The Garmin Marathon Series is coming to Toledo this September, bringing athletes, families, and fans together for a race weekend that’s about more than just running. With routes designed to showcase the beauty of the Glass City, an incredible community of supporters, and plenty to explore off the course, this is the perfect chance to pair an exciting race with a memorable getaway.
Extend Your Stay in Toledo
Toledo is ready to welcome you before and after the big race. The Glass City offers a refreshingly connected way to spend your valuable family time. Here, everything is closer, so you spend less time getting from place to place and more time truly experiencing. It’s a destination that lets you connect deeply without going far – or breaking the budget.
Enjoy the outdoors in one of our region’s 19 Metroparks, take in the expertly curated collections at the Toledo Museum of Art or find live music and dining at Hollywood Casino Toledo. Families can spend the day at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium or spark curiosity with hands-on exhibits at Imagination Station, plus get some fall shopping in at Franklin Park Mall. For those who love history, the National Museum of the Great Lakes offers a fascinating look at our maritime heritage along the Great Lakes.
Race Events
Toledo Race Expo
Head to the Glass City Center for the Garmin race expo in the lead-up to race day. All participants are required to pick up their packets during the two-day expo (September 19 and 20). Race day packet pick-up is not available.
401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43604
Friday, September 19, 2–8 p.m.
Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Pre-race Shakeout Run
Run Toledo and Garmin are hosting the perfect way to loosen up, meet fellow runners and get ready for race day. The pre-race group run will feature giveaways, food trucks and other fun ways to kick off your race weekend. All activities will start and end at Glass City Metropark.
Glass City Metropark, 1001 Front St., Toledo, Ohio 43605
Saturday, September 20, 8 a.m.
Finish Line Festival
Close out race day at the Finish Line Festival! Spectators can head to Promenade Park where there will be food trucks and entertainment throughout the day as they wait for their loved ones to cross the finish line. There will be plenty of activations for runners and the community to enjoy during and after the race.
Bittersweet Farms, based near Toledo, is proudly staffing the beer garden at the Finish Line Festival. Their friendly team of volunteers will be serving participants and spectators. Bittersweet Farms is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of individuals with autism through employment, residential, and vocational programs.
Local Events
Artomatic 419 | September 19-21
This community art festival provides more than 100 local creators access to indoor exhibition space in vacant or underutilized Downtown buildings.
Friday Night Family Cruise on The Sandpiper | September 19
Bring the family for a two hour cruise on the mighty Maumee! Enjoy the enchanting dusk views of downtown Toledo, view area wildlife, as well as the stately homes along the way. Bring a picnic or order pizza.
Infinite Images: The Art of Algorithms | Ongoing
This exhibition highlights the innovative ways artists use code, systems, and generative processes to create visually striking works that challenge how we define creativity.
Strongman Champions League – United States Debut | September 19
The Strongman Champions League (SCL) launches their first-ever league event in the USA right here in Toledo.
WWE Smackdown | September 19
It’s Friday night smackdown live at the Huntington Center Arena.
Distant Cousinz Live at Hollywood Casino Toledo | September 19
Distant Cousinz, an Ohio-based award-winning cover band covering multiple genres, performs at Hollywood Casino Toledo inside the H-Lounge!
Toledo Farmers’ Market | September 20
The Toledo Farmers’ Market occurs every Saturday throughout the year, featuring local produce & handmade products from local artisans in the Toledo Region.
Life in Early Ohio | September 20 – 21
Early settlers into the Ohio country had to know skills and trades just to survive. Stop by Fort Meigs and learn just what it took to make a life on the frontier.
Discover the River Cruise on The Sandpiper | September 20
Enjoy a 2 hour morning cruise on the Maumee River.
Saturday Brunch on the Glass City Pearl | September 20
Enjoy brunch and a Saturday morning cruise on the Maumee River aboard the Glass City Pearl.
International Festival | September 20 – 21
Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend celebrating cultures from around the world!
The Grape Smugglers Live at Hollywood Casino | September 20
Local band will perform at the H Lounge inside Hollywood Casino.
Race Weekend Tours at Maumee Bay Brewing Company
Maumee Bay Brewing Company is rolling out the barrel for Garmin Marathon Toledo participants and spectators! Sign up through their website for one of their scheduled brewery tours and special tastings during race weekend. Pre-registration is required (fees due prior to arriving for the tour). Maumee Bay Brewing is a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Glass City Center.
Friday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. | Sign up
Saturday, September 20, 2:00 p.m. | Sign up
Saturday, September 20, 4:00 p.m. | Sign up
Maumee Bay Brewing is also hosting their annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 21. Enjoy some great German food, live music and other entertainment post-race.
Load up on Carbs and Dine at Local Favorites
Carb loading has never been more delicious. Whether it’s pizza at The Stubborn Brother, Mediterranean flavors at Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar or, craft brews and bites at Maumee Bay Brewing Co. pizza and pasta at M Osteria, or a decadent dinner at Regalo inside Hollywood Casino Toledo, Toledo’s restaurants will keep you fueled and ready for race day.
Race weekend in Toledo is more than an athletic event—it’s an invitation to explore, connect, and celebrate. Whether you’re running, cheering, or simply visiting, the Garmin Marathon Series is the perfect reason to discover the energy and hospitality of the Glass City.
Ready to plan your Garmin Marathon weekend? Book Your Stay, find Things to Do or Places to Eat, and get ready for an action-packed trip to the Glass City!
