River Run Half Marathon

27^th Annual River Run Half Marathon
Sunday, September 13, 2026

Join runners from across Northeast Ohio for one of the region’s most scenic and memorable races! The River Run Half Marathon winds along the beautiful Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Offering a smooth, slightly downhill, point-to-point course that’s perfect for both first-timers and seasoned half-marathoners.

Established in 2000, this USATF-certified event delivers a fast, fun, and memorable 13.1-mile experience through the heart of nature.

Registration & Pricing

The earlier you sign up, the more you save! Tiered pricing rewards runners who commit early - once a tier sells out, the next one automatically opens.

Registration Opens January 1, 2026

Tier 1: First 100 registrants – $70
Tier 2: Registrants 101–300 – $80
Tier 4: Registrants 301+ – $90
Virtual Half Marathon: $70

Online registration opens January 1 and closes Saturday, September 12 at 9 PM.

There is no reace-day registration.

Late registrants must pick up their packets at the Hermes Sports Office by noon on Saturday 9/12, or purchase race-morning pickup for $10 at check-out.
Paper registration forms (for check payments) are available below.

Paper Entry Form

What's Included

Every River Run participant receives:

Official USATF-Certified Half Marathon course
Custom race bib with MyLaps timing, split tracking, and live results
Gender-cut tech shirt and finisher medal
Complimentary shuttle service and gear check
Aid stations every 2 miles with water, Gatorade & CarbBoom! gels
Searchable race photos, live entertainment & refreshments
Age group & overall awards
Access to one of the most scenic runs in Northeast Ohio! 🌳

Race Logistics

🏁 Race Day Details

Start Line: Wallace Lake – Cleveland Metroparks (Berea)
Finish Line: Memorial Fields – Cleveland Metroparks (Rocky River)
Course Distance: 13.1 Miles (USATF Certified) Point to Point

Start Times:

Walk Half Marathon: 7:00 AM
Run Half Marathon: 8:00 AM

Time Limits:

Walkers (7 AM start): 4 hours
Runners (8 AM start): 3 hours

8 AM starters must maintain ≤ 13:45 min/mile.
Course closes at 11 AM - runners still on course will be moved to the all-purpose path (welcome to finish but may not receive official times).

🚍 Shuttle & Parking

Participants can park at Rocky River High School (20951 Detroit Rd. - 2 miles away from the finish line) and take the complimentary shuttle to the start line - you’ll get a scenic “reverse preview” of the course!

Limited to 300 spots – select this option at registration for free.

NOT for spectators!
Arrive by 6:00 AM – buses leave promptly at 6:30 AM.
Shuttles will return participants and spectators to both Rocky River HS and Wallace Lake after the race!

There’s limited parking at the start line (Wallace Lake). Arrive early if parking at Wallace Lake.

Shuttles will return participants and spectators to both Rocky River High School and Wallace Lake after the race!
- No need to select a "return" shuttle option, simply hop on the correct bus to return.
No parking is available at the Memorial Fields finish area.
- Closes walking distances to finish line:

Participants can also walk (1/2 mile) to/from the finish line to be picked up at:

North end walkable road to Finish - Rockcliff Dr.
South end walkable road to Finish - Hogsback Ln.

Packet Pickup

There is no race-day packet pickup unless you purchased that option ($10).

When registering, you can choose to:

Have your packet mailed ($15 add-on available through Aug 28).
Pick up in person during race week for free.
Add race-morning pickup ($10 option).

2026 Pickup Schedule:

Wed 9/9 – TBA | 4–6 PM
Thu 9/10 – TBA | 4–6 PM
Sat 9/12 – Hermes Sports Office | 10 AM–12 PM

Have your confirmation QR code ready for check-in.

You may pick up packets for friends/family - just bring their confirmation emails.
Picking up for 5+ people? Email roadracing@hermescleveland.com with names & location so we can pre-pack them!

🌳 Course Overview

The River Run Half follows a point-to-point route through the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.

