The variety of half marathons run in Ohio will keep you coming back year after year. Below are the best half marathons in Ohio as rated by runners of the events.
Flying Pig Half Marathon – Cincinnati
Take one stroll down Cincinnati’s riverfront and you’ll know how the Flying Pig Marathon got its name. The quadruplet of flying pigs overlooking the city’s riverfront pays homage to Cincinnati’s meat packing history. Click here to read more about the Flying Pig Marathon.
The Course
The first 9 miles are shared with the full marathoners, after which the half marathoners split and return back downtown to cross the “Finish Swine” (yes, that’s the official name). The course begins relatively flat until the 5 mile mark, peaks at the 10 mile mark after a 370 ft elevation gain, and finishes on a decline for the remaining 3 miles.
Image Source: Flying Pig Marathon
Reviews
“I’ve done the Pig half twice now and wow, I really just love this race. The spectator support is great, the course was interesting- it’s just a lot of fun. Parking is super easy and I was running late this year.” – R.G., Marathonuide.com Review
“So many things impressed me about this event that I cannot even name them all. But I have to give praise to the most incredible volunteer force I have personally experienced anywhere. Their presence, friendliness, and competence at 5:30 on a Sunday morning is unreal.” – Jill N., Yelp Review
Pro Football Hall of Fame Half Marathon – Canton
This is the football fanatic’s dream half marathon. Every race participant gets a free entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame where the Race Expo is hosted. Be sure to register early however, as the number half marathon runners is capped at 2500. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
The course begins at McKinley High School and takes you on a loop through downtown Canton. Fittingly, the finish line is at Don Scott Field where you will get to complete your 23056 yard rushing play for a touchdown.
Image Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame Marathon
Reviews
“How fun! What a great experience for a first-timer! The course was interesting, the spectators (and different bands) helped make the experience memorable. Entering the stadium and hearing your name as you crossed the finish line was inspiring. I am planning on running again! Thanks for one of the most memorable events in my life!” – S.S., Marathonguide.com Review
“One of the best 1/2 marathons I have ran and it was just your first. The course was perfect; easy to follow and just enough mixture of inclines and declines that it kept specific muscle groups from getting too sore at any one time. Water stations were good and even though I am slower, the enthusiasm of the water station volunteers never curbed and was greatly appreciated. My husband was very envious of my experience and plans to join me next year. Kudos for a job well done.” – C.C., Marathonguide.com Review
The Broke Man’s Half Marathon – Columbus
The Broke Man’s half marathon takes running back to its purest form: running just for the joy it. There’s no chip timing, extra swag, or giant blow up arch ways. What it lacks in extravagance, it makes up for in a low entry fee, beautiful scenic routes, and great community vibes. Click here for more details on all of the Broke Man’s events.
The Course
The Columbus race is a flat course with an elevation gain of only 65 m. The course tracks along the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, where you’ll get to enjoy beautiful scenic views during many parts of the race.
Image Source: Broke Man’s
Reviews
“This race is perfect alternative to the overcrowded and expensive half-marathons in this city. This race is advertised as a no-frills race. No chip timing. No shirts. Just a beautiful and unique medal and a bib. Just go into it with the expectation that this is no frills and it won’t disappoint at all (I think I paid $12 to run…so seriously, I cannot complain about anything). My sincerest thanks to the race organizers for providing this opportunity to Columbus.” – Matthew Faulkner, Facebook Review
“Very well organized, considering the race was a low entry fee. I was impressed with the food, crowd, parking, everything! Compares to other big name races at about a quarter of the cost.” – Maureen WJ, Facebook Review
Rite Aid Cleveland Half Marathon
The Cleveland Marathon is one of the 50 oldest marathons in the country. All half marathon participants will receive a Virtual Race Bag, a technical short-sleeved T-shirt, and a finishers medallion with a spinning guitar – how cool is that! Click here to learn more about the Cleveland Experience.
The Course
The half marathon course is identical to the full marathon course for the first 9 miles. At that point, the half marathon runners will split off, but still cross the same finish line as the full marathon runners.
Image Source: Cleveland Marathon
Reviews
“This is my fifth Cleveland marathon and I always have a great time. This year’s weather was really HOT! I was impressed that almost all aid stations had hoses to cool off the runners! Also, the first half of the course had a lot of shade which was a plus given the very warm temperatures. The volunteers were WONDERFUL! Plenty of water, powerade, and GU. As always, the medals were really cool with a spinning guitar! Technical shirts were specific to the 1/2 or full (even had 13.1 vs. 26.2 depending on the race you were in)!” – D.R., Marathonguide.com Review
“Ran Cleveland again this year after several years and was very pleasantly surprised. The start and finish by Browns stadium was excellent, the course was interesting and fast, logistics were handled well and my overall experience was very good this year. The race field has grown to make this a substantial event. All in all a great experience in Cleveland.” – C.N., Marathonguide.com Review
Towpath Half Marathon – Cleveland
The Towpath Half Marathon is the first of three fundraising events known as the Towpath Trilogy. Its goal is to raise funds to develop and maintain a park system that follows the historic Ohio Canal.
The Course
The race’s website describes it best: “The course interfaces with the historic Canal and the Cuyahoga River- it’s a run through nature and a romp through history.”
