University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon
The Lowdown
The University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon is a long-running spring marathon through downtown Cleveland and along the Lake Erie waterfront, passing Public Square and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before crossing the Cuyahoga River on the Hope Memorial Bridge and looping through west-side neighborhoods including Tremont, Ohio City, Gordon Square, and the Lakewood/Edgewater lakeshore. First run in 1978, the race is USATF-certified and serves as an official Boston Marathon qualifier. Its title sponsorship has changed hands over the decades — most notably as the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon for many years — and is currently the University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon. 2027 marks the event's 50th anniversary. Race weekend also includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids' Run, and Challenge Series combination races.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Public Square
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Lake Erie waterfront
Cuyahoga River / Hope Memorial Bridge
Tremont neighborhood
Ohio City
Gordon Square
Lakewood / Edgewater Park lakeshore
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Cleveland, OH
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 for the full marathon
Required Documents
- Photo ID for packet pickup
Entry Methods
- Online registration via clevelandmarathon.com
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entries are generally non-refundable and non-transferable; see official FAQs for deferral policy
2027 is the 50th anniversary of the Cleveland Marathon (first run in 1978).
Course is USATF-certified and an official Boston Marathon qualifier.
2026 event drew more than 13,000 runners across all weekend distances; the full marathon alone had roughly 2,000 finishers.
Course start/finish is at St. Clair and W. Mall Drive, across from the downtown Marriott Hotel.
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Community
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