Fall Classic

It's our 50th Anniversary, and we are bringing an exciting change to this classic race. The Fall Classic will be a two-day race: the 5k will be on Saturday, November 21st, and the Half Marathon and Relay will be on Sunday, November 22nd.

This will allow us to welcome more runners and also offer a Foxy Challenge, completing both events! Join the Cleveland Road Runners Club for the 50th running of the Fall Classic 1/2 marathon and 5K at Bonnie Park. Over the past 5 decades, thousands of runners have enjoyed this fast, scenic course run entirely in the beautiful Cleveland Metroparks.

The half marathon is a USA Track & Field–certified, double-loop course that is flat and fast, running primarily along the scenic Valley Parkway road through the Cleveland Metroparks — ideal for chasing a personal best. The race is capped at 1000 runners.  We encourage everyone to carpool to keep the impact on the Cleveland Metroparks at a minimum.  Parking is at the RTA parking lot at the corner of Rt. 80 entrance and Pearl Road.

Race Location:

Both races will start and finish at Bonnie Park Picnic Area (Link to Google Pin)

NEW for 2026, the Foxy Challenge!

Sign up for the Foxy Challenge: race the 5K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday! Making it a fun + challenging race weekend!

Race Timeline:

• Saturday, November 21st | 5K 
  • 7:30 AM |  Packet pick up opens (5k & Foxy Challenge only)
  • 9:00 AM | 5K Start
  • 10:00 AM | Kids Dash
  • Awards to follow
• Sunday, November 22nd | Half marathon
  • 7:30 AM |  Packet pick up opens
  • 8:15 AM |  Early starter wave
  • 9:00 AM | Half Marathon start (individual & relay teams)
  • Awards to follow

*Note, the above time is subject to change

Half Maraton | Early Start (Optional):

On Sunday, November 22nd, walkers are welcome to start early at 8:15 AM.

Runners Perks:

• Finisher Medal for all participants (stay tuned for design)
• 1/4 zip pullover included for all participants, including 5k (stay tuned for design)
• Beer from Masthead at the Masthead Beer Garden at the Race Site!
  • One beer ticket is included with registration
• Chip Time and Live Results
• Awards
  • The Overall winner
  • First Master
  • First Grand Master
  • Top 3 in each age group: Under 19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ 
• Relay Teams will receive a runner belt to keep

The Relay option for the half marathon consists of 2 person teams, each running approximately 6.55 miles. 

The first runner will run the initial loop and then hand off to their teammate near the starting line. The second runner will then run the loop again for a total of 6.55 miles each.

Special Notes:

• Each team will receive one timing chip and 2 'RELAY' bibs.
• 'RELAY' bibs are to be worn on the back of the person. Timing chips are on an assigned bib number worn on the front, attached by a bib belt. Bib belt will be provided to each team and returned at the finish line.
• Parking and all race instructions will be the same for relay teams as well as regular participants.
• The Exchange Point is the Starting Line. 

Click the 'PDF' icon to be a bigger part of the race! Showcase your company, challenge your employees, and be a part of a historic Cleveland event.

Packet pick-up dates & times

Friday, November 21 | Early packet pick-up

• 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Masthead Brewery, 1261 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

Saturday, November 22 | Early packet pick-up

• 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Second Sole Lakewood, 18636 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107

Sunday, November 23 | Race day

• 7:30 AM - 9:15 | Bonnie Park
  
   

2025 Finisher Medal

2025 Shirt

Enjoy a post race beer from the best brewery around. Masthead will be onsite and the first beer is included with sign up.

Ruck The Land Divisions

Choose your challenge. Whether you are aiming for the podium or just looking to challenge yourself and move with the community, every finisher earns the official event patch. All are welcome.

Hardened Steel | Competitive Division

• The Standard: 30 lbs Dry Weight.
• The Rules: Your weight must come from dedicated sources (ruck plates or sandbags). Water, food, and extra clothing do not count toward the 30 lb requirement.
• Awards: This is our only award-eligible category. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female finishers for events with over 5 of each gender or top 1 of each for less than 5.
• Verification: Dry weight will be verified at the Red Stand during pre-event check-in and re-verified at the finish line.

Cast Iron | Recreational Division

• The Standard: 10 lbs Recommended Total Weight.
• The Rules: This is a non-competitive, "anything counts" tier. Your hydration bladder, snacks, and safety gear all contribute to your total weight.
• The Experience: Perfect for beginners, families, or those testing their grit for the first time.
• Check-In: While not required for scoring, we highly encourage you to check in at the Red Stand. It’s the best way to learn how rucks usually work, get your gear checked by veterans, and meet the Cleveland rucking community.
    

Logistics & Check-In

• Pre-Ruck Check-In: Head to the Red Stand near the starting line or registration area. All Hardened Steel | Competitive Division participants must weigh in here. Cast Iron | Recreational Division participants are encouraged to stop by to get a feel for the pre-event flow.
• Post-Ruck Check-In: Once you cross the finish line, look for the signs to the check-in area. This is where we verify Hardened Steel | Competitive Division weights for awards and where everyone collects their finisher patch.
   