Image Source: Towpath Half Marathon
Reviews
“The tree-lined flat course makes this a beautiful race. I have run the Towpath five times and it still retains the feel of a smaller race, which is more enjoyable than big city courses. Many thanks to the volunteers and the organizers who did a great job.” – B.H., Marathonguide.com Review
“This is my favorite marathon. The course is as beautiful and as picturesque as any you’ll find. I love running on the limestone path and being able to view the canal and the ruins of the canal locks and the trees! The volunteers are helpful and friendly. This course is for purists who love to run and don’t care about glitz and give-aways. I’ve run all but two of them over the years and it just keeps getting better and better. If you need spectators and bands this wonderful course isn’t for you. No race is perfect and this isn’t either but there are no major glitches. I strongly recommend it. I’ll be back next year!” – Chuck Misda, Marathonguide.com Review
The Columbus Half Marathon
Since 2012, the Columbus Marathon has raised over $4.5 million for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital as of 2016. Not only will you be running in one of the biggest events in the country, you will also be supporting a good cause. Click here to become a Children’s Champion.
The Course
The course features an Angel Mile to “honor, remember and celebrate the angels of Nationwide Children’s who have already finished their race.”
Image Source: Columbus Marathon
Reviews
“I was impressed with the Columbus Marathon. Having run 61 marathons, I would rate it near the top. The video of the course that we could view on tv was very helpful. Fantastic crowd support that was much better than most throughout the marathon. Handsome shirt that will not find its way into a storage box, as many do. I would have paid for a soft drink after crossing the finish line. Take your credit card, since our host hotel was over $200 per night. This is definitely a “must run” marathon.” – David Hurley, Marathonguide.com Review
“They took a great race to another level. With the new start, and the new course, this is a MUST RUN! If you have a heart, which every marathoner does, you must run this race. Engaging with the Children’s Hospital patients inspires every step. And the crowd support grew many multiples this year! HOME RUN!!!” – J.W., Marathonguide.com Review
Air Force Half Marathon – Dayton
In the Air Force Half Marathon, you will have the honor of running alongside our servicemen and women. Military aircraft enthusiasts will be delighted to know that each year, a different aircraft is selected to be showcased during the event, as well as being featured on the finisher’s medal. Click here to learn more or to register.
The Course
The race begins with a boom as a flyover indicates the start of your 13.1. The start and finish lines are at the National Museum of the United States Air Force and the majority of the race is run on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Image Source: USAF Marathon
Reviews
“I really like this race! Easy to get to, from packet pick-up to the race start and finish is so well done. All you have to do is run. Volunteers are fantastic, water stops everywhere, ton of port-o-pots, bag drop is perfect, AND the feature plane flyover can’t be beat! Some say it is boring and quiet ? The only part of that course is the backside of the flight line to me, BUT what other marathon course doesn’t have a boring section? For some reason I can’t wait to do it again! I’ve done 34 marathons now, and I just enjoy this race. Well done Air Force. I will be back next Year !!!!” – Chuck, Marathonguide.com Review
“At first I was a little apprehensive about running this race since I knew that there would be some quiet stretches. This race is run mostly on Wright Patterson AFB land therefore many areas where spectators do not have access. I was surprisingly pleased and so glad I did this race. Race started with a U 2 fly over. There are many energetic volunteers and many service men and women along the course. The town of Fairborn goes all out and there is a few mile stretch running through there ‘fly zone’. The course does have a few small hills but nothing major ( I still was able to PR). The medals are shirts are very nice in addition to a towel. Post-run food is average at best although the Jimmy John’s sandwich was good.” – J.F., Marathonguide.com Review
Glass City Half Marathon – Toledo
Toledo is known as the Glass City because of its history and importance in the American glass industry – hence the name of the event. The race organizers aim to contribute to several local charities, including the Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism, Maumee Habitat for Humanity, Kids Unlimited, and youth running scholarships. Click here for full event details.
The Course
The flat and fast course starts in front of the University of Toledo before taking you Northwest towards the beautiful and quiet neighborhoods of Ottawa Hills and Old Orchard. The course finishes with a swing through the University of Toledo campus before finishing inside the Glass Bowl Stadium. (Note: In 2016, the race will finish on Stadium Dr. outside of the Glass Bowl Stadium due to stadium turf improvements.)
Image Source: Glass City Marathon
Reviews
“I ran in the Glass City Half Marathon for the past two years, and it is by far my favorite race to run. The volunteers are so nice, it’s very well organized, and the course is generally flat and scenic. It’s nice to see the community of Toledo coming outside to see the runners pass by. After the race, the post race party is also a blast. This year (2015) there was a band that played! The post race goodies are also delicious and much appreciated! Thank you so much for throwing a wonderful race that I will continue to look forward to for years to come!” – Katie Lynn Reiderman, Facebook Review
“We wanted a flat, fast course and that was exactly what we got. My goal was to qualify for Boston and I achieved my goal that day. I loved everything about this race. It was well organized, the course was well marked, plenty of aid stations and support.I loved finishing in the stadium. The after party was awesome, tons of food. I could go on and on awesome experience all around, we will definitely be back!” – Jackie Aegerter, Marathonguide.com Review