Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run

JOIN US THIS OCTOBER
There are a million reasons to race with us in Columbus each October. From the fast course to the impactful partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital, race weekend is an experience unlike any other.  Learn more HERE.

FOR THE KIDS
Nationwide Children’s Hospital is honored to be the title beneficiary of the Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.

2026 marks the 15th year of this partnership, and more than $15 million has been raised for the hospital. Register to join us at America's Most Meaningful Race!

Saturday, October 17  |  Mile at 9:00 am

Location: North Bank Park (311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215)

For the safety of all participants, strollers are not allowed.

1 MILE FUN RUN/WALK

Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend is for everyone, so join us for the Jesse Owens 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday. 

​This event is open to kids and adults ages 10 and up. Use it as a warm up for your big Sunday race or take part as your goal event.  Like the 5K, this event will honor the legacy of Ohio State and Olympic running great Jesse Owens, and is presented by Park National Bank!

​Registrants receive an event t-shirt and medal for finishing!

Please note:  for the safety of all participants, strollers are not allowed.

Sunday, October 18, 2026

6am: Corrals Open  |  7:25am: Wheelchair Division Start  |  7:30am: 1/2 Marathon Start

Location: North Bank Park (311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215)

THE COURSE
Half the distance and double the fun, the Columbus 1/2 Marathon course features minimal elevation changes. Enjoy a tour of downtown Columbus, including local landmarks like the Ohio Statehouse, Nationwide Children's Hospital, historic German Village, and North Bank Park. 

​11 miles are represented by a patient at Nationwide Children’s, one is dedicated as a Remembrance Mile for the special children who have been taken too soon, and one is an “alumni mile” for Marathon Mile Champions from past years. These patients and their families will be beside every mile of the course to cheer on participants and serve as a visual reminder of how you, along with the marathon, are helping ill and injured children through your participation.

Saturday, October 17  |  9:00am: 5k Start

Location: North Bank Park (311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215)

For the safety of all participants, strollers are not allowed.

THE 5K
Experience what the Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend is all about when you take part in the Jesse Owens 5K, honoring the legacy of Ohio State and Olympic running great Jesse Owens, presented by Park National Bank!

Beginning at the official marathon start line, you'll take a scenic tour of downtown Columbus before earning your medal at the big finish. The 5K is the perfect event for first-timers or a fun kickoff to the racing weekend for those taking part in the 1/2 or full marathon the next morning.

Registrants receive an event t-shirt and medal for finishing!

Please note: for the safety of all participants, strollers are not allowed.

Since 2012, Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Columbus Marathon have partnered together to help make miracles happen. Through this incredible event, more than $10 million has been raised to support life-saving research and care for kids here and around the world. This amazing feat would not be possible without the help of our dedicated sponsors and peer-to-peer fundraisers know as our Children's Champions.

Celebrate your love for our hospital, community and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon while making each step more meaningful through sponsorship and fundraising activities.

Our sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $100,000, each level offering a variety of marketing benefits. Please click on the 2023 Sponsorship Packet button to review your options. To become a sponsor, click on the Become A Sponsor to make your commitment today!

LINK TO 2023 SPONSOR PACKET

LINK TO BECOME A SPONSOR

When you register for any event held as part of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend, you can optionally join the Children's Champions fundraising program.

​As a Children’s Champion, you have the opportunity to reach beyond personal goals and support another mission. To cure, to mend, and comfort each child that walks through the doors of Nationwide Children’s. Your fundraising efforts help provide every child with the highest quality of care, regardless of the child’s diagnosis or the family’s ability to pay.   

​This is a free program and there are no minimum fundraising requirements, but you can earn some great perks based on the amount that you raise. Score everything from limited edition gear to Start/Finish VIP privileges on race day, including private gear check and restrooms. 

Consult our course pace chart for details about when participants will reach each mile along the course and when sections of the course will close to participants. 

