Cleveland, Ohio has a storied history — both good and bad. But one thing’s for certain — there’s been a slow and steady increase in activity in the area over the last decade. Cleveland has been ranked time and again for things like revitalization, restaurants and culinary experiences, and others. Additionally, Cleveland was ranked as one of the top 50 best running cities by Runner’s World. So what makes Cleveland so badass when it comes to fitness and running? Today I’ll give you just five of the countless races in the area that showcase just how amazing greater Cleveland really is. Check out these 5 amazing spring races Cleveland has to offer!
5 Amazing Spring Races Cleveland Has to Offer
1. Cleveland Marathon
The Cleveland Marathon has been a Cleveland staple for 40 years this year. To celebrate the 40th running, the folks over at the Cleveland Marathon are rolling out some impressive gear and apparel along with it. Among the offerings are limited edition posters celebrating the 40th anniversary, CLE leggings, and even shoes!
The Cleveland Marathon offers a fun race atmosphere, nice crowd support, and a good expo. It’s definitely not a race to miss, especially if you’re in the area. And there’s a race distance for everyone — all the way from the 5K to the full marathon to the challenge series. The race is just 36 days away but there’s still time to register! And if you’re not local but are looking for a fun race to add to your spring racing lineup for the coming years, be sure to consider the Cleveland Marathon! It’s one of the great spring races Cleveland boasts.
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon start line
2. Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon
A new race for me this year is the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon in Canton, Ohio. Though Canton is rather far from Cleveland, I can’t help but group this race into the greater Cleveland area. Akron and Canton are always closely tied to Cleveland so it doesn’t feel like much of a stretch to add the Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon.
The marathon, half marathon, and two person relay events are sold out but if you’re looking to get in on the action, there’s still slots open for the five person relay team as well as the 5K. I’ve heard great things about the Hall of Fame Marathon so I’m anxious to see how everything plays out. Should be a fun race day! Recap will soon follow.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon
3. 20-Mile Drop
I first ran the 20-Mile Drop in 2015 as part of my training for my first marathon. I had a brilliant time on this course. It was sunny, the weather was near perfect, I had the company of good friends, and it was just a joy to run. This year the 20-Mile Drop is my goal race.
The 20-Mile Drop offers both a 20 mile and 10 mile option. They both net an overall loss of elevation (hence the name “Drop”) which makes it ideal for snagging PRs. But if you’re in training for the Cleveland Marathon (and half!) and not looking for a PR per se, it coincides perfectly with a lot of training plans in terms of weekly long run mileage. The medals are always amazing from the Lake Health Running Series, and after the race all runners get pancakes! What’s not to love about that?
Spring Races Cleveland
4. Towpath Half
I’ve never run the Towpath Half Marathon but it’s wildly popular among spring races Cleveland runners gravitate toward in the greater Cleveland area. The towpath is a trail on the bank of the Ohio & Erie Canalway. It’s a beautiful place to run, walk, or bike, and on any given day, regardless of season, there are plenty of people taking advantage of it for recreation purposes. The Towpath Trilogy is a race series that benefits the development of the Towpath in and around Cleveland, Ohio.
If you’re looking for a picturesque, enjoyable spring race, you should consider the Towpath Half Marathon.
5. Hermes 10 Miler
The people of Cleveland love the Hermes Cleveland 10 Miler. And I’ve never run it! I need to change that, huh? The Hermes 10 Miler is one of the larger races in the area with 2,000 runners! If big, shorter distance races are your thing, this is the race for you. The course begins at Edgewater Park on the shore of Lake Erie and weaves through some historic towns on Cleveland’s west side.
CLE Ambassador Jessica McCartney at the Hermes 10 Miler in 2011
There are countless races in the Cleveland area during all four seasons and covering all distances. You’ll find everything from a 1-mile run/walk to a 100-miler. If you live in the greater Cleveland area, travel here for business or pleasure, or are just looking for a great place to run and race, we’ve got you covered. Let me know if you head my way — I would love to show you my city!
Did you miss my post on “beginner” advice? I’ve got advice for everything from setting foot in a gym to tackling an ultramarathon. Be sure to check it out!
xo
TALK TO ME!
Do you have a favorite local spring race? Which one?
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54 Comments
Pancakes after a race? Yes, please! And I’ve never run a 10 miler. We don’t have many here.
I’ve only been to Cleveland once, and that was for my cousin’s wedding. My aunt lived there many years & loved it but seriously brrrr! We only live here because of my husband’s job!
I was thinking about that on my run this morning, actually. Despite it being so cold and dreary, I enjoy the changing of the seasons. I think I would miss it if I moved to a place that didn’t have the different seasons!
You should come run one of these races sometime. Have you run an Ohio race yet?
I lived quite nicely without Fall (and snow) for 17 years. Always hated the gray, the cold, and the snow. Always. I moved to MD after I graduated college, but then got sucked into VT when I got married. But then we moved to TX . . . we loved it, and really thought we’d retire there. Although now we probably won’t — but hopefully not here either!
I have not done OH yet. I’ve actually been thinking about the Queen Bee half there for a while — but of course I’m pretty much booked up for this year anyway. 🙂
I could probably do without snow. I think I’m just trying to convince myself that I love it here. 😉 But there is something to be said for being cozied up inside during a blizzard. It can be fun! But boy do I love sunshine…
You had me at pancakes! That race sounds so fun!
Right? Mmmm!!!
I need to come do some Cleveland races! I have several friends (including you) you live in the area. Plus, BREWERY AFTER 😀
YES you do! CLE rocks and not because Drew Carey said so.
So many microbrews, awesome restaurants, and lots of places to run and races to choose from. Come visit!
My mom grew up in Ohio so I would love someday to run a race there and spend time there getting to know my Ohio cousins. I have met so few. That Drop race sounds fun!
