Join runners from all over the country in one of the most beautiful marathon locations in Pennsylvania – the Erie Marathon! Held annually in September on Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA, this event offers a flat and fast course with stunning views of Lake Erie.
Enjoy the cooler fall weather and natural beauty of the park while achieving your personal best or simply having a fun and scenic run. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day of running the Erie Marathon.
Pro´s:
- ✅ Super-light
- ✅ Breathable
- ✅ Soft elastic waistband
Con:
- ❌ Little bit warm in summer
Erie Marathon: The Journey Begins
History of the Erie Marathon
Location and Course Details
- 🏞️ Presque Isle State Park
- 🏃♂️ Course Elevation and Pace Groups
- 📱 RaceJoy Live Phone Tracking
- 🏅 Boston Qualifier Status
- 🚴 All Purpose Trail
🏞️ Presque Isle State Park
The Erie Marathon takes place at Presque Isle State Park, located in Erie, PA 16505. The park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, featuring 13 miles of picturesque coastline, numerous trails, and a variety of recreational activities.
🏃♂️ Course Elevation and Pace Groups
The Erie Marathon course is pancake-flat, making it an excellent choice for runners looking to achieve a personal best time or qualify for the Boston Marathon. The course features a total elevation change of less than 250 feet, with the highest point reaching just 580 feet above sea level.
There are pace groups for runners of all abilities, ranging from 3:00 to 5:30 finish times. The pace group leaders are experienced runners who will help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
📱 RaceJoy Live Phone Tracking
Erie Marathon offers RaceJoy live phone tracking for all participants. With RaceJoy, your friends and family can track your progress in real-time, receive live updates on your pace and estimated finish time, and send you motivational cheers along the way.
🏅 Boston Qualifier Status
The Erie Marathon is a certified Boston Marathon Qualifier, meeting all qualifying requirements for the prestigious race. If you’re looking to qualify for Boston, the flat and fast course is the perfect place to do it.
🚴 All Purpose Trail
The Erie Marathon course follows the All Purpose Trail at Presque Isle State Park. The trail is a multi-use path that winds through the park’s scenic landscape, offering stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding area. The trail is well-maintained and wide enough to accommodate all runners, making it a safe and enjoyable place to run.
Registration Information
If you’re interested in participating in the Erie Marathon, we’ve got all the registration information you need right here. Below, you’ll find details on the cap of 2000 participants, refunds, transfers, deferrals, age restrictions, and bib number distribution.
- 🏃♂️ Cap of 2000 Participants
- 💰 Refunds, Transfers and Deferrals
- 👶 Age Restrictions
- 📜 Bib Number Distribution
🏃♂️ Cap of 2000 Participants
To ensure that all participants have a safe and enjoyable experience, we’ve capped the number of participants at 2000. This means that once we reach our cap, registration will be closed. So, if you’re interested in running the Erie Marathon, be sure to register as soon as possible to secure your spot.
💰 Refunds, Transfers and Deferrals
We understand that sometimes things come up and you may not be able to participate in the race. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds, transfers or deferrals. Please keep this in mind when registering for the race.
👶 Age Restrictions
The Erie Marathon is open to participants ages 18 and up. We ask that all participants respect this age requirement and only register if they meet the age requirement.
📜 Bib Number Distribution
Bib numbers will be distributed at packet pick-up, which will take place the day before the race. Please bring a valid photo ID to packet pick-up in order to receive your bib number. If you are unable to pick up your bib number in person, you may have someone else pick it up for you. They will need a copy of your photo ID and a signed waiver in order to do so.
Race Day Experience
On the day of the Erie Marathon, we ensure that everything is in order for our runners to have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are some important details about the race day experience.
Marathon Runners
👉 Over 2,000 runners participate in the Erie Marathon each year.
👉 The race starts at 7 am sharp, so arrive early to avoid delays.
👉 The clock starts ticking as soon as the race begins, so be ready to go.
Half Marathon Details
👉 The half marathon starts at the same time as the marathon, but with a separate starting area.
👉 There is a 3-hour time limit on the course, so maintain a 14-minute per mile pace to finish within the allotted time.
Gender Specific Technical Shirt
👉 All runners receive a gender-specific technical shirt designed for comfort and breathability.
Performance and Results
👉 State-of-the-art timing technology ensures accurate and timely results.
👉 Finisher medals are provided for all participants.
Volunteers and Park Rangers
👉 Volunteers and park rangers help ensure a safe course and provide support for runners.
Post-Race Cheers and Celebrations
👉 Refreshments and snacks are provided for runners after the race.
👉 Runners are encouraged to explore the beauty of Presque Isle State Park.
Top 5 Spectator Locations at Erie Marathon
As a runner, we know how important it is to have supporters cheering us on during a marathon. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 spectator locations at the Erie Marathon.
My Top 5 Post-Marathon Activities
After completing the Erie Marathon, we are usually exhausted and sore, but also exhilarated and proud. Here are our top 5 favorite activities to do after the race to celebrate our accomplishment and recover from the grueling 26.2 miles.
1. 🍽️ Refuel with a delicious meal
After burning so many calories, we need to replenish our bodies with nutritious food. We love to indulge in a hearty meal that includes a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Some of our favorite post-marathon meals include a veggie omelet with whole-grain toast, a turkey burger with sweet potato fries, or a grilled chicken salad.
2. 🛀 Take a relaxing bath
Soaking in a warm bath can help ease sore muscles and promote relaxation. We like to add Epsom salt to the water to help reduce inflammation and soothe aching joints. Adding essential oils like lavender or peppermint can also provide a calming and refreshing aroma.
3. 💆♀️ Get a massage
A post-race massage can help speed up muscle recovery and reduce soreness. We recommend finding a licensed massage therapist who specializes in sports massage. They can target specific areas of tension and use techniques like deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy to help relieve pain and improve circulation.
4. 🚶♀️Go for a gentle walk
While it may seem counterintuitive, going for a short walk can actually help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness. We like to take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood or a nearby park to help loosen up our legs and get some fresh air.
5. 🎉 Celebrate with friends and family
Completing a marathon is a huge accomplishment, and it’s important to celebrate with loved ones. We like to host a post-race party or go out for a celebratory dinner with our friends and family. It’s a great way to reflect on the race, share stories, and bask in the glory of our achievement.
Our Option on the Erie Marathon
We believe that the Erie Marathon is a well-organized event that offers a flat and fast course, making it an ideal race for runners looking to set a personal best or qualify for the Boston Marathon.
I also like that the course is well-marked and easy to follow, so runners can focus on their race without worrying about getting lost.
Another great thing about the Erie Marathon is the support. The race organizers do an excellent job of providing aid stations and support along the course, so runners can stay hydrated and fueled throughout the race. The volunteers are friendly and encouraging, which helps to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for runners.
FAQ
When is the Erie Marathon?
The Erie Marathon is typically held in September each year.
What is the Erie Marathon course like?
The course is flat and fast, with a scenic route that takes runners along the shores of Lake Erie.
Is there a time limit for the Erie Marathon?
Yes, participants must complete the course within 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Have you ever run the Erie Marathon? I would love to hear your experience in the comments. I am sure you are also interested in our Marathon Checklist or the Information How many Steps in a Marathon.