REGISTRATION POLICIES

​​​I don't remember if I registered or not.  Can I confirm my 2026 registration?
​Yes!  You may confirm your 2026 event registration here.

What is your race change policy?
To change the race you are participating in, please use the "Manage Registration" link in your e-confirmation.  ​Event changes will permitted until September 18, 2026 or when the event you are transferring into sells out, whichever occurs first.

• If you are switching from the 1/2 Marathon to the full Marathon, you will be charged the additional $15 for the upgraded event.
• If you are switching from the full Marathon to the 1/2 Marathon: there is no charge to downgrade to the 1/2 Marathon; however, you will not be refunded the difference in price.
• If you are switching from the 1/2 Marathon to the 5K or 1-Mile: there is no charge to downgrade to the 5K or 1-Mile; however, you will not be refunded the difference in price.

What is your race transfer policy?  
To transfer your entry to another runner, please use the "Manage Registration" link in your e-confirmation.  Transfers must be initiated by September 18, 2026; this date has been established due to our bib printing timeline.  There is a $30 fee to transfer a bib; this fee is charged when the runner receiving the transfer completes the process. 

What is your refund policy?
We do not offer refunds.  This includes requests made due to injury, surgery, pregnancy, personal circumstances, date conflicts and professional commitments.​ This is an industry standard policy and not unique to our event.  

Should the event in which you are registered sell out, you may have the opportunity to place your entry on RunSignup's wait list for that event.  You will only receive a refund should your entry be pulled from the wait list before September 30, 2026.  Wait listed entries will be utilized in the order in which they are added.  

If your event does not sell out, or your entry is not pulled from the wait list, the standard policy of no refunds/no deferrals will apply.

What is your deferral policy?
No deferrals (“carry-overs” or “transfers”) of entry to future years are permitted.  Your entry fees from a previous year cannot be deferred or applied to the 2027 event, nor can your entry fees from this year be deferred or applied to a future event. This includes requests made due to injury, surgery, pregnancy, personal circumstances, date conflicts and professional commitments.​  

Should the event in which you are registered sell out, you may have the opportunity to place your entry on RunSignup's wait list for that event.  You will only receive a refund should your entry be pulled from the wait list before September 30, 2026.  Wait listed entries will be utilized in the order in which they are added.  

If your event does not sell out, or your entry is not pulled from the wait list, the standard policy of no refunds/no deferrals will apply.

​Am I able to change my shirt size before the event?
To change your shirt size, please use the "Manage Registration" link in your e-confirmation.  Shirt size changes will be permitted until September 18, 2026.

​​Am I able to change my estimated finishing time before the event?
To change your estimated finish time, please use the "Manage Registration" link in your e-confirmation.  Changes to estimated finish times will be permitted until September 18, 2026.  There will be no race weekend corral changes.

How old must you be to participate in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon or 1/2 Marathon?​​
You must be the following age to participate in each of our events.  Due to insurance restrictions, there will be no exceptions to this policy, even with parental permission and/or a doctors’ note.

• 1-Mile:  10 years of age (as of 10/17/26)
• 5K:  10 years of age (as of 10/17/26)
• 1/2 Marathon:  12 years old (as of 10/18/26)
• Marathon:  16 years of age (as of 10/18/26)​

​​​​​​My child is younger than the established age requirements.  May I push them in a stroller?​​
For the safety of all participants, strollers are not allowed and may be removed from the course.

Does this apply to the 5K and 1 Mile events as well?​​
Yes.  For the safety of all participants, strollers are not allowed in any of our four race events and may be removed from the course.

I'm hesitant to enter my credit card or bank account information online. Is there any way I can register with a check or mail-in form?
Unfortunately, we do not offer registration by phone or mail-in registration forms.  We understand that some participants are more hesitant than others to enter their credit card information online; in those instances, we suggest that you buy a VISA gift card at any local retailer (Kroger, Giant Eagle, etc.) and use that card to complete registration.  This way, you are not entering any personal banking information or accounts online, but you are still able to complete the transaction.