Definitely come to Ohio when you get a chance. Where in Ohio did she grow up? And don’t forget to look me up when you get here. 🙂
Looks like a great city for a race- I have not been! I need to mark this state off my map 🙂 I have a fun local 5K run coming up at Bok Tower- part trail part road – it is a beautiful venue! TGIF! and Have a great Easter!
I love trail/road races! I feel like they offer something for everyone.
We have a lot of really great races in CLE, year round. So let me know when you decide to cross Ohio off your list and I’ll let you know some awesome races and I’ll run with you!
I ran Towpath last weekend. It was great! Highly recommend!
I really want to do the one in October. But I always end up having another race the same weekend! One of these years I will. 🙂 I love the Towpath!
The Caveman would be all over that Football race! If he still ran, which he does not. In spring here I love the March Madness Half (hard as balls) and the Soldier Field 10 miler. Neither of which I am running this year because I can’t seem to focus beyond that pesky triathlon I signed up for.
It’s hard to add fun runs when you’ve got a big goal race you’re working toward. Luckily I already signed up for a bunch of stuff before I decided on my goal race!
You should come run the football race and he can spectate. 🙂
Great list! These are good to know about for other trips we may take to Cleveland.
Absolutely! And hopefully both of us will be uninjured for one or two of them. Lol!
I’ve never been to Cleveland, but I can’t help but notice how crisp and beautiful the weather looks in each of the pics! I ran the inaugural Naperville Women’s Half Marathon (Chicago suburb) last year and absolutely loved it. I had hoped to run it this year, but will be in Arizona for a wedding.
Our weather can be dicey. But when we have good weather, it’s really good. Last year for the Cleveland Marathon it thundersnowed on us, hailed on us, and there were water spouts over the lake. But the year before that it was in the 80s and humid. It’s anyone’s guess what Cleveland weather will do!
Oooohhh, that 20-mile drop race has my interest! I’m trying to get out of Iowa and have not yet done an Ohio race (though I did a short run in Dayton recently). Thanks for the awesome suggestions!!!
There are some really awesome ones in the area. Aside from spring races there’s also the Rock Hall Half in August (which I’m trying to convince Wendy to come in for) and the Northern Ohio full/half in October. And a ton more!
I can’t wait to tackle the Cleveland Half Marathon – I’m really looking forward to it!!
Yasssss! I can’t wait for you to come!!
I love the Cleveland Half Marathon but the marathoners always seemed a bit lonely! The half has a great course and atmosphere. Akron is really a cool half/marathon and relay, too!
YES! Akron is a great race, too. But that’s in fall so I couldn’t include it in the list. 🙂 I did the marathon relay a couple years ago and it was a BLAST.
I’ve done both the half and full for CLE and I thought it was fine. Except for being severely injured for the full, of course. That part sucked. But the course itself was pretty decent!
I visited the football hall of fame when I was very young. I never considered traveling to cleveland for a race. Perhaps I should.
Perhaps?! You mean, “I definitely should.” 🙂 🙂 🙂
I need to come for a visit!!! Yes to pancakes. Had them after my last half in Fla <3
Yeah you do!! Come any time. You can stay with me!
I’d like to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Is there a race affiliated with that?
Yassssss!!! The Rock Hall Half Marathon is in August. Each registrant receives a complimentary ticket to the Rock Hall. Come run with me!!!
I have never been to Cleveland but who knew there were so many fun races there. My hubs and son went to the rock n roll hall of fame and had a blast
The Rock Hall is really amazing. There are some incredible artifacts. Plus, if you like music it’s like an oasis!
I’ve never been to Cleveland! I always think of the Drew Carey Show and the opening song, “Cleveland Rocks!”
When I lived in the DC area, my favorite was the Cherry Blossom 10-miler. I miss running that race so much, I’m going to enter the lottery for next year.
How did I never know there was a lottery for Cherry Blossom?! Lol. I LOVE DC. If we ever get a chance to move there, we will jump at the chance.
The Eugene half and full marathon does pancakes for post-run treats. I’m not normally hungry right after a race, but I’ll eat pancakes at any time! Since I wasn’t very hungry, I got 2, but they were a decent size.
I’m not normally hungry after a race either. But I do try to get something in my belly to start the recovery process. Plus, pancakes… 🙂
The Flying Pig Marathon is the biggest spring race in my neck of the woods. I’ve ran it the past 3 years, but this year I’m doing the half. I always thought a 10 mile race would be fun. I’ve been to Cleveland a few times. It’s about a 4 hour drive for me. (My brother in law lives in Lakewood). The 20 mile drop sounds interesting!
My cousins are doing Flying Pig half this year. I’m excited for them! I’ve heard it’s a great race.
Let me know next time you’re in the CLE! We’ll meet up for a run 🙂
Great choices!! I’ve run all of them other than Canton HOF. Another great local to Cleveland Race is the Dirty Trail Race Series which features races every month at multiple distances- some of my favorites!!
We have so many awesome races in CLE! So many choices, such little time.
I would totally love to run in Cleveland! If Runner’s World and you say so, we’re coming!
It’s on! 🙂
I’ve never been to Cleveland but it’s a city that reminds me a lot of my hometown of Buffalo, NY. I would love to run a race there someday – the 20 miler sounds great!
So similar to Buffalo! Come visit any time, Janelle!!
These sounds like some great races… so cool they’re so close to you!
Yeah! We have a bunch of awesome races around here.
I love hearing of other town races!! And I always think to myself… there is not enough weekends in the year, and not enough money to run all the races!! One day maybe!!
I know exactly what you mean! Bucket list… 🙂
These races sound so fun! I’ll have to make a trip.
Absolutely!
What a great lineup of fun races!
Thanks! They’re tons of fun.