Running becomes fun! The appeal of a course that blends in with the city
Run through the vibrant city of Cleveland!
Every May, the race starts on St. Clair Avenue and passes through downtown, the Cuyahoga River, and historic streets before heading to the beautiful lakeside. Then, return to downtown for the finish! The course combines the exhilaration of the lake shoreline with the vitality of the city to get runners excited.
The Cleveland Marathon is an unforgettable running experience!
Ride along the lakeside, view the skyscrapers, and feel the history!
The Cleveland Marathon course is filled with various attractions, such as the vitality of downtown, historical streets, and beautiful lakeside. Running through this course will be an unforgettable running experience for you.
Course Overview
・Starting point：The moment when thousands of runners start running at the same time from the starting line at the north end of St. Clair Avenue is truly spectacular. Experience the unforgettable moment of running through the streets of Cleveland, surrounded by euphoria.
・5km point：Right after the start, you can feel the vitality of downtown with its rows of skyscrapers. The view you see along with the euphoria will surely inspire you.
・10km point：Pass through FirstEnergy Stadium, the center of Cleveland sports. With the enthusiastic support of local residents, you will be motivated and move on to the next stage.
・15km point：The moment you cross the majestic Cuyahoga River is one of the highlights of the course. You can start running with a renewed sense of energy while feeling the refreshing breeze.
・20km point：In Ohio City, where historical buildings stand side by side, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. Enjoy the cityscape as you aim for your next goal.
・25km point：When you come to the lush Detroit Showway, the cityscape changes completely and a lush landscape spreads before you. Relax in nature and save energy for the second half of the race.
・30km point：Enjoy the beautiful scenery while running along the beautiful lakeside of Edgewater. You can enjoy a relaxing run while feeling the pleasant sea breeze.
・40km point：Final sprint to the finish line. Return to downtown and finish on St. Clair Avenue. This is the moment when you will be filled with joy and excitement that your efforts have paid off.
Course elevation and temperature
・Elevation difference：The course is relatively flat, but there are slight undulations in some parts.
・Temperature：The course is held in May, so the weather is comfortable, but the sun may be strong.
Comments from participants
“I was really moved by the fact that the whole city of Cleveland came together to support me.”
“The course was really interesting, and I was able to keep running without getting bored.”
“It was my first marathon, and I’m really happy that I was able to complete it.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Cleveland Marathon is strict pacing on the flat start, using the enthusiastic neighborhood crowds to navigate the gentle undulations of the West Side, and preparing mentally and physically for the late-race challenges. Conserve energy in the middle miles for the tough steady uphill climb on the elevated highway between mile 23 and 26. Since the course is generally fast and the weather is usually ideal in May, smart pacing, especially on the final incline, is crucial for a strong finish.
The Cleveland Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill all your senses. Run through a city filled with enthusiastic cheers with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life.
2025 Cleveland Marathon Summary
・Date and time: May 18, 2025
・Number of finishers: 1,706 (Men: 1,102, Women: 596, Non-binary: 8)
・Average time: 4:20:02
MEN
1: Zach Kreft: 2:18:58
2: Mitchell Baum: 2:23:56
3: Corbin Harris: 2:25:37
4: Zane Keppler: 2:31:12
5: Connor Goetz: 2:31:50
6: Tyler Lance: 2:33:24
7: Michael Trombetta: 2:34:02
8: Julian Velazquez Nayotl: 2:37:12
9: Dylan Bailey: 2:38:35
10: Zach Anderson: 2:41:47
WOMEN
1: Ashton Swinford: 2:51:32
2: Lauren Hintz: 2:55:36
3: Elaine Reedy: 3:03:52
4: Mackenzie Scott: 3:06:33
5: Isabelle Rammel: 3:08:36
6: Brooklynn Harvey: 3:09:00
7: Mallory Yeung: 3:09:17
8: Caylee Mackey: 3:10:30
9: Rachel Kalayjian: 3:10:42
10: Kelley Moyer: 3:11:27
2026 Cleveland Marathon
Calling all runners out there, this 42.195km race is a thrilling experience for you. Join fellow runners from around the world as you run through the streets of Cleveland, breaking your personal best and experiencing something unforgettable.
・Location: St. Clair Avenue Northeast at Mall B, Downtown Cleveland
・Date and time: May 17, 2026
・Start time: 7:00am
Cleveland is diverse
Cleveland is a city with deep roots in history and culture, where nature coexists, vibrant urban life and a diverse food culture coexist in harmony.
The West Side Market, which has a history of over 100 years, is like a food theme park where flavors from all over the world come together. From fresh ingredients to authentic cuisine, you will have an experience that stimulates your senses. At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you can trace the history of rock through precious items from legendary musicians and interactive exhibits. The Cleveland Museum of Art boasts a wide range of collections from ancient to modern times, and offers a luxurious time to experience art.
If you want to get in touch with nature, Lake Erie is the perfect place. In summer, the refreshing breeze blows through, making it the perfect place to enjoy water sports. In winter, you can enjoy skating on the frozen lake. The Metroparks, with their vast green spaces, are a place of relaxation where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling and picnicking.
The vibrant downtown is always lively with events and festivals held frequently. You can also enjoy interacting with local people. From high-end brands to unique boutiques, this is a city that shopping lovers will love.
For sports fans, we recommend watching professional sports teams such as the Indians of Major League Baseball or the Cubs of the NBA. It will be a great experience to join in with the locals and get excited. You can also enjoy various sports such as running, cycling, and yoga.
Enjoying food is also one of the attractions of Cleveland. Cooking with fresh ingredients directly from local farms is a great opportunity to taste the authentic taste. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy cuisine from all over the world. In particular, craft beer brewed at a local brewery is recommended.
History, art, nature, food, and sports. Cleveland is a perfect combination of these elements, and it can be said to be a “city that represents the Midwest of America”. Once you visit, you will be captivated by its charm.
