2026 Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
The 2026 Mercy Health Glass City Marathon is scheduled for April 25–26, 2026, in Toledo, Ohio, featuring a series of running events centered around the University of Toledo. Participants can expect typical spring weather in the Midwest, which often includes mild temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, though conditions can vary from cool and overcast to sunny. The weekend offers a variety of competitive road racing opportunities, ranging from a 5K to a full marathon, held on a course known for its speed and flat topography.
What is the schedule of events for the race weekend?
Saturday, April 25, 2026:
- →Savage 5K
- →Nationwide Children's – Toledo Kids Run
- →Tom Falvey Health & Wellness Expo
Sunday, April 26, 2026:
- →Mercy Health Glass City Marathon (26.2 mi) – Start: 6:30 AM EDT
- →Owens Corning Half Marathon (13.1 mi) – Start: 6:30 AM EDT
- →North Star BlueScope 5-Person Marathon Relay – Start: 6:30 AM EDT
- →Wheeler (wheelchair) category – Start: 6:30 AM EDT
What distances and race formats are available?
- →Mercy Health Glass City Marathon (26.2 miles)
- →Owens Corning Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →North Star BlueScope 5-Person Marathon Relay
- →Savage 5K
- →Nationwide Children's – Toledo Kids Run
What are the course details and characteristics?
The marathon is a USATF Certified road event (#OH22014DH) consisting of a single loop on smooth paved roads with minimal elevation change. The route begins on Bancroft St. near the University of Toledo North Tower, proceeds through Ottawa Park and the historic suburb of Ottawa Hills, connects to the University Parks Bike Trail within the Metroparks system, travels through Sylvania and Wildwood Metropark, and returns via the bike trail to the University of Toledo campus. All participants finish inside the Glass Bowl Stadium. A visual representation of the route can be found at MapMyRun ↗.
What are the time limits and pace requirements?
Marathon (26.2 miles):
- →Course limit: 6.5 hours (strictly enforced)
- →Required pace: Approximately 15:00 min/mile to meet checkpoints
Half Marathon (13.1 miles):
- →Course limit: 3.5 hours (strictly enforced)
- →Required pace: 16:00 min/mile; runners must pass the mile 9.5 checkpoint by 9:30 AM to avoid being diverted (DNF)
What is included in the runner package?
Marathon (Premium):
- →Custom apparel (tech shirt subject to inventory)
- →Pacing service
- →Commemorative Glass City Mug
- →Custom finisher medal
- →Chip timing and online results
- →Lunch and refreshments
- →Custom awards
Half Marathon (Premium):
- →Short sleeve tech shirt
- →Pacing service
- →Commemorative Glass City Mug
- →Custom finisher medal
- →Chip timing and online results
- →Lunch and refreshments
What are the age requirements and field limits?
- →Marathon: Minimum age of 16; maximum field of 1,500 runners
- →Half Marathon: Minimum age of 13; maximum field of 2,500 runners (walkers are welcome)
Is this event a qualifier for other races?
Yes, the event is a USATF Sanctioned race allowing for Olympic Trials Qualification. It is also an official Boston Marathon qualifier, with over a third of the marathon field regularly achieving qualifying times. Additionally, it is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group Qualifier and previously served as the RRCA National Championship Marathon.