RunRace USA › Pennsylvania › Erie Marathon

The complete, course-first guide

Erie Marathon

Sunday, September 13, 2026 · 7:00 a.m. EDT
Erie Runners Club Pavilion at Beach 1, on Peninsula Drive inside Presque Isle State Park, about 0.5 miles past the park entrance. The park has no mailing addresses, so the club tells runners to navigate to 25 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505 (Sara's Eatery, at the entrance) and add half a mile.

Marathon26.2 miles
Register for the 2026 Erie Marathon →on RunSignUp
Aerial course portraitErieHistorical course model · 26.2 miles
Gold marks the historical course model. Public-domain aerial photography: USGS and USDA.

The race in 60 seconds

Marathon
Sunday, September 13, 20267:00 a.m. EDT
Start line
Erie Runners Club Pavilion at Beach 1, on Peninsula Drive inside Presque Isle State Park, about 0.5 miles past the park entrance. The park has no mailing addresses, so the club tells runners to navigate to 25 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505 (Sara's Eatery, at the entrance) and add half a mile.Erie, PA
Modeled elevation
About 229 ft of climbroughly 570 to 589 ft
Course shape
Loop coursestart and finish stay close
Race week weather
61°F to 74°F2016-2025 average, 29% of days wet
Published course limit
6 hours13:44 per mile

First run in 1974, Erie Marathon has had time to become part of the city's running calendar. The route is a loop, keeping the start and finish in the same part of the city. The modeled line carries about 229 feet of total climb and ranges from roughly 570 to 589 feet above sea level. Look for Perry Monument, Presque Isle Lighthouse in the flyover, with recognizable forms modeled from architectural records.

Fly the course

The whole course, built from the best available published route trace and an extruded model of Erie. Scrub it, change the camera, or let it play. Nothing here is a video: it is drawing the city live.

Route statusOlder community course trace; confirm the current edition before relying on individual turns. a 2013 trace of the two-loop Presque Isle course still described on the 2026 site

The route line uses the best published course trace available. Public-domain USGS and USDA aerial photography plus USGS 3DEP elevation are baked into RunRace USA, so the flyover makes no paid map API or third-party runtime requests. Buildings, roads, parks and water use OpenStreetMap, ODbL. This is photographic terrain with modeled architecture, not photogrammetry. Bridge approaches, elevations and facade details are approximations; the organizer's published route remains the reference.

