FAQs

When is 2025 race weekend?

Our 2025 dates are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, 2025. The schedule of events is below:

Saturday, May 17 @ 7:30 a.m.: 5K & 10K
Saturday, May 17 @ 11:00 a.m.: Kids Run
Sunday, May 18 @ 7:00 a.m.: Full and Half Marathon

Are there any age requirements for various distances?

Yes - see below:

Full Marathon - 16
Half Marathon - 14

For the 5K and 10K if you are under 18 a parent must sign your waiver.

What will the routes be?

The 2024 Cleveland Marathon routes will showcase the city's iconic landmarks and scenic views, providing participants with a unique and memorable race experience. Check out the 2024 routes! 2024 routes subject to change.

What is the difference between the running and walking divisions?

If you sign up for the walking division, you must walk the entire time (based on the honor system). If you sign up for the running division, you may run and walk as needed.

What is included in my entry fee?

Every participant will receive a short-sleeved shirt, goody bag, medal, finish line refreshments, professional chip timing, free beer at the finish line and more. Entry fees are used to ensure that the course is free of cars and safe for all participants through the hiring of our private security company throughout race weekend. In order to provide the best Cleveland experience possible for participants, the marathon team works year-round planning and preparing the routes, city approval process, medical team coordination, packet pick-up venue, volunteer coordination, finish line festivities and so much more.

Why do fees increase leading up to the race?

The fees for the Cleveland Marathon increase as the race date approaches to encourage early registration. By registering early, participants help us plan better, ensuring we have the right amount of resources, supplies, and amenities to create a top-notch experience. Additionally, early registration helps us forecast participation numbers, which is crucial for event logistics like course planning, safety measures, and race-day operations. The tiered pricing structure rewards those who commit early while helping us manage the race more effectively as we get closer to the event date. Plus, why not save money and secure your spot early?!

Do I have to have a bib to run?

Yes! You must pick up your bib at the Health and Fitness Expo. All participants MUST have your bib and it should be visible or you will not be allowed on the official race course.

registration and Bib Pick-Up/Expo

How do I register for the 2025 race and when does registration close?

Register from the link on our home page through Race Roster now through May. If an event is close to reaching capacity before May, we will announce it on social media and via email.

How do I confirm whether or not I am registered?

Click on the Confirm Registration button below and type in your name. Your current registration/subevent will appear in the box.

Confirm Registration

Don't see your registration? Please contact us at info@clevelandmarathon.com

When and where is packet pick-up?

Dates/Times:

Friday, May 16, 2025
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location: TBD

How do I transfer my registration to another person or subevent?

Note:

-Transfers from person-to-person must be for the same distance
-Transfers to another distance can only take place if an event is not sold out

1. Go to the Race Roster event registration page.

2. Sign-in to your Race Roster account.

3. On the right-hand side or left-hand, click the Transfer button.

You will be taken to a new page where you can select if you want to Transfer to a new sub-event or Transfer to a new participant.

a) To transfer to a new sub-event, you will be prompted to select the new sub-event and then to start the transfer. From there you will be asked to fill out the form and proceed with the new registration as normal.
b) To transfer to a new participant, you will be prompted to enter the email of the new participant. Once you initiate this transfer, the new participant will receive an email with a link to complete the transfer.

Fees:

Change Subevents: $15 + processing fees
Transfers: The new participant pays $15 + processing fees

How do I edit my account information (email, mailing address, etc.)?

1. Login to your Race Roster account.

2. Click your name from the drop menu in the top right-hand corner and select Account Settings.

3. Once you have landed on your Account Settings page select the blue Edit profile button in the bottom left-hand corner under your Account Information.

4. You will then be taken to your Account Profile. Scroll down to the Contact information section and make the edits.

*Some editable options may not be available closer to the event.

Can I change my estimated finish time or corral assignment?

Please contact us for assistance: info@clevelandmarathon.com

I can't find my confirmation email or QR code for packet pick up, what do I do?

Please try the steps below to retrieve a copy of your confirmation email.

Log into your Race Roster dashboard and click on your "Confirmation number" link at the top next to your race distance - see below. You can then print the page or if you pull this up on your mobile, a mobile image will work. If you still cannot find it, please just bring our ID to get your bib. The same goes if you are picking up for someone else.

I won't be able to participate; can I still pick up my t-shirt?

YES! You may pick up your shirt at the Health and Fitness Expo, or make arrangements to pick it up the week after the event from the Marathon office. Please contact us to make arrangements for t-shirt pick-up: info@clevelandmarathon.com

Can I pick up my packet on race morning?

Bib pick up is available at the Health and Fitness Expo for all events. If you cannot attend the day before your race, you can have someone pick up your bib for you.

Note: For 2025, you can purchase a same day pick up for Saturday events only. This can be done during registration or add-on in the Marathon Store.

I purchased the Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program protection policy when I registered. How do I file a claim?

When you purchase a protection policy through Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program, you will receive an email directly from them with the information on how to file a claim. If you missed the email you can access the information HERE.

Contact info:

If you're looking for your Registration Refund Protection's details: support@raceroster.com
Refund request related questions: help@protecht.com

File your claim HERE .

Contact the Marathon Office with any questions: info@clevelandmarathon.com

If I cannot run, can I defer to next year or get a refund?

We do not offer deferrals to future events or refunds. During the registration process, you would have signed a waiver acknowledging and agreeing to these policies.

If you are unable to participate due to injury or any other reason, you have the option to transfer your registration to another individual.

Race Weekend

Do you have a pace team?

