Towpath Trail 10K and Half Marathon

2024 Towpath Trail 10K and Half Marathon Participant Instructions

•    Both races start and finish at Providence Metropark on the walkway leading to the dam overlook and shelter house. The park address: 13827 S. River Road, Grand Rapids, OH.
•    The half marathon starts at 8:15am and the 10K starts at 8:30am, July 21, 2024.
•    Parking: There are a limited number of spots in the Providence Metropark dam parking lot. Participants and volunteers should consider car-pooling and/or park in the larger Providence Park located east of Rt. 295. Note it is about ¾ miles from this lot to the start (a nice little warm-up). Do not park in the grass anywhere. The park rangers will ticket you.
•    Packet pick-up/check-in: Packet pick-up/check-in is race morning only starting at 6:45am.  Being a trail race, we need to account for everyone on the trail, so check-in is necessary.  The packet pick-up/check-in area will be near the dam shelter house and start area.  If you are in need of running or last-minute race gear, you can find it at our sponsor, Second Sole running store located in the Levis Commons Shopping Center (4130 Levis Commons Blvd, Perrysburg, OH 43551).
•    Race bibs MUST be worn on the front and the number visible. Don’t fold the bibs.  No visible bib number = no time or place.
•    There is a large restroom at the dam area. There is also a restroom around a ½ mile up the towpath trail just east of the historic Ludwig mill and one on the half marathon course just beyond the Bend View shelter house and before the turnaround.
•    The towpath and parks are open to the public. You might encounter other runners, cyclists, hikers, dogs, etc.  Be aware and respectful.  Hopefully they do the same.
•    Both races are “out-and-back”. Runners will head out from the dam overlook and shelter house on the towpath, run past the historic Ludwig grain mill, under the picturesque canal bridge, and out of Providence Metropark, then run to their respective turnaround points on the towpath, and return on the towpath to the finish at the dam shelter house.
•    The half marathon turnaround is at 6.55 miles and just past the Bend View Overlook shelter. The 10K turnaround is at 3.1 miles and about 2 miles after exiting the park.
•    There will be aid stations (water and Gatorade) at approximately 2 miles and 5 miles going out. Participants will also pass these on the return to the finish as well. So, half marathoners will pass four stations and 10K participants will pass two stations.  Being the middle of July, please also consider carrying your own hydration and fuel.
•    There will be a course marshal and signage at the 10K turnaround. There will only be signage at the half marathon turnaround.
•    On the half marathon course, be cautious of oncoming traffic when passing the Bend View shelter. There are two “blind spots” around this shelter house.
•    Awards: Male/Female Overall, Masters (age 40-49), and Grand Masters (age 50 and up) winners in both races will receive a gift certificate.
•    All finishers will receive a Towpath Trail medal and commemorative item.
•    The towpath drains well after a hard rain, but there could be puddles depending on weather conditions.  The trail is mostly crushed stone/screenings and dirt. Your feet could get wet.  Plan accordingly.
•    Refreshments and snacks at the end of the event compliments of Kroger. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like and enjoy the park.
•    Be mindful of the parking as mentioned previously.

Updated 3/25/2024 TJC