Ohio is no stranger to big sporting events, from representing Cleveland in both NBA Finals and MLB World Series in 2016 to hosting the annual NFL Hall of Fame ceremonies in Canton and the Memorial Golf Tournament in Dublin.
Besides football, basketball, and other major sports, Ohioans also love a good running competition, as can be seen from the highly diverse calendar of local races for all ages and training levels. Whether you’re a professional athlete preparing for the New York City Marathon or just an amateur Ohio runner looking to have some fun during the weekend, there is plenty of events to choose from.
Top Marathons in Ohio
Editor’s Choice: Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Where: 2070 Elm Ave, Cincinnati, OH
When: May 5–7, 2023
Track Difficulty: Hard
If we had to pick just one race from the Buckeye State, it would have to be the Flying Pig Marathon.
One way to describe this event is a giant pork-themed block party for runners. Thousands of athletes gather every May in Cincinnati to tackle a picturesque southwest Ohio route accompanied by rock bands, food trucks, and cheering locals. And let’s not forget the real stars of the weekend – the pigs – which can be found everywhere, from T-shirt and backpack prints to full-body costumes, paying homage to Cincinnati’s legacy as the pork capital of the USA.
However, if you look beyond the silliness, you will find a legit and well-organized 26-mile race that requires one’s best abilities to cross the finish line (called the Finish Swine). The course is infamously hilly, providing a nice challenge even for the most experienced runners.
Completing the Flying Pig Marathon in under 3 hours (men) or 3 hours 30 minutes allows the participants to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which is arguable the most famous long-distance event in the world. Even if you fail to do that on your first attempt, there is always next year because once you have a taste of the incredible Flying Pig atmosphere, you will always come back for more.
Runner-up: Columbus Marathon
Where: 311 W Long St, Columbus, OH
When: October 14–16, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy
The Columbus Marathon is a traditional city race that attracts over 15,000 participants to the state capital each third Sunday of October. The course is flat and easy, allowing the runners to challenge their personal records. In fact, close to 1,000 athletes that compete in the Columbus Marathon yearly qualify for the Boston event, including some of the most prolific runners from the USA and other countries.
The marathon weekend in Columbus also includes a half marathon, a 5K race, a 1-mile race, and some special runs for children from 3 to 11 years old. The kids are the focal point of the event, with all proceeds going to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, so you’re running not only for fun but also for a cause.
From the firework-illuminated start to hitting the finish gong, each participant of the Columbus Marathon is guaranteed to bring home unforgettable memories, along with an honorary medal and a bag of cool merch.
Honorable Mentions:
- Cleveland Marathon
- Athens Ohio Marathon (Ohio’s Longest Running Marathon)
- Canton Hall of Fame Marathon
Top Half Marathons in Ohio
Editor’s Choice: Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay
Where: Downtown Akron, OH
When: September 24, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
The Akron Marathon is a relatively young event (founded in 2003), but it’s already established a reputation as one of the best-organized races in the country. The attention to detail is astounding, from easy navigation and registration to abundant water stations and toilets across the course.
Despite featuring both 26.2 and 13-mile distances, the latter discipline has become a fan favorite over recent years, forcing the organizers to make some route changes to support the public demand. As a result, the Akron course strikes a fine balance between being challenging enough for a veteran runner and not too difficult to make a novice quit.
After crossing the finish line, located at the home stadium of the AA baseball team, Akron RubberDucks, you’ll be invited to one of the largest and loudest parties you’ll ever see, hosted by the local supporters and numerous volunteers who make the Akron Marathon what it is today.
Runner-up: OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon
Where: Downtown Columbus, OH
When: April 29, 2023
Track Difficulty: Easy
Another entry from Columbus, the Capital City Half Marathon, celebrates its 20th birthday in 2023, so there’s no better time to give it a try.
For $75-115, depending on the registration time, you’ll get an amazing view of the Ohio capital, a personal finisher’s medal, a couple of shirts, and – wait for it – a pizza with a beer or a Margarita! Not only is it a great bang for your buck, but your money will also help numerous Ohio communities by being donated to the OhioHealth Foundation.