EXPO + PACKET PICK-UP

Where and when does the Health & Fitness Expo take place?
The Health & Fitness Expo will be held in Hall D of the Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High Street.  Hours are:

• Friday, October 16 from Noon - 7 pm
• Saturday, October 17 from 9 am - 6 pm

Can I pick up someone else's race packet at the expo?
Whenever possible, participants should attend the Expo in person and pick up their own bibs.  We recognize that personal and professional emergencies may arise, and proxy is intended as a stopgap for those circumstances that conflict with attending the Expo.  Using proxy pickup as a method in which to use another participant’s race number is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification from all future events.

Online proxy forms are available HERE.  You will need a copy of this form, plus a copy of the picture ID for each person for whom you are picking up.  While the process will remain the same as in prior years, you may experience increased scrutiny on proxy pickups this year.

​​​​Please note that there will be a limit of two (2) proxy forms per person, not including your own packet.  

Wait, I need to bring that person’s ID?  
No. You need only a COPY of the person’s ID.  We do accept electronic images on smart devices.​​

CHILDREN'S CHAMPIONS

I love seeing the Marathon Mile Champions on the course each year! Will they be part of the 2026 race?
We are thrilled to welcome a brand new set of Marathon Mile Champions to our 2026 event, and look forward to introducing them throughout the year!  We will again welcome our returning past champions to our Alumni Mile.

Will I be able to do fundraising as a Children’s Champion?
​​​​Yes. Helping Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a key part of our mission in putting on this race each year, and we thank you for your fundraising!

RACE DAY + COURSE

Where do I park?  Can I purchase parking in advance?​
There are a variety of garages that are in close proximity to our Start/Finish line, and you may view a map or purchase parking in advance of race day.  Specific information will be available beginning in August.

Do you offer runner tracking?  How do I sign up?​​​
Yes, we offer runner tracking through RTRT.  You may sign up for tracking beginning in October.

How many fluid stations do you have?  What is served?​​
We have 17 fluid stations on our course, and two gel stations on the second half of the full marathon.  Fluid stations will serve water and lemon-lime Gatorade Endurance.  Please view our course map HERE for specific locations.

​​GU energy gel will provided at miles 15.5 and 20.7 of the marathon.  Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Outrage contain caffeine; Strawberry Banana and Raspberry Lemonade are caffeine-free.

Do you have porta-potties on the course?  How often?
​​Porta-potties will be available at each of our 17 aid stations.  Please view our course map HERE for specific locations.

Will you provide pace teams?

Looking for an extra “boost” as you tackle your first Marathon or 1/2 Marathon, a “PR” or a “BQ” time? The Striding Sliders Pace Team, comprised of experienced and enthusiastic marathon runners, can’t wait to meet you race weekend!

Pace teams will be available for the following finish times:

​Marathon: 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, and 5:30
1/2 Marathon: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00

Will you have photographers on course?  How do I purchase photos?
MarathonFoto will have their team on course capturing race day!  Links will be provided to purchase photos following the event.  Please note: while MarathonFoto will begin uploading images the day after the race, it may take up to a week for all images to be available.

What are the course limits?  Can I walk?​​
The course limit for our 1/2 Marathon is 4:00 (18:20 minute/mile pace).  The course limit for our full marathon is 6:30 (14:53 minute/mile pace).  Walking is encouraged and welcome!  Many participants successfully complete our events each year by either walking or combining walking and running for a wonderful race day experience!

I prefer to run with a personal hydration device.  Is this allowed?
Yes.  Camelbaks, hydration vests, and other personal hydration devices are permitted.  They are, however, subject to search in all secure areas.

