Towpath Marathon & Half
Sunday, October 12, 2008

faqs

This page is updated as new information becomes available. Please check frequently.

REGISTRATION
PACKET PICKUP
COURSE
AWARDS
AMENITIES AND SERVICES
SPECTATORS
MISCELLANEOUS

REGISTRATION

How can I register?
The simplest way to register is via active.com

You can also print out a registration form from our registration page and mail it in to:

PO Box 609420
Cleveland, OH 44109

or fax to 216-520-1833

PACKET PICKUP

Do I need to pick up my packet on Saturday?
Yes, your packet needs to be picked up on Saturday between 10am and 5pm at a location to be determined. If you are not able to pick up your packet yourself, you can have a friend or another runner pick it up for you. If you don't know anyone in the area or someone running the race, we recommend posting a plea on our message board.

COURSE

Is the course flat?
YES. The course is VERY flat. There are no hills to speak of anywhere on the course

What is the surface?
Most of the race is run on the Towpath Trail which is comprised of a firmly packed, crushed limestone which is very easy on the joints.

Is the course a Boston Marathon Qualifier?
Yes. Our certification code will be posted prior to race weekend.

What are the course records?
Male - 2:27:59
Female - 2:50:42

Is there an award for a course record breaker?
Yes, a $250 cash award will go the record breaker

Will any roads be closed?
Yes. The roads to both start areas will be closed from 7:30 - 8:45. Please plan to be there EARLY!

How many aid stations are on the course?
We will have 18 aid stations for the full marathon and 10 for the half marathon

What will be provided at the aid stations?
Click here for a list of what will be available on the FULL marathon course
Click here for a list of what will be available on the HALF marathon course

Is every mile marked along the course?
Yes. The marathon miles are marked with black and white signs. The half marathon miles are marked with red and yellow signs.

Are there ample restroom facilities on the course?
There are restroom facilities at 13 locations along the course. See aid station list 2 questions above for a list of where restroom facilities are located.

How long is the course open?
The course will be supported with aid stations for 6 hours. We can not guarantee road closures or staffed aid stations past this time. This means that runners finishing the race in 6 hours will be running approximately a 13 minute mile. If you are concerned that you may not finish in that time frame, you may want to consider an early start. See question below.

Can I walk the course?
We welcome walkers and encourage them to take advantage of our 7:00 start time to ensure that they finish within the alotted time. Please e-mail Tanya at tstella@ohiocanal.org to make arrangements

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AWARDS

What are the age groups and who is eligible?
1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Overall Male & Female (Marathon and Half Marathon)

Top Master Male & Female (Marathon and Half Marathon)

1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Male & Female in the following age groups:
19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-99 (Marathon and Half Marathon)

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AMENITIES AND SERVICES

What do runners get?
Each runner will get a goody bag. All marathoners and half marathoners will receive a long sleeved t-shirt and finishers medal. 5K runners will receive a short-sleeved shirt. There will be food available at no cost to runners only.

Is there food provided for spectators?
Food and beverages are available for purchase for spectators.

Are there any other amenities?
At the Towpath Village, marathoners will have access to hot tubs, massage therapists, food, live music and a cash beer garden - beer will be $2 each. There is also a kids area, where we will have crafts, entertainment and an inflatable slide. Please do not leave your children unattended.

Will my photograph be taken?
Yes, Brightroom Photography will provide this service. You can visit them on the web at www.brightroom.com

Do you offer a pasta dinner?
We will have a pasta dinner from 5pm - 9pm on Saturday night. Details will be forthcoming.

Will there be merchandise available for purchase?
We will have merchandise available TO ORDER at the Marathon Expo and on Race Day. There will be no items available to take home that day. Available items will be posted closer to the event.

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WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED SPECTATOR LOCATIONS?

Station Road:

From North or South: Take I-77; exit onto Rt 82 (exit # 149) - east. Turn east, past Rt. 21 and enter Cleveland Metroparks Parkway to Riverview Road. Cross road into Station Road Bridge parking area.

Hunt Farm:

From North or South: Hunt Farm is accessed from I-77 via the Richfield exit (exit # 143) Wheatley Rd./176. After exiting from I-77, drive east on Wheatley Rd. until it dead ends on Riverview Rd. Turn south (right); be prepared to make a quick turn left onto Bolanz Rd. Signs will direct you on where to park.

Boston Store:

Park in the Boston Mills Ski Resort Parking lot:

From the south: take I-77; exit onto Rt 21 (exit # 145). Prepare to turn right (east) onto Boston Mills Rd. Turn left (north) onto Black Rd. for short trip over bridge; then turn right (east) back onto Boston Mills Rd. Drive down, to Riverview Rd. Turn left and prepare to take a quick left into the Boston Mills Ski Resort Parking Lot.

From the north - Take I-77; exit at the Miller Rd. exit (exit #147) - head east (left); turn south (right) on Rt. 21; turn left on Snowville Road - drive to bottom of hill; turn right (south) on Riverview Road. About a mile and a half on your right, turn right into the Boston Mills Ski Resort parking area.

Village of Peninsula:

From the south: take I-77; exit at the Richfield exit (exit # 143) Wheatley Rd./176. After exiting from I-77, drive east on Wheatley Rd. until it dead ends on Riverview. Turn left and drive north towards Peninsula. Turn right onto Rt 303 and park in the CVNP trailhead parking.
From the north - Take I-77; exit at the Miller Rd. exit (exit # 147) - head west (left); turn south (right) on Rt. 21; turn left (west) on Rt. 303 - park in the CVNP trailhead parking

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MISCELLANEOUS

Are there any road closures?
Yes. The roads to both start areas close at 7:30 and remain closed until 8:45. Please plan to be there early!

Will there be a bag drop?
Yes. There will be a volunteer at the start are with tags and markers. Put your bib number on your tag. It will be sorter numerically at the finish area by the merchandise table. We are not responsible for lost/stolen items, but the bags will be watched.

Can I use my own Champion Chip?
Yes. If you are using your own chip, make a note of it on your application

Where and when will the results be posted?
Results will be posted on our website within 24 hours, if not earlier.

How long is the course open?
The course will be supported with aid stations for 6 hours. We can not guarantee road closures or staffed aid stations past this time. This means that runners finishing the race in 6 hours will be running approximately a 13 minute mile.

Do you allow walkers in the marathon?
We welcome walkers and encourage them to take advantage of our 7:00 start time to ensure that they finish within the alotted time. Please e-mail Tanya at tstella@ohiocanal.org to make arrangements.

Can I run with my dog?
We do not allow dogs on the course.

Can I run with my jogging stroller?
We do not allow jogging strollers on the course.