Cleveland Marathon

Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Country: United States
Website: https://www.clevelandmarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 18/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 17/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:18:58
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Cleveland Marathon is a long-running fixture of the Midwest racing calendar, offering a fast and accessible spring marathon in the heart of Ohio. Held each May, the Cleveland Marathon blends a flat, city-centre course with a blue-collar spirit and strong organisational support—making it a viable target for sub-3 runners chasing early-season goals.

The route begins downtown and threads through key Cleveland landmarks, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame territory, industrial zones, and lakefront stretches. The course is mostly flat, with a few short inclines in the first half and long straights in the second. Road surfaces are solid, and the layout lends itself well to steady pacing.

Weather is often cool and overcast - ideal for fast times - with typical morning temperatures in the 9–13°C range. While occasional headwinds can emerge along the lakefront, shelter from buildings and trees helps reduce impact. The event starts early, allowing runners to complete the race before midday warmth sets in.

Crowds are strongest in downtown areas and near cultural landmarks, while outlying sections are quieter. The Cleveland Marathon maintains a well-supported feel, with ample volunteers, well-spaced water stations, and reliable signage throughout.

With a sub-3 finisher rate just above 4%, the Cleveland Marathon offers a fair balance of depth and space. There’s usually enough company for runners targeting even splits, without the congestion of bigger-city marathons. The Cleveland Marathon is a dependable, no-nonsense event that rewards disciplined running and offers a genuine shot at a spring PB.