Can I run or walk with headphones or another personal music device?
The short answer is yes. USA Track & Field Rule 144.3, which pertains to the use of headphones and other electronic devices, enables race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races.  The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will allow its participants to use an iPod or other personal listening device, but we ask that you keep the volume at a level that enables you to be alert to your surroundings in case there is an emergency. The only exception to this rule is elite athletes (any athlete competing for prize money) – they are not allowed to use iPods or personal listening devices of any kind.​​​

Are you allowed to push a jogging stroller or wheelchair in any of the races?​​
No. You are not allowed to run or walk while pushing a jogging stroller or wheelchair. Additionally, bicyclists (with the exception of Marathon-sanctioned bicycle athlete escorts), in-line skaters, dogs, etc. are not allowed on the course – only registered participants are allowed on the race course during the event.

YOU CAN DO THIS

Your first marathon can be exhilarating, exhausting and overwhelming - we're here to help you through it!

Set your goals and reach that finish line with us. Here are some pointers to help along the way.

Learn the Lingo!

​

​Click on the graphic to a fantastic blog post that explains some of the terms you'll hear veteran marathoners throwing around as if they speak a secret language.  Now you're in the know!  (Please note:  mile marker locations and patient champion names have changed since this blog was written in 2013, but the definitions haven't.)

Speaking of Marathon Veterans:

The Columbus Marathon Legacy Runners group put together their own set of tips and tricks for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon runners.  Check it out HERE.

​Tips and Tricks from the Race Director - Another Veteran Marathoner

​Race Director Darris Blackford, who did his first marathon in Columbus, regularly talks to training groups and hosts online video chats filled with advice and encouragement for runners and walkers of all experience levels and abilities.  Check a few of them out below:

• ​2018 Race Week "Ask the Race Director"

• 2019 Training & Nutrition Clinic

• 2019 Training Tips with Darris

• Race Day Traditions - Get Psyched!

• Marathon Minute: Measuring our Course

• Marathon Minute: Overcoming Training Troubles

• Marathon Minute: Staying Dry!

• Marathon Minute:  All About Restrooms

• Marathon Minute:  Defeating Chafing

Sunday, October 18, 2026

6:00am: Corrals Open  |  7:25am: Wheelchair Division Start  |  7:30am: Marathon Start

Location: North Bank Park (311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215)

THE COURSE
The Columbus Marathon course features minimal elevation changes. Enjoy a tour of downtown Columbus, including local landmarks like the Ohio Statehouse, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and historic German Village, as well as tours of Bexley, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, and The Ohio State University. 

​24 miles are represented by a patient at Nationwide Children’s, one is dedicated as a Remembrance Mile for the special children who have been taken too soon, and one is an “alumni mile” for Marathon Mile Champions from past years. These patients and their families will be beside every mile of the course to cheer on participants and serve as a visual reminder of how you, along with the marathon, are helping ill and injured children through your participation.

Did You Know? 
We offer diaper changing and nursing tents in Celebration Village to help accommodate our youngest spectators!

Babe in Arms?  Diaper-Clad Spectators?

​Whether baby is nearing the potty-training stage or still nursing, we've got you covered.  Look for our Baby Changing Station and Mother's Room located in the Info complex in Celebration Village, located on Spring Street.  The tent will be located next to the "Info" and "Gear Check" tents and offers a convenient and discreet area for diaper changes and nursing or pumping runners.

Lost Child?

​Lost children will be supervised at the Info Tent in Celebration Village, located on Spring Street.  Info Tent staff will also be able to assist with communications regarding any lost children.

MEDICAL  |  WEATHER POLICIES  |  SECURITY INFO

Various measures are in place to help ensure a safe and secure event for our participants, spectators, volunteers, and the general public. Please abide by the following: 

Gear Check: We will ONLY accept the CLEAR Gear Check Bags you receive at the Health & Fitness Expo during your packet pick-up. ALL items you wish to check must be in these bags. We will NOT accept any other bags, boxes, luggage, etc. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Inspections: All items being carried at or near the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon are subject to inspection.

Athlete-Only Areas: Participants in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will have special access to athlete-only areas at the Start Line and Finish Line. Non-participants are not permitted in these areas.