What To Bring (Packing List)

For Your Ruck

• The Pack: A sturdy backpack or rucking-specific bag with supportive straps.
• The Weight: 30 lb plates/sandbags for Hardened Steel Competitive Division; 10 lbs of total gear for Cast Iron Casual Division.
• Hydration: Most courses will have water stops but always come preparted.
• Safety: A reflective band or light if the event takes place near dawn/dusk.

For Your Body:

• Footwear: Broken-in trail shoes or boots.
• Socks: Moisture-wicking wool or synthetic
• Anti-Chafe: Body Glide or similar for feet and high-friction areas.
• Fuel: Small, calorie-dense snacks like gels, bars, or trail mix.

Personal Items

• Photo ID and a fully charged phone

If you would like more information about rucking, visit this link https://www.goruck.com/pages/what-is-rucking

The 5k and Half are USATF Certified Courses

Digital Maps:

5k: Link to 5k Course

Half Marathon/Relay: Link to Half Marathon/Relay Course

Annually, the Cleveland Road Runners Club puts on the following races

• Spring in the Park Women's 5K/10K
  • First Saturday in May
  • Starts & ends at South Mastick Picnic Area in Fairview Park
  • Distances: 1 Mile, 5K, & 10K
  • Women's only race
• Bay Days 5 Miler, 1 Mile, & Kids Track Dash
  • July 4th
  • Starts & ends at Bay High School in Bay Village
  • Distances: varying distances for the Kids' Track Dash, 1 Mile, & 5 Mile
  • Family-friendly race
• Fall Classic
  • Sunday before Thanksgiving
  • Starts & ends at Bonnie Park in Strongsville
  • Distances: 5K & half marathon (relay option for the half marathon)
  • Family-friendly race

Early Start and Course Time Limit

Fall Classic Half Marathon allows for runners of most speeds to complete the full course. The course is on Valley Parkway but it follows the All Purpose Trail allowing for runners to continue even after the course opens to traffic.

• Early Race Start: 8:15 AM
• All Half Marathoners and Leg 1 Relay Runners Start: 9:00 AM
• 5k Start: 9:15 AM
• Course Closes and runners pushed to All Purpose Trail: 12:00 PM

Aid Stations & Offerings

• Mile 1.5 - Water and Electrolyte Drink
• Mile 2.4 - Water and Electrolyte Drink
• Mile 4.4 - Water and Electrolyte Drink
• Mile 6.6 - Water, Electrolyte Drink, and GU Energy Gels
• Mile 8.2 - Water and Electrolyte Drink
• Mile 9.2 - Water and Electrolyte Drink
• Mile 11.2 - Water and Electrolyte Drink

Bag Check

• Bag Check is free and under the pavilion at Bonnie Park.
• Participants must provide their own bag to put their items in
• Bag must be marked with your name & bib number 

Race Parking

Race parking is special for this event. Access to Bonnie Park will be cutoff at 8:00 AM by vehicle. There is street parking nearby but we encourage you to also use the Strongsville Park & Ride and warm up with a jog to the starting line.

• Park and Ride Address: Click Here
• Bonnie Park (Race Start/Finish): Click Here

Check out these perks that you receive with your registration!

• Custom Finisher Medal for all participants (stay tuned for design)
• Custom 1/4 zip pullover included for all participants, including the 5k 
• Beer from Masthead at the Masthead Beer Garden at the Race Site!
  • One beer ticket is included with registration
• Electrolytes at aid stations
• Chip Time and Live Results
• Awards
• Relay Teams will receive a runner's belt to keep
• Race photos
• Post-race snacks

2025 Cusom Finisher Medal

2025 Custom Race Shirt

2025 Cusom Finisher Medal

Make checks payable to Run The Land & mail to:
Run the Land
18780 Rivercliff Dr, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126

Mailed entry forms must be received the Wednesday before race weekend.
Email Info@RunTheLand.com with questions.

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Race Venue Parking

• Cleveland Metroparks, Bonnie Park Picnic Area, has limited parking.
• Google Pin for parking & start/finish https://share.google/w0bBiWYEVWEfZnBcc 
• When parking fills up, drive to the Strongsville RTA Park & Ride

Strongsville RTA Park & Ride

• When parking is filled at Bonnie Park, drive to the Strongsville RTA Park & Ride.
• Google Pin for parking in this lot https://maps.app.goo.gl/d5fUdTa6zrDRZbDf9 
• This facility is east of Pearl Road, and south of I-80, with an entrance off Pearl Road.
• Participants will walk .6 miles from the Park & Ride to the start/finish

Additional parking info when parking in the Cleveland Metroparks

• No parking on the grass, anywhere.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• The park will be open to the public during the race
• We strongly suggest carpooling as parking is limited near the Start/Finish  

Read testimonials from past participants