Written by: Kendahl Plank
Published on: 03/17/2024

Make it a Weekend Getaway

Extending your stay beyond race day to explore Toledo's attractions promises an enriching experience. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene by taking in a local show at one of our music and theater venues or by visiting one of our top attractions.

Navigating around Toledo is easy and parking is inexpensive and available. The race location near The University of Toledo is just a short drive from downtown Toledo where many restaurants and attractions are located. 

Need to load up with carbs before the race? Check out the dining options in the Toledo area as well as the 419 Ale Trail. You will see why locations like Earnest Brew Works, Quenched and Tempered, Maumee Bay Brewing Co., and Toledo Spirits Co. are all local favorites.

Train While you are here

Our robust parks system, Metroparks Toledo, has 19 locations throughout the region. Part of the Marathon course actually winds through Wildwood Preserve Metropark. Get your lay of the land while your loved ones relax at a local metropark.

Running at Wildwood
Wildwood offers over 8 miles of dirt trails and 3 miles of paved roads. This park connects you to the 6-mile, paved University/Parks Trail, with parking all along the way.

Running at Oak Openings
Oak Openings is host to several trails ideal for running or training for any road race. Several long distance trails make their home here as the Wabash Cannonball trail follows a former rail line through the park, connecting with the Oak Openings All Purpose trail.

Running at Pearson
Pearson features a perfectly named Exercise trail around the perimeter of the park. Beginning and ending at a fitness station, this 3-mile loop is perfect for interval training or shorter training runs.

Running at Side Cut
Beginning in Side Cut is the Fallen Timbers trail. This almost 4-mile trail is perfect for more intense training as it leads you up a steep hill towards the Fallen Timbers Monument. There is also a shorter loop trail perfect for "repeats" should that be part of your training schedule.

Running the Towpath Trail
Providence, Bend View and Farnsworth line the Maumee River and offer shade as you maneuver the Towpath trail. This trail is 9 miles of crushed stone along the scenic river. Access to the trail heads from Providence or Farnsworth.

Running at Swan Creek
Swan Creek is located in the heart of Toledo and offers you an oasis to escape the busy city for a quiet run. There are several trails scattered throughout the park, most notably the 3-mile All Purpose trail. This trail is accessible from either end of the park, but a fitness center is located at the entrance off Airport Highway.

Top Attractions to Explore

Imagination Station
Located in downtown Toledo, Imagination Station, Toledo’s Science Center, is the region’s resource in interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. When you enter the doors of Imagination Station, you will experience hundreds of interactive exhibits, activities and demonstrations that teach vital science concepts.

Franklin Park Mall
Franklin Park Mall is Toledo’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination with over 160 specialty retailers, Cinemark Franklin Park 16 & XD, and dining that ranges from from casual, sit-down restaurants, to quick eats in the Food Court. Unique to Franklin Park, they also feature several locally owned retailers that you won't fine elsewhere.

Metroparks Toledo
Toledo Metroparks has preserved many of the county's most unique natural and historical features. The 19 Metroparks with their hundreds of miles of trails makeup the over 12,000-acre park system. No two Metroparks are alike. Each location has unique gems that set it apart. All Metroparks open daily 7 a.m. to dark year round and are free of charge.

National Museum of the Great Lakes
The National Museum of the Great Lakes tells the awe-inspiring stories of our Great Lakes through breathtaking photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, a number of powerful audiovisual displays and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits including the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the historic Museum Tug Ohio.

Toledo Museum of Art
The Toledo Museum of Art is a beloved cultural institution in Toledo, Ohio and a global leader in the museum field. More than 30,000 works of art represent American and European painting, the history of art in glass, ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian works, Asian and African art, medieval art, sculpture, decorative arts, graphic arts, and modern and contemporary art.

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 individual animals representing over 720 species. Immerse yourself in the wonder of 3,000+ aquatic animal and get your hands wet with sharks, sting rays and crabs in the Aquarium. Explore animals throughout time in the new ProMedica Museum of Natural History. Visiting the Toledo Zoo is like three attractions in one!

The Race is Spectator Friendly

Without spectators cheering their runners/walkers on, a four/five/six hour marathon would seem even longer. Below are some ideas for where to watch, and how you can make it fun for everyone while you’re out there supporting your friends and loved ones who are participating in the events.

• Download the GCM App to Track Runners & Send Cheers
• Get to Your Destination Early | Know What Streets Are Closed
• Stop by the Toledo Roadrunner’s booth at the Expo to design a poster for race day
• Bring a Cowbell, Horn, or Just Your Cheering Voice
• Reach Out for High Fives
• Plan to be at different locations throughout the course | View Course Maps
• Cheer as all participants move through the finish line
• Visit the Expo and have your kiddos do the Kids Run on Saturday | They’re Free & Open to the Public
• Take Lots of Photos & Videos and share them by tagging Glass City Marathon and using #RunToledo

Check out additional tips and recommended viewing and cheering locations here.

Kids Can Participate Too

The Glass City Marathon is more than just those 26.2 miles that runners strive for and achieve here in Toledo, it encompasses 5 individual race events for those who have different distance goals, want to participate as a group, or those who bring the whole family. The event offers multiple distances to fit every age or ability level of the participant. 

Of course the main event is the full marathon, but the day consists of 4 other events including a half marathon, 5-person relay, 5K, and a kids run. You must be at least 16 years old to enter the marathon. The half marathon is open to those 13 years and older. The 5k is open to individuals 6 years and older. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver if participant is under 18. The annual kid’s races are limited to ages 12 and under.

The Afterparty is Best Enjoyed with Loved Ones

After the marathon event is over on Saturday, there is a whole area dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of the day. The after party is such a feel good time to connect with hundreds of other participants and their families with these shared human goals. An outdoor stage featuring live music fills the air as participants ring the bell, enjoy food and local craft beer, and share the ups and downs of their journey with loved ones and fellow racers.

 

   
 

More Events to Explore on Race Weekend

Above and Beyond Exhibit at Imagination Station
Get a closer look at the advances that transformed aviation and aerospace

Toledo Farmers Market
Find fresh produce, jams, coffee, baked goods, hand crafted soaps, jewelry and more

Jurassic Quest at Glass City Center
Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family.

Toledo Mud Hens Vs. Worcester Red Sox
Cheering on AAA Detroit Tigers affiliate team, the Mud Hens, is a beloved Toledo Pastime and fun for the whole family. Catch games all weekend on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Trip on the Glass City Pearl 
Eight-hour dock to dock fishing excursion on the Glass City Pearl catching the world-famous Lake Erie Walleye!

Toledo Jazz Orchestra Concert
Gene Parker has been a professional musician in the Toledo area for more than 50 years. This performance will celebrate not only his birthday, but his many contributions to the art of Jazz.  

 

Find more sports in Toledo and related content here:

Top 5 Reasons to Run the Glass City Marathon  |  Play Ball! It's Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Season  |  Toledo Speedway Shifts Fun into High Gear!