Frequently Asked Questions

How can I register?

Register for the race online, or by mailing the race form.

Mail to:
Canalway
PO Box 609420
Cleveland, OH 44109

If you have further questions or concerns on registration, please feel free to email julie@canalwaypartners.com

Is the course flat?

The course is relatively flat but the first 3 and last 3 miles of the races are hilly.

Elevation Map

What is the surface?

All courses are on paved surface, though the surface in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is crushed limestone.

Is the course a Boston Marathon Qualifier?

The 2023 Towpath Marathon course is certified by the USATF as a Boston Marathon Qualifier.

Will any roads be closed?

No roads are totally closed. As runners go through intersections, Cleveland police will stop traffic as needed. Please make sure you are parked at least 20 minutes before the start of the race.

Is every mile marked along the course?

Yes, we have several race distances and all will be marked.

How long is the course open?

The course will be supported with aid stations for 6 hours, from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. We cannot guarantee road closures or staffed aid stations past this time. This means that runners finishing the race in over 6 hours (or running slower than 13-minute mile) will not have support for the time over 6 hours (or past 2:00 PM). If you are concerned that you may not finish within 6 hours, you may want to consider an early start. See question below.

Can I walk the course? Can I start early?

We welcome walkers and encourage them to take advantage of our early start time for the full and half to ensure that they finish within the allotted time. This is 1 hour before the official start time. We do not offer a walker’s division for the 10K and find that runners tend to do a walk/run combo if they desire.

All walkers and runners will finish at the same finish line. Be careful as it will be dark walking to the start line and we recommend bringing water as the first water stop will not be set up yet.

What are the age groups and who is eligible?

Top Three Overall Male & Female

Top Three Male & Female in Age Division (Subject to Change)

Age Divisions for The Towpath Marathon are: 19 and under; 20-24; 24-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 and over.

What do runners get?

All participants will receive a long-sleeved technical shirt. Full and half marathoners receive finishers medals.

Will there be a bag drop?

There is NO bag drop.

Where and when will the results be posted?

Results will be posted on our website in real time as runners are finishing.

Can I run with my dog?

No, the Towpath Trail can vary in size from 8 to 10 feet wide and with runners racing in both directions in separate race divisions, we do not allow dogs out of concerns for safety.

Can I run with a baby stroller or racing wheelchair?

No, the Towpath Trail can vary in size from 8 to 10 feet wide and with runners racing in both directions in separate race divisions, we do not allow jogging strollers or racing wheelchairs out of concerns for safety.

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