Preparing for the Cleveland Marathon. Anyone know the course

I am working up for the Cleveland Marathon at the end of April. I have run two others but never this one. Reading the website is one thing, but hearing from people that have actually run the course is another. For those that have run it, how is the course? Is there anything special that you should do for this race?

I too am preparing for the race and would be interested in any insights about the course or race in general. 66 days and counting ...

-Keith

Make it three. I am interested in knowing if this is a good PR Marathon. I ran Columbus last fall. How does it compare with Columbus for those who have run both?

I ran it a couple of years ago, my thoughts below. FYI, there are actually two Cleveland Marathons this spring

Sam,

Thanks for the great description of the course !! I'll be running the CVS marathon ... and the reason I chose it was for the fast, flat course.

Being so close to the lake, I'm concerned a little about wind. Has this been a problem in the past ? Also, any ideas on participation numbers in either of the races ?

I'm looking to run in the 2:55 range. Any of you other guys going for a time close to that ?

-Keith

Kieth,

My goal is to run a Boston Qualifying time of 3:10. I haven't made up my mind which spring marathon I am going to do. I live in Columbus, Ohio. There are a few I am deciding between. Cleveland, Cincinnati, Fort Wayne (I thing) are the ones I am considering.

I was born and raised here. Graduate of Lakewood HIgh School.(1971)

Lived off Lake Ave. on Edgewater Drive.We lived on lakefront property.( growing up)

Did a 7 mile run down Lake ave last summer while there for my brother's wedding. Just a wonderful run. Very nostalgic running down Lake ave, Edgewater Drive down to Lakewood Park and remembering the good ol days. You know first kiss, first dance, slumber parties.

This area is full of gracious people. Sorry I don't live there anymore!! Good luck to all of you!!!

Clevelander here, ran that particular marathon 6 times ('89, '90, '93, '96, '97, '98) and can vouch for Sam's description.

Considered Toledo? (April 22). Fort Wayne looks interesting too.

As for the *wind* (we sailboat all summer in Lake Erie just North of the CVS Marathon course). On a typical spring morning the sea breeze builds as the city warms. The lake temperature will be about 50°F. So at the start the sea breeze is not a factor, but by 11 AM a cool breeze may be in your face for the trip home. On a sunny day the wind can build to 20 MPH by 1 PM. Also every few years they change the route a little.

Kevin Graf Wave as you go by my house near Lakewood Park

Kevin,

Thanks for the info. Hopefully I'll be done by 11 am !

-Keith

Kevin and Cathy Graf wrote: