Race Overview
The Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run will be held on October 7-8, 2023. The start and finish is in downtown Akron, Ohio at Canal Place, home to Missing Falls Brewery and R.Shea Brewing. Runners will run on the Towpath Trail in Stark, and Summit and Cuyahoga County. The race will run out and back in both the north and south direction. The course is FAST, FLAT, and SCENIC – suitable for anyone looking to complete their first 100 miler or a seasoned veteran who is going after the 100 miles PR. Aid stations are staffed by experienced ultra runners in Northeast Ohio who will make sure runners receive proper aid and care. Above all, we strive to be inclusive and welcoming and work to make our region a better place to live for all. Profits from this event will be donated to the Friends of Stark Parks, Summit Metroparks Foundation Trails Fund, the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga National Park and/or the Ohio and Erie Canal Coalition, non-profit organizations that oversee and help maintain the trail systems in Northeast Ohio.
We strive to make this event inclusive. If you’re looking to run 100, but the race is inaccessible to you financially, please contact the race director. Every year several runners ask that we donate their registration to someone in need. We can fit you in. In addition, we are a Trail Sisters approved race. You can expect equal space for women and men at the start, equal podium spots, and menstrual products will be clearly available at aid stations for anyone in need. We also are including a non-binary division starting in 2023.
Please understand that NO deferrals or refunds are allowed unless the event itself has to be canceled.
Course Description
Aid Stations
Full service aid stations will typically include Tailwind, water, Coke, ginger ale, 7up, Mtn. Dew, orange juice, ice, gels (caffeinated gels available for the first time at Missing Falls aid station), PB&J, bananas, oranges, watermelon, M&Ms, chips, pretzels, salted potatoes, fruit cups, peanuts, jelly beans, pickles, mini Paydays, and fig newtons. After 6:00pm, we’ll have ramen, coffee and other hot foods for nighttime fueling. All full aid stations will have menstrual products (tampons and pads) on the table for any runner or pacer in need. Each fully manned aid station will also have Hammer Nutrition endurolytes available.
Please have your runner bring their own collapsible cup, handheld or bladder for hydration.
MANCHESTER ROAD TRAILHEAD: Mile 4.5 and 43.75.:
Amenities: unstaffed water drop, restroom, crew access | Coordinates: 41.0236, -81.55072 | Address: 2740 Manchester Road, Akron, OH 44314
WOLF CREEK: Mile 8.8 and 39.5:
Amenities: full aid, restroom, crew access | Coordinates: 41.003814, -81.607699 | Address: 33 Snyder Ave, Barberton, OH 44203
VANDERHOOF ROAD TRAILHEAD: Mile 10.9 and 37.:
Amenities: unmanned water drop, restroom, crew access | Coordinates: 40.97811, -81.60534 | Address: 2445 Vanderhoof Road, New Franklin, OH 44203
FRANKLIN: Mile 13.5 and 34.8:
Amenities: full aid, restroom, crew access | Coordinates: 40.947637, -81.617644 | Address: 2328 Center Rd, New Franklin, OH 44216
CANAL FULTON – ST. HELENA’S: Mile 19 and 29.3:
Amenities: full aid, restroom, crew access, drop bag access | Coordinates: 40.88777, -81.59698 | Address: 123 Tuscarawas St NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614 | Please note that parking may be difficult during the day because a kids soccer event is happening in St. Helena Heritage Park on Saturday!
HIGH MILL: Mile 24 – Southern TURNAROUND!:
Amenities: full aid, crew access | Coordinates: 40.845722, -81.531265 | Address: 4489 High Mill Ave NW, Massillon, OH 44647 | Please park at Crystal Springs Trailhead and walk south to Hill Mill. Crystal Springs Trailhead is at: 4503 Erie Ave NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614.
MISSING FALLS BREWERY: Mile 0, 48 and 100:
Amenities: full aid, restroom, crew access, pacer access for runners headed north, access to your parked car, drop bag access, timing mat at aid station(!) | Cutoff: 9:20 pm (runners headed north) | Coordinates: 41.0705, -81.52658 | Address: Canal Place, 540 S Main St #112, Akron, OH 44311
SECOND SOLE AKRUN: Mile 54.1 and 94.9:
Amenities: full aid, crew access, pacer access for runners in both directions, portapotty, timing mat | Cutoffs: 11:15 am (runners headed north) | Coordinates: 41.13471, -81.54946 (note that parking and aid station are behind Second Sole Akrun) | Address: 1466 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44313
IRA TRAILHEAD: Mile 58.4 and 90.6:
Amenities: full aid, restroom, crew access, pacer access for runners in both directions | Cutoffs: 10:00 am (runners headed south) | Coordinates: 41.18369, -81.58208 | Address: 3801 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264
LOCK 29: Mile 63 and 85.9:
Amenities: unstaffed water drop, restrooms (other end of parking lot), NO CREW & NO PACERS (or else!)
BOSTON STORE: Mile 65.4 and 83.5:
Amenities: Full aid, restrooms, drop bags, timing mat, NO CREW & NO PACERS (or else!) | Cutoff: 7:50am (runners headed south)
STATION ROAD BRIDGE: Mile 69.8 and 79.1:
Amenities: Full aid, restrooms (across bridge), crew access, pick up your pacer | Coordinates: 41.31999, -81.58613 | Address: 13513 Station Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
CANAL EXPLORATION CENTER: Mile 74.5:
Amenities: Full aid, restrooms, crew access, pick up your pacer | Cutoff: 5:10 am | Coordinates: 41.37262, -81.61296 | Address: 7104 Canal Rd, Valley View, OH 44125
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The start/finish line is at Missing Falls Brewery in downtown Akron, OH. The course runs along The Towpath Trail following the Ohio & Erie Canalway. The Towpath is a crushed limestone trail that yields to asphalt or concrete walkway and wooden bridges. Our course is 45% crushed limestone, 45% asphalt, 5% concrete and 5% wooden bridges. The start is in downtown Akron, Ohio and travels south on the Towpath to the High Mill Trailhead in Stark Parks, approximately 24 miles, then returns north. You can obtain aid from the start/finish line on your way to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park all the way to the Canal Exploration Center in Valley View, Ohio before turning around at approximately 75 miles to return to Akron, OH. There are aid stations approximately every 5-7 miles apart throughout the course. The aid stations will be staffed by seasoned ultrarunners and will offer water, electrolyte drink and various food items including hot foods at night. Elevation gain over the entirety of the course is 807 feet.
Schedule of Events
Packet pickup and check in at Missing Falls Brewery Aid Station (540 S. Main St, Suite 112, Akron, OH 44311) on Friday October 6, 2023 from 1:00pm-6:00pm.
Race Starts at 7:00 AM on Saturday, October 7, 2023 in Akron, Ohio.
There is a 30 hour time limit.
The finish line is back in Akron, Ohio. The race ends at 1:00pm on Sunday October 8, 2023.
Friday, October 6 - 1:00pm – 6:00pm:
Check-in & packet pickup
Friday, October 6 - 6:00pm:
Guaranteed Drop Bag Delivery Deadline
Saturday, October 7:
STARTING LINE – Akron, Ohio
Saturday, October 7 - 5:30am – 6:00am:
Runner Drop Bag dropoff for Late Arrivals
Saturday, October 7 - 7:00am SHARP:
Mass Start
Sunday, October 8 - 1:00am:
Missing Falls Brewery closes for a few hours.
Sunday, October 8 - 6:00am:
Missing Falls Opens for brunch!
Sunday, October 8 - 1:00pm:
Race Closes
Crew Information
Welcome! As experienced crew, we know what it feels like wandering around a strange town following your runner and forgetting to take care of yourself, don’t do it!! You are an integral part of getting your runner to the finish line, and we are here with some information to help you make it fun and safe!
We have included some information here to help you navigate with suggestions for points of interest, restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. Crewing is hard work!
Things to Note:
- Aid Station Food and Goodies are prioritized for runners, but feel free to keep yourself going by asking aid station volunteers for a bite.
- Dogs and Children are allowed. However, unattended children will be given kazoos andespresso. Unattended dogs may go missing because we love them and will take them home for ourselves. Please be respectful that this is a race environment. It will be a long day, we recommend keeping the kids with and without fur at home.
- Please respect staff, volunteers, and rangers.
- No alcohol. No littering. Period.
Runners are responsible for their crew and their crew’s compliance with our rules. Crew can access their runners and provide aid within 100 yards of any aid station (staffed or unstaffed EXCEPT for Lock 29 and Boston Store, which are off limits for crew and pacers). Crew CANNOT ride a bike alongside their runner. It’s fine if you bike from aid station to aid station, but please stay clear of runners and do not pace your runner. Please note that there are many places along The Towpath where crew can see their runner, but only the area around the aid station is an allowable place to receive aid. A violation of these rules will result in disqualification of the runner.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START/FINISH & PARKING
The start/finish is located in the parking lot in front of Missing Falls Brewery, Canal Place, 540 S. Main Street, Suite 112, Akron, Ohio 44311. There is plenty of parking in the Canal Place complex right along our race route. We’ll be directing traffic into the parking area as early as 5:30am.
Along the route, please be mindful of using parking spaces at trailheads and to not obstruct traffic or park “off road.”
MEDICAL
Aid stations have basic first aid supplies but cannot administer first aid. They do have contact information for our medical staff who can assist runners in an emergency or assess if it is safe for them to continue. Aid station personnel will call 911 if there is an emergency.
Pacer Information
Runners are responsible for their pacers conduct. Only one pacer per runner at any given time. Pacers may start at mile 47.6 (Missing Falls) and every fully staffed aid station after mile 47.6 with the exception of Boston Store. Please note that the Towpath provides numerous access opportunities for pacers and crew to see their runner. However, pacers and crew may only assist their runner within 100 feet of aid stations. The Towpath is also bikeable, but runners CANNOT use a cyclist as a pacer. Note that runners may use a bicyclist as their crew. The difference is that a bicyclist acting as a pacer follows closely behind, beside or in front of their runner – this is prohibited and will result in disqualification of the runner. A bicyclist who is crewing should handle their runner within 100 feet of an aid station, but may not closely follow.
Pacers cannot start at the Lock 29 Trailhead because it is unstaffed and cannot join their runner at any unstaffed aid station. If pacers are unable to keep up with their runner for whatever reason, the pacer needs to stop at the next aid station. The race is not responsible for transporting pacers. Pacers cannot mule (carry things) for their runner. Pacers may not give their runner any aid, clothing, food, water unless it is an emergency situation, in which case the runner may be disqualified. The role of a pacer is for safety, not for aid or gaining an advantage over fellow participants. Runners are only allowed one pacer at a time. Pacers may have food at the aid stations. Pacers are expected to review, sign and submit a waiver to participate. Waivers will be available at all staffed aid stations starting at Mile 47.6.
A National Heritage Area
The Ohio & Erie Canalway is a National Heritage Area — designated by Congress in 1996 — to help preserve and celebrate the rails, trails, landscapes, towns and sites that grew up along the first 110 miles of the canal that helped Ohio and our nation grow. Annually, more than 2.5 million Americans find their way to the iconic 81+ mile Towpath Trail running through the heart of the Canalway. The historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the nationally designated America’s Byway offer alternate Canalway travel options through the National Heritage Area. Whether birding, hiking, bicycling or traveling by horseback, trail, rail or Byway — the cultural, historic, recreational and natural resources of the Ohio & Erie Canalway add quite a bit to the quality of life in the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas in Northeastern Ohio. Within our borders — stretching 110 miles from Cleveland to New Philadelphia — you’ll find the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, the County Park Districts of Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties all working together with communities and organizations to restore, build and replenish the cultural, historical, natural and recreational resources of the region that collectively tell our story. It’s been a source of economic strength for Ohio as well. Since receiving its National Heritage Area designation in 1996, the Ohio & Erie Canalway has leveraged upwards of $350 million in Federal, State, Local and Private investments throughout the region. Of that total, $85 million in leveraged investments have taken place along the Towpath Trail itself. In many respects, it’s an historic return on the $12 million in National Park Service funding that the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association has been awarded and is distributing through a combination of grants and technical assistance to regional partners. The collaborative community spirit at the heart of every National Heritage Area remains the hallmark of Ohio & Erie Canalway programs and projects that continue to help Ohio and our nation grow.
Race Start Times and Info
Start Address
Distance/Duration
Start Time
# of Entrants
Cost
Directions
Objective The objective of this project is to provide a successful, enjoyable, inclusive, safe and profitable race to help raise funding and awareness for trail preservation, access to green space and to promote the Ohio and Erie Canal Corridor. It is the goal of this project to continue support for canal corridor trails and also help provide funding to develop and enhance the canal corridor experience for visitors so that all people can have the experience of just going for a run or experiencing the trails.
Entrants
| First Name | Last Name | City | State | Age | Gender | Dis/Dur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | Roettges | Portsmouth | OH | 33 | F | 100-mile |
| Sarah | Gartland | Newton Falls | OH | 42 | F | 100-mile |
| Brittany | McCollum | Bellefontaine | OH | 39 | F | 100-mile |
| Nicole | Naquin | Houma | OH | 45 | F | 100-mile |
| Chris | Sherwood | Bristow | OH | 51 | M | 100-mile |
| Matthew | Palmer | North Olmsted | OH | 35 | M | 100-mile |
| Jill | Fowler | Avon Lake | OH | 48 | F | 100-mile |
| Lara | Gonzalez | Brooklyn | NY | 48 | F | 100-mile |
| Machelle | Buchel | St. Charles | IL | 41 | F | 100-mile |
| cortnie | grauel | San Jose | CA | 26 | F | 100-mile |
| Albert | E Rinker | Las Cruces | NM | 60 | M | 100-mile |
| Tom | Straus | Evergreen | OH | 62 | M | 100-mile |
| Scott | Beach | Farmington | MI | 52 | M | 100-mile |
| Yojiro | Tsukada | Florence | OH | 38 | M | 100-mile |
| Mark | Ganci | Parma | OH | 59 | M | 100-mile |
| George | Witeof | Hartville | OH | 61 | M | 100-mile |
| Kim | Kibby | Coloma | MI | 52 | F | 100-mile |
| Mark | Beals | Fort Wayne | OH | 60 | M | 100-mile |
| Robert | Powell | Lancaster | OH | 53 | F | 100-mile |
| Dave | Lees | Bellbrook | OH | 42 | M | 100-mile |
| Nicholas | Kucek | Medina | OH | 23 | M | 100-mile |
| Zach | Valentine | Wilmington | DE | 40 | M | 100-mile |
| Peter | Ward | Clarksville | MD | 48 | M | 100-mile |
| Mark | Buchel | Elk Grove Village | IL | 51 | M | 100-mile |
| John | Bielewicz | Harmony | PA | 39 | M | 100-mile |
| Bill | Butler | Swartz Creek | MI | 43 | M | 100-mile |
| Samuel | Ridenour | Carroll | OH | 46 | M | 100-mile |
| Clifford | Oravec | Sagamore Hills | OH | 41 | M | 100-mile |
| Lauren | McGettrick | georgetown | TX | 29 | F | 100-mile |
| Igor | Vishnepolskiy | WARWICK | RI | 37 | M | 100-mile |
| Clement | Chung | Rochester | NY | 45 | M | 100-mile |
| Jeremy | Couch | Louisville | KY | 45 | M | 100-mile |
| Emelie | Vanasse | Boyds | MD | 28 | F | 100-mile |
| Clifton | Carrigg | Westlake | OH | 34 | M | 100-mile |
| Mike | Galvin | Rittman | OH | 32 | M | 100-mile |
| Keith | Baumgartner | Bluffton | OH | 50 | M | 100-mile |
| Grayson | Williams | Destin | FL | 31 | M | 100-mile |
| Terri | Rupp | Las Vegas | NV | 39 | F | 100-mile |
| Eric | Giessler | Van Wert | OH | 38 | M | 100-mile |
| Heather | Waugh | Wheelersburg | OH | 35 | F | 100-mile |
| Baron | Griffiths | Jackson | OH | 23 | M | 100-mile |
| Cheryl | Spataro | Chicago | IL | 43 | F | 100-mile |
| Renee | Tavakoli | Tampa | FL | 40 | F | 100-mile |
| Maryalice | Culver | Lake City | PA | 42 | F | 100-mile |
| Mark | Noble | Woodstock | GA | 30 | M | 100-mile |
| Mark | Kerr | Carleton | MI | 61 | M | 100-mile |
| STUART | HOCKRIDGE | Phoenix | AZ | 51 | M | 100-mile |
| Suzanne | Carrigg | Eastlake | OH | 57 | M | 100-mile |
| Laura | Santurri | New Franklin | OH | 40 | F | 100-mile |
| Renee | Guthrie | Harrison | OH | 38 | F | 100-mile |
| Loyd | McCoy | Hartville | OH | 63 | M | 100-mile |
| Robert | Martin | Rock Hill | SC | 19 | M | 100-mile |
| Jacob | Marsh | Dayton | OH | 23 | M | 100-mile |
| Rebekah | Norviel | Newark | DE | 32 | F | 100-mile |
| Patricia | McClure | Newcomerstown | OH | 40 | M | 100-mile |
| Mickey | Hughes | Imperial | PA | 44 | M | 100-mile |
| Shane | Hughes | Clinton | PA | 40 | M | 100-mile |
| Steve | Schmid | Libertyville | IL | 52 | M | 100-mile |
| Sandra | Garrett | Vinton | VA | 49 | F | 100-mile |
Western States Endurance Run Qualifier
The Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run will be held on October 7-8, 2023. Runners will run through existing portions of the exceptionally beautiful Towpath Trail in Northeast Ohio.