The elevation profile

Marathon elevation26.2 miles · about 229 ft of climb
520 540 560 580 600 620 Mile 0.0 to 0.2: +0.0% Mile 0.2 to 0.4: -0.0% Mile 0.4 to 0.6: -0.1% Mile 0.6 to 0.8: +0.0% Mile 0.8 to 1.0: +0.0% Mile 1.0 to 1.2: +0.0% Mile 1.2 to 1.4: +0.1% Mile 1.4 to 1.6: +0.2% Mile 1.6 to 1.8: +0.0% Mile 1.8 to 2.0: -0.0% Mile 2.0 to 2.2: +0.0% Mile 2.2 to 2.4: +0.0% Mile 2.4 to 2.6: -0.0% Mile 2.6 to 2.8: -0.1% Mile 2.8 to 3.0: -0.4% Mile 3.0 to 3.2: +0.0% Mile 3.2 to 3.4: +0.0% Mile 3.4 to 3.6: +0.0% Mile 3.6 to 3.8: -0.1% Mile 3.8 to 4.0: -0.1% Mile 4.0 to 4.2: -0.1% Mile 4.2 to 4.4: +0.0% Mile 4.4 to 4.6: +0.0% Mile 4.6 to 4.8: -0.1% Mile 4.8 to 5.0: +0.0% Mile 5.0 to 5.2: +0.1% Mile 5.2 to 5.4: +0.0% Mile 5.4 to 5.6: -0.3% Mile 5.6 to 5.8: +0.2% Mile 5.8 to 6.0: -0.0% Mile 6.0 to 6.2: +0.1% Mile 6.2 to 6.4: +0.0% Mile 6.4 to 6.6: -0.0% Mile 6.6 to 6.8: +1.2% Mile 6.8 to 7.0: +0.2% Mile 7.0 to 7.2: +0.4% Mile 7.2 to 7.4: +0.1% Mile 7.4 to 7.6: -0.1% Mile 7.6 to 7.8: -0.1% Mile 7.8 to 8.0: +0.1% Mile 8.0 to 8.2: +0.0% Mile 8.2 to 8.4: +0.4% Mile 8.4 to 8.6: -0.3% Mile 8.6 to 8.8: +0.1% Mile 8.8 to 9.0: -0.0% Mile 9.0 to 9.2: -0.0% Mile 9.2 to 9.4: +0.2% Mile 9.4 to 9.6: -0.0% Mile 9.6 to 9.8: -0.3% Mile 9.8 to 10.0: -0.1% Mile 10.0 to 10.2: +0.4% Mile 10.2 to 10.4: +0.4% Mile 10.4 to 10.6: +0.1% Mile 10.6 to 10.8: -0.1% Mile 10.8 to 11.0: +0.0% Mile 11.0 to 11.2: +0.1% Mile 11.2 to 11.4: +0.1% Mile 11.4 to 11.6: -0.1% Mile 11.6 to 11.8: +0.1% Mile 11.8 to 12.0: -0.3% Mile 12.0 to 12.2: +0.2% Mile 12.2 to 12.4: -0.1% Mile 12.4 to 12.6: -0.1% Mile 12.6 to 12.8: +0.2% Mile 12.8 to 13.0: +0.2% Mile 13.0 to 13.2: -0.3% Mile 13.2 to 13.4: +0.1% Mile 13.4 to 13.6: -0.3% Mile 13.6 to 13.8: +0.0% Mile 13.8 to 14.0: +0.1% Mile 14.0 to 14.2: -0.1% Mile 14.2 to 14.4: -0.1% Mile 14.4 to 14.6: +0.2% Mile 14.6 to 14.8: -0.1% Mile 14.8 to 15.0: +0.0% Mile 15.0 to 15.2: +0.1% Mile 15.2 to 15.4: +0.0% Mile 15.4 to 15.6: -0.1% Mile 15.6 to 15.8: +0.0% Mile 15.8 to 16.0: -0.2% Mile 16.0 to 16.2: -0.3% Mile 16.2 to 16.4: -0.0% Mile 16.4 to 16.6: -0.0% Mile 16.6 to 16.8: -0.0% Mile 16.8 to 17.0: -0.0% Mile 17.0 to 17.2: +0.0% Mile 17.2 to 17.4: +0.0% Mile 17.4 to 17.6: -0.1% Mile 17.6 to 17.8: +0.0% Mile 17.8 to 18.0: +0.1% Mile 18.0 to 18.2: -0.3% Mile 18.2 to 18.4: +0.4% Mile 18.4 to 18.6: +0.1% Mile 18.6 to 18.8: -0.2% Mile 18.8 to 19.0: +0.1% Mile 19.0 to 19.2: -0.3% Mile 19.2 to 19.4: +0.1% Mile 19.4 to 19.6: +0.0% Mile 19.6 to 19.8: -0.0% Mile 19.8 to 20.0: -0.2% Mile 20.0 to 20.2: -0.1% Mile 20.2 to 20.4: -0.0% Mile 20.4 to 20.6: -0.0% Mile 20.6 to 20.8: +0.0% Mile 20.8 to 21.0: +0.1% Mile 21.0 to 21.2: -0.0% Mile 21.2 to 21.4: -0.1% Mile 21.4 to 21.6: -0.2% Mile 21.6 to 21.8: +0.1% Mile 21.8 to 22.0: +0.0% Mile 22.0 to 22.2: +0.0% Mile 22.2 to 22.4: +0.2% Mile 22.4 to 22.6: -0.0% Mile 22.6 to 22.8: +0.2% Mile 22.8 to 23.0: -0.5% Mile 23.0 to 23.2: +0.2% Mile 23.2 to 23.4: +0.2% Mile 23.4 to 23.6: +0.1% Mile 23.6 to 23.8: -0.1% Mile 23.8 to 24.0: -0.0% Mile 24.0 to 24.2: -0.0% Mile 24.2 to 24.4: +0.2% Mile 24.4 to 24.6: +0.1% Mile 24.6 to 24.8: -0.2% Mile 24.8 to 25.0: -0.1% Mile 25.0 to 25.2: -0.0% Mile 25.2 to 25.4: -0.0% Mile 25.4 to 25.6: -0.0% Mile 25.6 to 25.8: -0.2% Mile 25.8 to 26.0: -0.0% Mile 26.0 to 26.2: +0.1% 5 10 15 20 25 mile
steep up up flat down steep down

This Marathon profile covers 26.2 miles, ranges from roughly 570 to 589 feet, and contains about 229 feet of modeled climb.

Open the full course breakdown →

The route at a glance

1 5 10 13 15 20 25 26 LAKE ERIE
Marathon route26.2 miles
course start/finish

Gold is the selected modeled course; route provenance is stated beside the flyover.

Race-week weather, measured

At the start line, September 9-17 averaged a low of 61°F and a high of 74°F across 2016-2025. The same window reached 84°F at its warmest and 49°F at its coldest. Measurable rain appeared on about 29% of sampled days. Treat the range, not just the average, as the packing list.

Pace it by effort

The profile and grade strip come from the same route currently loaded in the flyover. Use even pace as a baseline, then protect effort on the highlighted climbs and exposed sections.

FinishEven paceHalfway
3:006:52 /mi1:30
3:308:01 /mi1:45
4:009:09 /mi2:00
4:3010:18 /mi2:15
5:0011:27 /mi2:30
Published course limit, 6:0013:44 /mi3:00

Build your race weekend

The course

Live 3D flyover, synchronized elevation, route map, mile-by-mile shape and local landmarks.

Where to stay

The neighborhoods and travel tradeoffs that matter on race weekend.

Expo and logistics

Packet pickup, the published weekend schedule, transit, parking and current entry tiers.

Spectators

Route-aware viewing anchors and a plan that respects the actual course geography.