No Family Run-In At Finish: Only athletes are permitted on the race course, including crossing the Finish Line. This is for the safety of all athletes, spectators, race and safety officials and volunteers. Any participant who is joined by a non-participant (including a child-in-arms) on any portion of the course, including crossing the Finish Line, risks disqualification and a ban from future events.

Color-Coded Emergency Signs: A four-color sign system is used to provide information on weather conditions and emergency situations.

• Green = Low Alert Level, Good Conditions.
• Yellow = Moderate Alert Level, Less Than Ideal Conditions.
• Red = High Alert Level, Potentially Dangerous Conditions.
• Black = Extreme Alert Level, Event Cancelled/Extreme & Dangerous Conditions

Please pay attention to the signs at all fluid stations and at the Start Line and Finish Line

• Medical Information: PLEASE take a few moments and fill out the Medical Information on the back of your bib number. Every second counts in an emergency, and this information could be crucial! 
• Inclement Weather Policy: The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon puts the safety of its participants, spectators, staff and volunteers first. Dangerous weather conditions pose a unique challenge to an event the size of a Marathon or 1/2 Marathon. Therefore we have adopted the following Inclement Weather Policy:

Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, with special attention placed on the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds and extreme temperatures. If necessary, athletes will be made aware of these conditions and possible dangers which could result on the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon website (www.columbusmarathon.com), as well as through other means of communication such as e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, the Real-Time Race Tracking app and public address announcements. 

The Race Director and Medical Director, in consultation with law enforcement, fire/EMS and other officials, will monitor the weather and make a decision if any action will be taken to modify the race. Possible changes include: Altering the start time or in extreme situations, cancellation of the event. Visible lightning will cause the race to be postponed for a minimum of 30 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 30-minute increments. 

If extremely high heat and humidity is predicted, extra water will be provided to the athletes, both prior to, during and after the event. The medical team will be alerted that athletes may require additional medical attention during and after the event due to these conditions. If it is felt that it is unsafe for participants to start the race due to severe temperatures and humidity, the race may be cancelled.​​​

Race personnel reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race due to inclement weather. Participants must abandon the race if ordered to do so by the race personnel, medical staff, fire or police personnel.

​

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon features a spectator-friendly course. The following are some highlights for spectators on race day:

26 Miles of Marathon Mile Champions: 24 miles are represented by a patient at Nationwide Children’s, one is dedicated as an Angel Mile for the special children who have been taken too soon, and one is an “alumni mile” for Marathon Mile Champions from past years. These patients and their families will be along every mile of the course to cheer on participants and serve as a visual reminder of how the marathon is helping ill and injured children.

Drexel and Main Streets in Bexley: A perfect place to take in the fall colors and amazing homes as the runners pass by. Fun fact: Bexley is home to more ice cream shops per capita than anywhere in Ohio.

​Nationwide Children’s Hospital: The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will run past two sides of Nationwide Children’s Hospital on 18th St. and Livingston Ave. and there will be great viewing opportunities for spectators at the park at Livingston and Parsons Avenues. There will be bands, butterflies on stilts and hundreds of signs to represent those Children's Champions who have been raising money for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

​Schiller Park: This German Village treasure is bordered by Reinhard, Jaeger and Deshler Streets. This year marks the 153rd birthday of this beloved and scenic park — you'll enjoy walking from one side to the other to cheer on your athlete.

​Upper Arlington: Upper Arlington is the stretch of course between The Ohio State University and King Avenue. It welcomes athletes and spectators with its beautiful homes and gardens. Fun fact: It is the home of world-famous golfer Jack Nicklaus.

​Grandview Heights: Enjoy Grandview Avenue with its unique neighborhood boutiques and incredible restaurants.

​Victorian Village: Neil Avenue with its gorgeous Victorian style homes and beautiful trees will be a welcome reprieve for athletes and spectators as they head toward the finish line. Buttles Avenue and Park Street borders Goodale Park, another historic park in Columbus.