2022 Runner Tracking: https://my.raceresult.com/219115
2021 USATF Certification: OH21011MW
The race is FAST, FLAT, SCENIC and INCLUSIVE – suitable for anyone looking to complete their first 100 miler or a seasoned veteran who is going after the 100 miles PR.
The 6th Annual Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run, will be an out and back course first to the south turnaround at 23.8 miles and then to the north turnaround at 73.8 miles, starting and finishing in Akron at Missing Falls Brewery in Canal Place. We plan to seek USATF certification & sanctioning of our 2022 course.
And we’re again a Western States Endurance Run qualifier for 2024!
Volunteer
We want your help in making this a fun and rewarding event for the runners as they achieve their goals. This is much more than just handing out peanut butter and jelly. You are an integral part in helping every runner cross the finish line. Our team recognizes that and will provide support in helping you to make that happen.
A pre-race volunteer meeting and post-race potluck will help you to make this experience interactive and rewarding. We want you to build friendships, camaraderie and most importantly have fun!
Volunteering at our race will be a unique experience, as its about highlighting and supporting the amazing local running community. We offer our volunteers some pretty fantastic swag, and you will have stories from the trenches to tell for days!
This race benefits the parks that we are lucky to have in this area. Profits from this event will be donated the Conservancy for the CVNP, the Summit Metroparks Foundation Trails Fund, Canalway Partners and/or the Ohio and Erie Canal Coalition, non-profit organizations that oversee and help maintain the trail systems in Northeast Ohio.
Waiver, Consent to Administration of First Aid and Other Medical Treatment & Photography Release
I do for myself, my executors, heirs, administrators and assigns, release and discharge Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run, BBA50k, Inc., and Running Forward and Giving Back, and any and all sponsors, and all volunteer groups and individuals, the City of Akron, Canal Place, Summit MetroParks, Stark Parks, the City of Canal Fulton, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Village of Peninsula from any responsibility for injury, loss of life, or property loss or damage which might occur directly or indirectly as a result of participation in the Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run. The Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run has significant, inherent risks of serious injury and/or death, including but not limited to sprains, strains, fractures; heat and cold injuries, including burns, heat-related illness and hypothermia; over-use syndrome; injuries involving the acts or omissions of other run participants or vehicles; animal or aquatic life attacks, bites and/or stings; contact with poisonous or irritating plants; heart attack; diseases from exposure to fecal contaminated water or slurry; infections, exposure to virus(es) and/or injuries from water contamination or other environmental conditions; permanent paralysis; and/or death. While adherence to Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run’s rules, use of endurance running equipment and/or personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury and/or death does exist. Despite those risks, I still choose to participate in this event. I certify that I am physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate in this endurance event and assume all risks of such participation. To participate, I accept all rules, conditions and regulations and will comply with them. I shall assume all risk and responsibility for, and agree to indemnify, defend and save harmless Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run, BBA50k Inc., and Running Forward and Giving Back, its agents, affiliates and sponsors from an against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, recoveries, judgments and costs and expenses, including attorney fees, in connection with or on account of the loss of life, property or injury or damage to the person, body or property of any person or persons whatsoever, which arise from or result directly or indirectly from my participation in the Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run, which is the subject of this Liability Waiver and Release. Consent to Administration of First Aid and Other Medical Treatment I know and understand the risks and dangers involved in the Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run and I know and understand that unanticipated dangers might arise. I consent to the administration of first aid and other medical treatment and related services, including evacuation/transport, in the event of injury or illness in connection with participation in the Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run and release and indemnify Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run, BBA50k Inc., and Running Forward and Giving Back from any and all liability or claims arising out of such treatment and/or services. I give permission to authorized personnel to carry out such emergency diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as may be necessary for me, and also permit such treatment procedures to be carried out at, and by the local hospital(s) for me in the event of an emergency. I understand that any medical expenses will be billed directly to me or my insurance company. Photography Release Also, I grant my irrevocable permission to Canal Corridor 100 Mile Endurance Run, BBA50k Inc., and Running Forward and Giving Back and its authorized agents to use my name and any photography, video recordings, motion pictures, recordings or any other record of my participation in this event. I agree to allow my image to be used to promote programs through any form or media outlet including electronically without compensation.