The weekend

A city guide built around the places modeled beside the course.

Race listing

Dates, distances and the official registration link.

Common questions

Is it a Boston qualifier?

Yes. The club states the course is USATF certified and a Boston Qualifier, and that results are submitted to the Boston Athletic Association promptly. It is worth reading the club's own caveat, though: it says it cannot predict which years the race will actually get people into Boston, because the BAA sets the cutoff after the fact and gives no advance notice. Check the BAA site for the qualifying standard, not the race site.

How flat is it, really?

Less than 250 feet of total elevation change across the whole marathon, per the club. The course is two loops of Presque Isle using the old lake road and the main road. The 2017 reversal moved the hairpin turn near the park entrance to roughly the halfway mark.

What is the surface?

Mostly asphalt, with about a third concrete. The club notes that most of the course has grass running alongside the pavement if you would rather use it. Shade and sun are both plentiful depending on which loop and which stretch.

Is there a time limit?

About six hours, which the club puts at a 13.75-minute mile. Roads start reopening at mile 14 at roughly the 3 hour 14 minute mark. RunSignUp adds the practical consequence: anyone not holding 14-minute pace finishes on the all-purpose trail rather than the road.

Can someone else pick up my packet?

No. The club is unusually strict here. Every participant must collect their own packet, must show photo ID, and will be photographed holding their bib. Refusing the photograph is grounds for disqualification.

Can I get a refund, defer, or transfer my entry?

No, on all three. The club's wording is that the race is non-refundable, non-deferrable and non-transferable, with no exceptions. RunSignUp offers optional third-party race insurance at checkout, and the Erie Runners Club specifically disclaims any warranty about it.

Can my partner or coach run the last few miles with me?

No. Unregistered runners or walkers accompanying you is a disqualification. So is anyone biking alongside you, which the club bans on safety grounds, and so is anyone driving alongside you.

Are headphones allowed?

Yes, but the club asks you to keep the volume low enough to hear pre-race instructions.

Can I bring a drone to film my race?

No. Drones are prohibited in Pennsylvania state parks. The club warns that using one risks disqualification and legal consequences beyond the race.

Can my dog run with me?

Only documented service dogs, and only accompanying the individual they are registered to.

What is on course for fuel and bathrooms?

Aid stations roughly every 1 to 2 miles with both water and Gatorade at every station. For bathrooms the club claims porta-potties or permanent restrooms spaced about a mile apart for the entire course, with 14 restrooms along the route and extra facilities at the start and finish. That is unusually good coverage for a marathon this size.

Are there pace groups and live tracking?

Yes to both. Pace teams are contracted through MarathonPacing.com, and the race offers RaceJoy tracking so people at home can follow you.

Is there a half marathon or a relay?

Not on this day. The Erie Marathon is marathon-only. The Erie Runners Club runs a separate Presque Isle Half Marathon in July, which is a different event on a different date. No marathon relay is currently planned.

How do the awards work, and when?

First, second and third for men and women across 14 age brackets from 19-and-under through over-80, plus a masters division for 40 and up. Awards are collected in person at the Beach One / Erie Runners Club Pavilion as soon as the timer posts results. There is no set ceremony time, and the club states flatly that awards will not be mailed.

How big is the field and will it sell out?

Capped at 2,000. The club notes the cap can be reduced further by emergency management or by Presque Isle State Park, and that there is no waitlist this year. Entry was still open at the $120 tier in August 2026.

Where do I actually go on race morning?

Park free at Waldameer Park (220 Peninsula Drive) or the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (301 Peninsula Drive), then walk about half a mile downhill to the Erie Runners Club Pavilion at Beach 1. There are no shuttles, by park permit. Do not park on the roadside inside the park.

How do I work out how far my hotel is?

Use the club's own method: route from your hotel to Sara's Eatery, 25 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505, then add half a mile. That accounts for the fact that the park has no street addresses and the start is inside it.

When will the race email me details?

Not until race week. RunSignUp carries the club's notice in capitals that no emails will be sent until race week, so use the website rather than waiting on an inbox.

Is there a bag drop?

Yes, near the Beach One / Erie Runners Club Pavilion. Bags are matched using the tear-off tags on your race bib.

Can my family watch me on the course?

Within limits. Spectators must park at Waldameer and walk in like everyone else, may not stand on any roadway inside the park (the park fines people who do), and are not permitted in the finish line area. There is no food or drink for sale anywhere in the park, so they need to bring their own.

Ready to commit? Registration is open on RunSignUp. As of August 2026 the marathon was $120 plus an $8.70 RunSignUp processing fee, and the price only moves one direction.

Register for the 2026 Erie Marathon →on RunSignUp

Course geometry provenance is stated beside the player; elevation profiles always use the same route loaded there. City geometry is OpenStreetMap, ODbL. Aerial imagery is from USGS and USDA; other images carry their own source credits. Weather figures use Open-Meteo reanalysis for September 9-17 across 2016-2025 at the start line. Schedule, prices and expo hours were checked in August 2026 and are the fields most likely to move: confirm them on www.eriemarathon.net before you book anything. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll fix it fast.