Yes, On Pace is our official pace team. The Cleveland Marathon offers Pace Teams to all runners in the marathon and half marathon. Running with a pace group is a great way to reach your goal time and have some support and guidance while out on the course.

What happens if there are thunderstorms on race day?

Weather conditions can have a significant effect on your safety as a race participant. The UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute team would like you to be aware of the following colored flag system that will be in effect on your race day. Please be aware and look out for the colored flags posted throughout the course and at aid stations. Also, be aware of any announcements on race morning via social media, email or the official race APP.

Challenge Series

What is the Challenge Series?

The Challenge Series was developed for those who are ready to challenge themselves by running two days in a row (Saturday and Sunday) and to add more variety to the race weekend event choices. Participants can choose from four levels and will receive special incentives for completing the series. See more details here. We offer 4 levels for the Challenge Series: 5K/Half Marathon, 5K/Marathon, 10K/Half Marathon, 10K/Marathon.

Why not just run two individual events – what is the difference?

Participants who complete the Challenge Series receive more than if they just register for two individual events. Each Challenge Series participant will receive 2 shirts, 3 medals and an exclusive gift that may be picked up.

Can I walk in the Challenge Series?

Yes! Challenge Series participants may run or walk either one or both of the race distances. During registration, you will be asked if you will run or walk.

Will I receive two separate bibs for the Challenge Series – one for each event?

You will receive one bib that should be used for both days. Please be sure to keep your bib after your Saturday run.

out-of-town guests

Can you direct me to your host hotel as well as other hotels in close proximity to the start and finish line area?

Please continue to check our website for updates on additional room blocks on Cleveland area hotels.

I am traveling to Cleveland for race weekend. Do you have any suggestions on things to do and where to eat?

There’s so much to do in Cleveland throughout the year, but especially during race weekend as well as a great variety of restaurants in many of our featured neighborhoods! Check out our Plan Your Visit page and start getting ready to be #ALLINCLE!

We’re proud to be part of The Land for Life and help Destination Cleveland (@ThisIsCleveland) showcase our city. Check out their updated website with resources for planning your best trip in The Land. #thisiscle

Link:ThisIsCleveland.com

Social Tag: @thisiscleveland

VOLUNTEERS & SPECTATORS

I have a friend who would like to volunteer, can they help?

Yes! We welcome you to be a part of our Race Crew and join our Volunteer Program. We always need an extra set of hands! Please visit our volunteer page to learn about the opportunities available for volunteers.

CHARITY PROGRAM

How do I become a Charity Partner?

Our 2025 Charity Program is not yet open for submissions. Please direct any questions to info@clevelandmarathon.com. Please view our current list of charity partners here.

rules and regulations

Is there a bag or backpack policy?

Bags and backpacks are strongly discouraged at the Start/Finish areas on race day. For participants, clear gear check bags will be provided and those must be used for gear check on race day. Spectators are asked to travel lightly as well. Those with diaper bags, purses and other items should note that their bags could be searched in the vicinity of the start and finish lines. Any unattended bags are subject to search and removal from the premises.

Are strollers or baby joggers allowed on the course?

NO. Strollers and baby joggers are prohibited.

Am I allowed to ride my bike on course to follow a participant?

NO. As part of our security measures, there are no spectators (on or off bikes) allowed on the official course. Only those part of the Official Medical team and Wheelchair exhibition pacers allowed.

course and finish line

How many water stations are there on the course? What type of energy drink and gel are available?

For a full list of water/aid stations go here. Energy gels will be offered on course. The Official Hydration sponsor is Nuun. There will be Lemon Lime Endurance at each water station along the route.

Is the water provided along the course clean and safe to drink?

YES! The water we use on the course on race weekend is from hydrants that are flushed twice before race day. The hydrants are flushed two weeks before the race and once again the day before the race or race morning. The process we use to obtain the drinking water results is the same quality that a Cleveland resident would receive from turning on the faucet. The Cleveland Water Department tests the water quality and assures us that it is safe. We also purchase new hoses every year to ensure the highest level of quality for our participants. And, as an added safety feature, our water stop volunteers wear gloves while distributing the cups.

COURSE CERTIFICATION & GPS DISCREPANCIES

The Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K courses are certified each year according to USATF standards, using a bike equipped with a calibrated measuring wheel and following the shortest possible route (tangents). Additional distance discrepancies are caused by the actual route run on the course and the accuracy of individual GPS units being used by runners.

Click here to read an article on course certification and the accuracy of GPS measurements.

results

For any issues (results not appearing online, incorrect information) in regards to race results, please email our timing company - Hermes:

Matt Schreiber
matt.schreiber01@gmail.com

other

Is the Cleveland Marathon a Boston Marathon qualifier?

YES! Our marathon course is measured and certified, and runners who meet the required Boston Marathon finisher's times at our race can qualify for Boston.

What is the temperature usually like on race day in Cleveland?

Typically, during the third weekend in May, the average high temperature in Cleveland is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The low is 49 degrees. It's often chilly in the morning, but it warms up rather quickly. Layers are advised for all runners! For more details, please click here for the National Weather Service page.

The Cleveland Marathon is now an AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifier? What does that mean?

We have been chosen as one of the qualifying events for the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings which is comprised of a one-year qualifying period during which athletes in nine separate age groups can compete in over 50 marathons across the world to earn ranking points.

At the end of the qualifying period, the top ranked runners in each age group will be invited to the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships, to be held in 2024. The rankings cover age groups from 40 and up. The qualifying period runs from January 2023 - December 31, 2023. Get more info here.

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