Start: Wallace Lake (Berea)
Finish: Memorial Fields (Rocky River)
Terrain: paved roads + a gentle downhill grade
Aid Stations: Miles 2.5, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12

– Water at each stop | Gatorade @ 6, 8, 10, 12 | CarbBoom @ 6 & 8
Restrooms at Miles 2.5, 4, 6.5, 8 & 10
EMS on course & at finish; medical tent by Chamberlain College of Nursing

This course is fast, flat, and beautiful — ideal for PRs!

Results & Awards

Competition is strong at the River Run Half Marathon!

Results are updated continuously as runners finish. If you believe you’ve earned an age group award, please stop by the Awards Tent to confirm your results.

Please note: Awards will not be mailed after the event.

Runners may pick up their award at the Hermes Office or arrange pickup at another upcoming event — just email us first at roadracing@hermescleveland.com.

Awards are given to:

Top 3 Overall Male & Female Finishers
Top 3 Masters (60+) Male & Female Finishers
Top 3 Male & Female Finishers in each age group:
- 12–19, 20–24, 25–29
- 30–34, 35–39, 40–44
- 45–49, 50–54, 55–59
- 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75+

Spectator Info

Bring your cheer squad! Friends and family can celebrate your finish at Memorial Fields.

Runners start at Wallace Lake (8 AM) and begin finishing around 9:10 AM.
The race route follows Valley Parkway northbound, which will be closed to vehicles.
Spectator shuttles run continuously from Rocky River High School → Finish Line starting around 8:30 AM. No need to sign up – simply show up and a shuttle will bring you down to the finish line (and back when you’re done).

🅿️ No parking at the finish line. Closest lot: Rockcliff Springs (limited). You can also park at the top of Rockcliff Dr. and walk down the all-purpose trail.

Popular viewing spots along the course:

Mile 6: Cedar Point Rd & Nature Center
Mile 9: Mastick Woods Golf Course
Mile 10: Big Met Golf Course
Mile 11: Little Met Golf Course

Virtual Option

Can’t join us in person but still want the medal, shirt, and bragging rights? The Virtual River Run Half Marathon lets you run 13.1 miles anytime, anywhere! 💻

Run or walk on your own route or treadmill.
Submit your finish time online by Sept 28 for recognition.
Pick up your packet early or have it mailed after race day.
For those transferring from the LIVE event to virtual, you must still pick up your race packet at packet pickup.

FAQ's

Minimum Age: 12 years old
Confirmation: Automatic email sent at registration; didn’t get it? Email roadracing@hermescleveland.com
Headphones: Allowed - just keep volume low and stay aware.
Strollers/Dogs: Not permitted on the course.
Bag Check: Available at start line (6:30 – 7:50 AM) and transported to finish. Bring your own bag and use the tear off tab from your bib to safety pin to your bag.
Awards: Overall based on gun time; age groups based on chip time.
Volunteers: We’d love your help! Learn more - Volunteer Info.

🔁 Refunds, Transfers & Deferrals

We know life happens! Hermes offers flexible options if plans change:

Transfer to Virtual – complete your race anywhere, anytime.
- DETAILS HERE
- Must transfer prior to packet pickup (or prior to your packet being mailed)
Transfer to Another Runner – free via RunSignUp before final packet pickup.
- DETAILS HERE
- No selling of bibs is premitted. Pariticipants will be disqualified if found selling race bib.
Transfer to Another Hermes Event – before Sept 7; choose the Cleveland Turkey Trot 5K or 5 Mile or Reindeer Run 5K.
- DETAILS HERE
Defer to 2027 Event – available through Sept 1 for $20.
- DETAILS HERE
- CLAIM DEFERRAL DETAILS HERE

If your packet was already mailed, you will not be able to request a transfer or deferral.

Refunds are not offered for any reason (just like concert or airline tickets).

Questions?
Email: roadracing@hermescleveland.com or call us 📞 (216) 623 9933