Athens Ohio Marathon 2027

The Athens Ohio Marathon begins on the brick streets of Uptown Athens, adjacent to Ohio University’s College Green. The full marathon has commenced here since 1968, making it Ohio’s longest continuously operated marathon. A half marathon option has been included in the race weekend since 1994. The full marathon is a USATF-certified Boston qualifier, and both the marathon and half marathon courses are marked, designed for runners seeking a direct race day. Following the initial stretch through town, both races merge with the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway approximately 1.5 miles into the event. The route remains largely flat thereafter within the Hocking River valley. This is significant as Athens is situated in foothill terrain, but this course bypasses major ascents. Runners then loop back toward Ohio University, concluding on the track at Pruitt Field, thus providing the race with a campus start, a valley segment, and a track finish.