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.
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Tier 1: First 100 participants – $70
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Tier 2: Participants 101–300 – $80
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Tier 4: Participants 301+ – $90
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Virtual Half Marathon: $70
Online registration opens January 1 and closes Saturday, September 12 at 9 PM.
There is no race-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.
What's Included
- Official USATF-Certified Half Marathon course
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Custom race bib with MyLaps timing, split tracking, and live results
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Gender-cut tech race shirt, novelty River Run sticker and finisher medal
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Complimentary shuttle service and gear check
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Aid stations every 2 miles with water, Gatorade & CarbBoom! gels
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Searchable race photos, live entertainment & refreshments
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Age group & overall awards
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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
Race Morning Packet Pickup (at Start Line)
- 6:30 AM - 7:45 AM (only for those who purchased this option at registration)
Bag Check (at Start Line)
- 6:30 AM - 7:45 AM
- Use the tear off tab from your race bib, and safety pin it to your personal backpack. Bags do not need to be clear.
Start Times:
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Walk Half Marathon: 7:00 AM
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Run Half Marathon: 8:00 AM
Time Limits:
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Walkers (7 AM start): 4 hours
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Runners (8 AM start): 3 hours
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8 AM starters must maintain ≤ 13:45 min/mile.
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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 – first come first served - MUST select this option at registration!
- NOT for spectators!
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Arrive by 6:00 AM – busses leave promptly at 6:30 AM.
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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-morning packet pickup unless you purchased that option at check-out.
When registering, you can choose to:
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Have your packet mailed ($15 add-on available through Aug 27).
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Pick up in person during race week for free.
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Add on race-morning pickup ($10 option).
2026 Pickup Schedule:
- Wed 9/9 - Fleet Feet Pepper Pike | 4–6PM
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Thu 9/10 – Fleet Feet Westlake | 4–6 PM
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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 1-day before picking up, so we can pre-pack them!
- Need to add-on race morning pickup now? Follow the prompts HERE
- Participants are required to wear their race bib on the front outermost layer of clothing in order to participate.
🌳 Course Overview
The River Run Half follows a point-to-point route through the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.
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Start: Wallace Lake (Berea)
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Finish: Memorial Fields (Rocky River)
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Terrain: paved roads + a gentle downhill grade
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Aid Stations: Miles 2.5, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
– Water at each stop | Gatorade @ 6, 8, 10, 12 | CarbBoom @ 6 & 8
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Restrooms at Miles 2.5, 4, 6.5, 8 & 10
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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:
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Top 3 Overall Male & Female Finishers
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Top 3 Masters (60+) Male & Female Finishers
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Top 3 Male & Female Finishers in each age group:
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12–19, 20–24, 25–29
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30–34, 35–39, 40–44
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45–49, 50–54, 55–59
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60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75+
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Spectator Info
Bring your cheer squad! Friends and family can celebrate your finish at Memorial Fields.
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Runners start at Wallace Lake (8 AM) and begin finishing around 9:10 AM.
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The race route follows Valley Parkway northbound, which will be closed to vehicles.
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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:
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Mile 6: Cedar Point Rd & Nature Center
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Mile 9: Mastick Woods Golf Course
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Mile 10: Big Met Golf Course
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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! 💻
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Run or walk on your own route or treadmill.
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Submit your finish time online by Sept 28 for recognition.
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Pick up your packet early or have it mailed after race day.
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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 – 7:45 AM) and transported to finish. Bring your own bag and use the tear off tab from your bib to safety pin to your bag.
Volunteers: We’d love your help! Learn more - Volunteer Info.
🔁 Refunds, Transfers & Deferrals
We know life happens! Hermes Sports offers flexible options if plans change:
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Transfer to Virtual – complete your race anywhere, anytime.
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Must still pick up medal/swag at packet at packet pickup.
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Transfer to Another Runner – free via RunSignUp before August 27;
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No selling of bibs is premitted. Pariticipants will be disqualified if found selling their race bib.
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Transfer to Another Hermes Event – before August 27; choose the Cleveland Turkey Trot 5K or 5 Mile or Reindeer Run 5K.
- This option does not credit participants for the imbalance in registration fees to the offered races, it simply gives the participant an option to participate in a future race at no-cost.
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Defer to 2027 Event – available before August 27 for $20.
If your packet was already mailed OR picked up at packet pickup, 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