​Celebration Village: Featuring the Columbus Marathon store, PR Gong presented by White Castle, and more.

​NOTE: There will also be an Information Booth on Spring Street and McConnell Blvd. as you enter Celebration Village.

The Reason We Run

Since 2012, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has been honored to be the title beneficiary of the Columbus Marathon. 2022 marks the eleventh year of our partnership. So far more than $10 million has been raised for life-saving research and care.

Click here to see Jenna's Story

Click here to see Ethan's Story

Click here to see Kai's Story

What Makes Our Race the Most Meaningful Marathon in the Country?
Our Hospital: Nationwide Children’s is committed to providing every child the highest quality health care, regardless of the family's ability to pay. With more than 1.6 million patient visits each year, we have been able to provide more than $194 million in charity care and community benefit services annually. To learn more about our points of pride click here.

Our Patient Champions: 24 patients treated at Nationwide Children's are selected to line each mile of the race. Each Patient Champion chooses a theme for their mile and is celebrated for their strength and bravery. Race Day is certainly a memory they will never forget.

You control the impact you make: Through our fundraising program, you can choose where your donations go. Whether you want to help find cures for pediatric cancer, support our patients' emotional needs through art therapy, or give to the area of greatest need... You control how you support Nationwide Children's.

The Angel Mile: Mile 11 is dedicated to remembering and honoring those special children who are no longer here with us. Learn more about the Angel Mile here.

The Encore Mile: Mile 10 celebrates each and every child who has lined the course since 2012.

Our Community: 18,000 runners, 3,000 volunteers and 100,000 spectators join together every October to find cures and create best outcomes for kids everywhere.

Our Children's Champions Fundraisers: During a global pandemic when the coronavirus did not stop children from requiring cancer treatments, social distancing did not eliminate babies being born prematurely, and working remotely didn’t mean that children did not need care for congenital heart defects, the Children’s Champions community raised over $96,000 in 2020. So while our day-to-day lives have been very different over this past year, this community was committed to our mission to care For Every Child, For Every Reason.

We do this for our kids because there is nothing more important. Every child should have the right to a bright and healthy future. We do this because children need hope, and hope needs a champion.

TRAINING FOR RACE DAY

GET MOTIVATED AND GET MOVING
All the resources that you need to get started are right here - whether you're looking for advice for training solo, looking for group coaching, or ready to make your race more meaningful with a charity training program. 

OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER

By participating in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend, you have the opportunity to help sick kids get better. Join Children's Champions, a team of dedicated athletes raising money for Nationwide Children's Hospital. Your fundraising efforts will help provide the highest quality of care to every patient at Nationwide Children's, regardless of their family's inability to pay. ​

As a Children's Champion you will gain access to online fundraising tools, exclusive apparel, private event day accommodations, and more. 

LOCAL CHARITIES, TRAINING PROGRAMS, & CLUBS
 

 INSERT IMAGE HERE
  
The following charities, clubs, and training programs, listed in alphabetical order, are based in central Ohio and are here to boost your training experience. All groups operate independently and separately from the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Find your place in one of these groups today and start building towards race day. 

APP-BASED TRAINING WITH RUNCOACH

Thousands of our participants in recent years have trained with Runcoach, an adjustable, customizable online plan.

​Get ready to train and run your best at Columbus with a "real-life" certified coach. Runners who train with the Runcoach app and coaching service improve finishing times by an average of 7 percent.  With an exclusive Runcoach Gold membership you get a customized training plan and one-on-one training and racing advice from your own coach! (Our race registrants pay one-time fee of $30; Runcoach Gold is normally $19.95/mo).  Download the app and get more information HERE.

STAY LOCAL
Visiting from out of town? Columbus is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country and there's a lot to see and do. Enjoy your visit!

Our host hotel will be the Hyatt Regency Columbus.  In addition, room blocks will be available at more than a dozen partner and area hotels.

