The Towpath Marathon was established in 1992 to introduce the Towpath Trail as a new recreational amenity and to promote the establishment of the Ohio & Erie Canalway. In 1993, it was one of ten events that celebrated the completion of the Towpath Trail through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Since its inception the Towpath Marathon has grown to become one of Northeast Ohio's premier marathons for a weekend of outdoor festivities and athletic competition. Described as “one of the most beautiful race courses in America” by Runner's World magazine, the Towpath Marathon showcases breathtaking segments of the historic Towpath Trail located between Akron and Cleveland. It is one of few marathons that take place in a National Park, and many consider it a unique specialty race due to the setting, fall foliage and crushed limestone surface. The course has changed many times throughout the life of the marathon and most recently drew attention to newly completed portions of the Towpath Trail as it heads into downtown Cleveland.