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Over the years, the Towpath Marathon has been described as “one of the most beautiful race courses in America” by Runner’s World magazine & named one of the “Top 24 Trail Runs in America” by Trail Runner Magazine.
This year’s race - the 20th Annual running of the Towpath Marathon on Sunday, October 9th - is poised to draw 2000+ participants from 37 States and Canada to the starting line in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Runners and walkers will engage in a variety of races - including a 10K, Half-Marathon, and Full Marathon.
The annual event is run by Ohio Canal Corridor, a Founding Organization of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The marathon serves as a fundraiser and also shines a spotlight on the quality of life the Towpath Trail brings to the NEO Region.
“This event showcases some of the most beautiful segments of the historic Towpath Trail between Akron and Cleveland,” states Canalway Co-Director Tim Donovan, who also heads the Ohio Canal Corridor. He adds, “The Towpath Marathon is one of only a few marathons taking place in a National Park, and many consider it a unique specialty race due to the beautiful setting and time of year in which it is run.”
The Towpath Marathon was established in 1992 to introduce the Towpath Trail as a new recreational amenity and to promote the establishment of the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
All proceeds from the event benefit Ohio Canal Corridor and its efforts to preserve, promote and educate the public about the area surrounding one of Northeast Ohio’s most valuable resources – the National Heritage Area running along the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Donovan adds, “Not only does the Towpath Marathon focus attention on the recreational and natural resources found in our region, it also completes the Towpath Trilogy - a race series we’ve designed with the help of corporate sponsor Progressive, as a health and wellness challenge for NEO residents. Given that it’s a Boston Marathon qualifier, the marathon also provides a great resource for achieving advanced running goals.”
Temporary Towpath Trail Closures
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park will be closed to the general public starting at dusk beginning Saturday, October 8 until 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2011. All of the parking lots in along the Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, from Lock 39 Trailhead to Botzum Trailhead including Indigo Lake Trailhead, will be closed.
Visitor Notes: As part of the festivities, roads to both start areas at Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski Resorts close at 7:15 a.m. and remain closed until 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Full details on everything from prime spots for race viewing to road closures can be found online on this page at www.TowpathTrilogy.net.
Over the years, the Towpath Marathon has been described as “one of the most beautiful race courses in America” by Runner’s World magazine & named one of the “Top 24 Trail Runs in America” by Trail Runner Magazine.
This year’s race - the 20th Annual running of the Towpath Marathon on Sunday, October 9th - is poised to draw 2000+ participants from 37 States and Canada to the starting line in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Runners and walkers will engage in a variety of races - including a 10K, Half-Marathon, and Full Marathon.
The annual event is run by Ohio Canal Corridor, a Founding Organization of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The marathon serves as a fundraiser and also shines a spotlight on the quality of life the Towpath Trail brings to the NEO Region.
“This event showcases some of the most beautiful segments of the historic Towpath Trail between Akron and Cleveland,” states Canalway Co-Director Tim Donovan, who also heads the Ohio Canal Corridor. He adds, “The Towpath Marathon is one of only a few marathons taking place in a National Park, and many consider it a unique specialty race due to the beautiful setting and time of year in which it is run.”
The Towpath Marathon was established in 1992 to introduce the Towpath Trail as a new recreational amenity and to promote the establishment of the Ohio & Erie Canalway.
All proceeds from the event benefit Ohio Canal Corridor and its efforts to preserve, promote and educate the public about the area surrounding one of Northeast Ohio’s most valuable resources – the National Heritage Area running along the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Donovan adds, “Not only does the Towpath Marathon focus attention on the recreational and natural resources found in our region, it also completes the Towpath Trilogy - a race series we’ve designed with the help of corporate sponsor Progressive, as a health and wellness challenge for NEO residents. Given that it’s a Boston Marathon qualifier, the marathon also provides a great resource for achieving advanced running goals.”
Temporary Towpath Trail Closures
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park will be closed to the general public starting at dusk beginning Saturday, October 8 until 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2011. All of the parking lots in along the Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, from Lock 39 Trailhead to Botzum Trailhead including Indigo Lake Trailhead, will be closed.
Visitor Notes: As part of the festivities, roads to both start areas at Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski Resorts close at 7:15 a.m. and remain closed until 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Full details on everything from prime spots for race viewing to road closures can be found online on this page at www.TowpathTrilogy.net.
