fast course. Some nice gradual downhills when you need them like in the park after mile 20. The stretch from mile 22 to 25 can get tough with small crowd support and not much to see but push through since you are getting close. I enjoyed the feel of not running in a city atmosphere like in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit or Pittsburgh. Not saying that Toledo is a better marathon but it was nice that it was totally different than the city marathons. This marathon is also very convenient if staying north of the start on Secor road. The after party was also very nice.
Race Tips
Even pacing or trying to negative split on this course should be attempted. Be cognizant of the direction of the wind and plan accordingly by drafting off others when possible and getting into a position to allow it to push you when it is at your back.