2026 reservation links will be available soon!

​

Host Hotel

​Hyatt Regency Columbus - 0.5 miles from Start & Finish (614-463-1234)

​

​Partner Hotels

​Courtyard Columbus Downtown - 0.4 mile from Start & Finish (614-228-3200)​

​Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center - 0.5 miles from Start & Finish (614-221-7008)

​​DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotels Downtown - 0.8 mile from Start & Finish (614-228-4600 or 614-595-7797)

​​Hyatt House - 2.0 miles from Start & Finish (614-298-1299)

​​​

Additional Area Hotels:

​Canopy Columbus Downtown – 0.6 mile from Start & Finish (614-223-1400)

Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown - 0.6 mile from Start & Finish (877-283-1700)​

Hotel LeVeque - 0.7 mile from Start & Finish (877-688-3696)​

Red Roof Inn - 0.7 mile from Start & Finish (614-224-6539)

Residence Inn – 0.8 mile from Start & Finish (614-222-2610)

Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square - 1 mile from Start & Finish (614-365-4500)

​Le Meridien - 1.1 mile from the Start & Finish  (614-227-0100)

Westin Columbus - 1.1 mile from the Start & Finish  (614-228-3800)

Home2Suites - 1.8 mile from the Start & Finish (614-569-7760)

Did You Know?  Women Represent 58% of our Total Field!

By the Numbers:

• ​Women make up 63% of our 1/2 Marathon field
• Women make up 46% of our full Marathon field

​​Famous Faces!

• Women's running icon and Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson won the Columbus Marathon in 1992, eight years after winning the first Olympic Marathon to include women
• Inaugural Columbus Marathon winner Karen Cosgrove joined us for the 1/2 Marathon to celebrate the 40th Anniversary.  Her time in 1980?  2:45:58.  
• She didn't run our race, but in case you needed a reminder:  Oprah Winfrey ran the 1994 Marine Corps Marathon in 4:29:15.  She was 40 years old.

Babe in Arms?  Diaper-Clad Spectators?

Whether baby is nearing the potty-training stage or still nursing, we've got you covered.  Look for our Baby Changing Station and Mother's Room located in the Info complex in Celebration Village, located on Spring Street.  The tent will be located next to the "Info" and "Gear Check" tents and offers a convenient and discreet area for diaper changes and nursing or pumping runners.  Dad looking after the kids while mom runs?  Make sure to let him in on the secret!

Hanging Out with Aunt Flo Instead?

It's inevitable, and it going to happen to about 20% of the women on our course (yeah, we did the math).  Tampons are available from the first aid kits at every single water stop on course.  If a volunteer seems confused or overwhelmed, use code word:  "First Aid Kit."  

And most importantly, don't freak out!  Yes, race day is a much bigger deal than a workout, but the research actually shows that your period doesn't have to be a game-changer for a great run.  Runner's World has a great piece here, and women's running blog Salty Running has a great anecdotal piece here.  Consult with your girlfriends for their tips and tricks for dealing with this uninvited running partner, and get out there and have a great race!

And Most Importantly - Embrace Your Journey

​Runners as a community - both male and female - are really good at self-criticism.  Mileage, pace, finishing position and how much better our training partners did weighs heavily upon us.  Now add to that equation that most women on our course are dealing with the effects of at least one stage or change of the uniquely female body:  menstruation, pregnancy, infertility, post-childbirth changes or menopause - and you've got a recipe for some serious self-doubt.  STOP!

You are out here being amazing, getting it done, taking care of yourself and doing something that helps you give the best possible version of yourself back to the people around you.  Your kids are proud of you, your girlfriends adore you, and you look absolutely beautiful with tangled hair and a sweaty, flushed face.  Whether you're winning the race, earning a medal, or conquering your own personal demons, we are SO proud of you - regardless of what a silly clock says.  You should be too.

​Women make up 58% of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon field.  Here's to a great race and an even better journey!

​