In about one month, Northeast Ohio will experience one of the biggest racing weekends of the year – the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon!
This weekend is also dubbed “The Cleveland Experience” because it’s truly an all-encompassing event for the city. Runners flock to the starting line, many coming from distant states and countries. Spectators flock to the sidelines to cheer athletes on and share their Cleveland pride. It’s challenging to not be touched in some way by this huge event.
This year the Cleveland Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K race all take place on Sunday, May 17. The event also includes a 5K and Kids’ Run the day before. On Friday and Saturday, runners and non-runners alike are encouraged to attend the Health and Fitness Expo at the Cleveland Convention Center to pick up race packets, freebies and buy race swag.
I had the pleasure of running the Cleveland Half-Marathon in 2012 and serving as an official blogger for the event. While the race course has changed slightly since then, and the expo is now located in the heart of downtown - the race day spirit remains the same! For an inside scoop on training tactics and preparation in 2015, be sure to read content from the 2015 CLEMarathon Ambassadors.
Because of the excitement and anticipation this world-class event brings, if you are planning to race and have not registered yet - do so now! The 38th Annual Cleveland Marathon offers ones of the fastest and flattest courses in the country. Post-race runners enjoy plentiful snacks and beverages, and for those who aren’t dehydrated after running 26.2 miles - a beer garden!
The Marathon and Half-Marathon courses offer gorgeous views of downtown Cleveland, Lake Erie and many of the up and coming neighborhoods that make up Northeast Ohio. Spectators may want to bring their own snacks and drinks as they anxiously watch from the sidelines. Sun protection and sunscreen are also helpful. The year I raced it ended up being blazing sun all day and in the 90s! While this is not normal for Cleveland, it shows mother nature can throw a twist on race day.
The race starts at Quicken Loans Arena - home of the Cleveland Cavaliers - and ends at FirstEnergy Stadium - home of the Cleveland Browns, where spectators can also enjoy views of downtown ships and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Parking can be a little congested on race day - which is expected with 40,000+ fans and volunteers downtown.
Visit the Cleveland Marathon website before race day for parking tips and road closure times. For those coming from out of town - downtown lodging is available and makes for a more convenient start on race day. Also online, tips for where to eat, where to stay, things to do and the best spots to watch the race!
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