So I ran the Cleveland Marathon for the 3rd time. I ran the full because I wanted to take in the new full marathon course which went towards the west side of Cleveland instead of the east side. Overall I had a great time.
The expo is held at the IX Center by the airport. I was staying about 5 min from the expo but it is about 10 miles from downtown but they had shuttles if you needed one. I actually did more shopping there than normally at expos because I wanted to get some Ohio running related merchandise. Race shirts much better than last year plus you got a bottle of Coppertone in your goodie bag. What a surprise!
I ended up taking a train to downtown where the race started and ended. Gear check was in a nearby building but I had a little difficulty finding it. The start had corrals by letter but it seemed like people were lining up wherever. I say this because I couldn't believe how many walkers I passed in the 1st mile. They should be starting in the back, right?
We were lucky to have running weather. Cleveland weather in mid May could be unpredictable. Last 2 years were warm and humid, but was 44 degrees at the start this year. The course goes thru the west part of Cle as well as the nearby towns of Lakewood and Rocky River. Without ? there were more spectators especially after us marathoners split off from the half marathoners around mile 10. Beautiful neighborhoods and if you looked closely you can see Lake Erie in the background.
The first 24 miles were for the most part flat. However, the last 2 miles on the Shoreway leading back into the city were not. There was a brutal climb to navigate and I really think me and many others could have PRed if that climb was not there. I hope the organizers take a look at this for next year. When you hit mile 26, you greeted by the banging of the drum by John Adams that you hear at Indians baseball games. Cool. At the finish, there was a beer garden (free drink ticket on your bib,yes!) where I was able to enjoy a can of Miller Lite and relax. And finally the medal has a spinning guitar. You are in the city of the Rock Hall of Fame after all.
If you're looking for one final long race before summer, this is a great race to look into. Despite the jokes,Cleveland is a great city to visit and I always enjoy my time there!