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Glass City Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Toledo, OH, USA
- Race Date: 04/25/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Glass City Marathon Description
The Mercy Health Glass City Marathon is a top-25 Boston qualifying race, known for its fast, flat, one-loop course through the University of Toledo campus, historic suburbs, and the award-winning Wildwood Metropark. Marathoners, half marathoners, and relay teams start together near the North Tower before circling Ottawa Park and Ottawa Hills, finishing inside the Glass Bowl Stadium. With smooth pavement and minimal elevation change, over a third of finishers typically qualify for Boston. Pace groups help runners of every level chase a fast April finish in Toledo.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Glass City Marathon Additional Details:
True to its name, Toledo’s glass-manufacturing heritage shows up in the finisher swag itself: runners receive a commemorative pint glass alongside their medal, a nod to the city once known as the glass-making capital of the world. Finishing inside the actual Glass Bowl Stadium adds to that sense of place, few marathons let runners take their final steps across a college football field with stands rising on either side. Runners who want a more personalized keepsake can add custom engraving to their medal through the race’s on-site service, turning a standard finisher medal into something with their name and time on it. Water stations appear steadily throughout the flat, fast course, giving runners chasing a Boston qualifying time one less thing to think about along the way.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours (full), 3.5 hours (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 2,200
Marathon: 1,450 to 1,500
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 412 ft (125 m)
Elevation Loss: 425 ft (129 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 43°F
- High: 60°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Toledo, OH, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Maumee Bay State Park
Take in Lake Erie shoreline views at Maumee Bay State Park, just 20 minutes from downtown Toledo — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Outdoors & Trails
Toledo Metroparks Trails
Walk or bike miles of scenic trails through Toledo’s 19 area Metroparks, offering green space along the Maumee River — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Maumee River Paddling
Paddle, bike, or walk along the Maumee River, a favorite Toledo route for kayaking and cycling adventures — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Museums & History
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Explore the region’s maritime history at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, along the Maumee River — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Arts & Culture
Toledo Museum of Art
See world-class collections at the Toledo Museum of Art, with free admission at all times — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
See more than 5,300 animals across 750 species, including the Hippoquarium and African Savanna, at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Glass City Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Glass City Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Other Races In Ohio
Boston Qualifier: No
World Major Qualifier: No
Western States 100: Yes
UTMB Index: No