Hermes Half a Half Marathon

About the Half a Half

What is the Half a Half Marathon?

• The Hermes Half a Half Marathon is a 6.5 mile chip timed road race in Northeast Ohio - the distance of 1/4 of a marathon.

Where and When does this race start?

• The race is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2024.

  • Walkers Start 7:30 am

  • Runners Start 8:00 am

• The race starts and finishes at Emerald Necklace Marina of the Cleveland Metro Parks.

  • 1500 Metro Park Dr. Lakewood, OH 44107

What time do I need to be there?

• Race morning packet pickup begins at 6:30 am
  

Is there an early packet pickup?

• Yes, and we highly suggest grabbing your race items early to avoid the cold outside packet pick-up lines.
  

  • Date: Friday, March 22 (11:00am-1:00pm)
    

  • Location: Hermes Sports Warehouse (2425 W. 11th St. Cleveland, OH, 44113) - in Tremont
    

  • Runners are welcome to pick up for friends and family - it is handy to have their confirmation email just in case.

What is the cost to participate?

• This event is capped at 500 total participants.

• Rates are tiered on a first come-first-serve basis until the event is sold out. 

  • $40 Early Bird Rate (First 200 registrants)

  • $45 Standard Rate (Second 300 registrants)

What is included with my entry?

• A Scenic 6.5 Mile Chip Timed Road Race

• A Custom Bib & Finisher Medal
  

• NEW for 2024 "Last Mile Fast Mile" Split Point Results
  

• A Half a Half Stainless Steel Insulated Mug OR Race Shirt
  

• Water Stops and Post Race Snacks and Refreshments
  

• Searchable Race Photographs 
  

• And the Opportunity to Earn Bonus Prizes Just for Showing Up!

Results & Awards

• With the race being a unique distance, awards categories are also unlike traditional awards!

• Awards are recognized for:

• Top 5 Age Graded Male and Female Finishers

  • What is Age Grading? It is a means to level the playing field in the race, such as a "handicap" to golf or bowling.

    Age Grading allows a 60 year old participant to be measured on the same grading scale as a 12 year old.

• 5 Select Male and Female Finishers with a "Last Mile Fast Mile" 

  • Any participant who runs their last 1-mile at a faster AVERAGE pace than their first 5.5 miles is in contention for this award category.

    • If Sally averages a 10 minute/mile for her first 5.5 miles, and 9:55 minute/mile for her last 1-mile, she could win this award!

    • A split point mat will be placed 1-mile out from the finish line mat.

• Top 5 PR 

  • Past participants can attempt to PR (personal record) or beat their 2023 race time.

Additional Questions

Are strollers/dogs and headphones allowed?

• Yes! But for the safety of all participants, strollers and dogs must start in the back of the group.
  

What is the course like?

• The 6.5 Mile route is on pavement and is very flat, and smooth - sending runners down and back up Rocky River Reservation. 
  

• Runners will begin on Valley View southbound and turn around onto the all purpose bike path at the Morley Ford Dam.
  

• Runners will pass stationed water stops (2) times throughout the course.
  

• Restrooms along the course are located at mile 1.3 and 4.7.
  

What is parking like at Emerald Necklace Marina?

• Right off Valley Parkway, the Marina parking lot is easily accessible to the start/finish and check-in. Restrooms are accessible on the northwest side of the Marina. We suggest carpooling when possible.
  

Is there a pace requirement?

•  No! You may walk or run. We have an early start for walkers. If you average over a 15 minute mile pace, you are welcome to join the walker start.

How do I modify my giveaway/swag item?

• Runners are able to modify their swag item by following the steps in the link below - prior to March 8, 2024.
  https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062913-update-t-shirt-giveaway  

Injury or Scheduling Conflict

• Although race registrations are non-refundable, we understand issues come up.

•  We now offer a complimentary Participant Event Transfer option through your RunSignUp account.

• This option is FREE and allows a runner to "gift" their race registration to another runner in the event they can no longer attend the race. 

  • No exchange of payment can be accepted for transfers! You may not sell your bib.

  • This can be done online anytime prior to race morning!

  • For more information follow: https://runsignup.com/How-To/Transfer-To-Another-Runner  

• Even if you can no longer participate, you can still pick up your race swag at packet pickup!

  • Stop in and let us know you can no longer run - we will even have a finisher medal handy for you, to go along with the race shirt and novelty bib.