2021 Cleveland Marathon will have its first in-person race in more than two years on Sunday

Thousands of runners will fill the streets for the first time in more than two years as the 44th Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon makes its in-person return on Sunday.

The coronavirus pandemic has strained the annual event, causing the race to go virtual in 2020. The marathon, half-marathon and other events are traditionally run in May, but this year they were postponed until the fall.

Runners are excited to be returning to in-person racing after such a long hiatus, said Jack Staph, the event’s president and executive race director.

“We’re one of the oldest races in Ohio, and it’s quite a tradition,” Staph said. “There are people who’ve run our race for many years. We’ve been met with nothing but excitement -- and caution. I mean people want to make sure that everything’s going to be OK.”

Staph said event organizers have worked closely with medical partner University Hospitals, as well as local and state health departments, to protect runners and volunteers.

Perfect running weather is in the forecast Sunday, with the high expected to be around 58 degrees with partly sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service.

The marathon and half marathon will begin and end at Public Square, with both races starting at 7 a.m. The 5K and 10K are set for Saturday at 7:30 a.m., and they will also begin and end at Public Square.

Approximately 5,500 people are expected to compete in the half and full marathons, with the route taking them through parts of downtown, Ohio City and Lakewood.

A virtual race option is also being offered for all distances if runners aren’t comfortable competing in person. Another 60 to 80 runners are estimated to compete in the virtual race, Staph said. Those runners will time themselves, and results will be based on the honor system, he said.

However, Staph noted race organizers are taking precautions to protect the thousands of runners who are competing in-person. Masks will be available, and organizers are recommending -- though not requiring -- runners to wear them at the start and finish lines. Volunteers will be required to wear masks during race weekend, and those who touch food or drinks will also have to wear gloves.

Social distancing will be encouraged as well, but because of the nature of the race, runners should be split up after the first couple of miles, Staph said.

Hand sanitizer will also be provided at Friday’s Health and Fitness Expo, located in the Huntington Convention Center. Sanitizer will also be available at the Gear Check tent Saturday and Sunday, according to the marathon’s website.

The Cleveland Marathon is not requiring runners to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. The race’s organizers made the decision after consulting with medical experts and government officials, Staph said.

“The key is that we’re working with the state and county health departments and University Hospitals, and they haven’t indicated that vaccination or a negative test would be needed,” Staph said.

Staph said he’s excited to see the in-person marathon return to Cleveland, and he hopes the event can return to its usual time in May next year.

posted Thursday October 21st
by Cameron Fields