Honorable Mentions:
- Glass City Half Marathon (Toledo, OH)
- The Brokeman’s Half Marathon (Columbus, OH)
- Amish Country Half Marathon (Millersburg, OH)
Top 10K Races in Ohio
Editor’s Choice: Air Force Marathon
Where: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH
When: September 17, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
Have you ever been to an active military base, let alone run a race there? The Air Force Marathon gives you the unique opportunity to cross this item off the bucket list without breaking the law.
The facility is used for military training, so it features some steep climbs and drops that test the runners’ endurance and strength. If you’re not prepared for the challenge, we recommend skipping the long-distance events and going for a much easier 10K course. It starts at the National Museum of the US Air Force, goes past the Air Force Institute of Technology, and finishes in the Air Park, where you will be rewarded with some cold drinks, various gifts, and a jaw-dropping flyover by a group of real fighter jets.
If you’re looking for the most atmospheric Ohio road races, Wright Patterson Air Force Base is the place to be on the third weekend of each September.
Runner-up: Little Miami Half Marathon & 10K
Where: Morrow, OH
When: August 14, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy
Sometimes, we don’t need to push our limits and just want to have a nice and relaxing jog. That’s exactly why we love events like this one. The Little Miami 10K race lets you enjoy the beautiful river scenery of Morrow, Ohio, while casually running or walking along the nicely paved and shaded road at the Little Miami State Park.
It’s a small and cozy event with fewer than 1,000 participants that will leave you with cute personalized memorabilia and a pleasant aftertaste long after it’s done.
Honorable Mentions:
- A Christmas Story 5K & 10K Run (Cleveland, OH)
- Towpath Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K (Valley View, OH)
Top 5K Races in Ohio
Editor’s Choice: Rock Hall Half Marathon & Relay
Where: Cleveland, OH
When: October 30, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy
If you’re a music fan, you don’t want to miss this special race hosted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Breeze through the fast and flat course, soaking in the views of Lake Erie and vibing to heart-pumping rock tunes along the way.
The 5K race is the most popular event of the day. You’ll have no problem passing slow participants thanks to the wide roads, and, at the finish, you’ll be greeted with roaring cheers, a free pass into the Hall of Fame, and an insane guitar-shaped medal that your non-running friends will be absolutely jealous of.
Runner-up: Churchill’s Half Marathon & 5K
Where: Perrysburg High School, 13385 Roachton Rd, Perrysburg, OH
When: November 12, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
The 1st Churchill’s Half Marathon was held over 50 years ago, and since that time, there have been very few changes. It’s still the same charming fall race across the small towns of Perrysburg, Maumee, and Waterville, with gorgeous riverside views and a friendly atmosphere.
The 3-mile event titled ProMedica 5K to End Hunger is a great way to become a part of one of the oldest Ohio runs, support local charities, and have a good time.
Honorable Mentions:
- Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K Columbus
- Ohio Challenge Series
Top Fun Run Events in Ohio
Editor’s Choice: Haunted Forest Marathon
Where: Canal Fulton, OH
When: October 30, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy
What can be a better way for a runner to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve than tackling a dark wet forest with ghosts and goblins? The organizers of the Haunted Forest Marathon promise lots of fun, candy, and spooky swag for the whole family for a very affordable price ($35–80).
Participants can choose between the 26.Boo Marathon, Haunted Half Marathon, or Frantic Five Kilometer, all of which go mostly through flat paved roads, perfect for those elusive personal records.
The best runners in the 26-mile event will be qualified for the Boston Marathon, so make sure you come to Canal Fulton well-trained and ready to roll. And don’t forget to bring your best Halloween costume for a crazy afterparty!
Honorable Mentions:
- Redlegs Run (Cincinnati, OH)
- Cleveland Turkey Trot (Cleveland, OH)
- The Color Run (Cincinnati, OH)
- Cupid’s Undie Run (Cleveland & Cincinnati, OH)
