Columbus Marathon Set for October

The 40th anniversary Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon will take place on Oct. 20, 2019.

“This is a major milestone year for our event. The Columbus Marathon was first conceived as a great way to put Columbus on the map. Forty years later, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of participants from all fifty states and more than 40 countries,” said Darris Blackford, Race Director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon. 

“The cherry on the top is that the event has raised more than $8 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital since our partnership with them began in 2012. We can’t wait to celebrate all our accomplishments on this special celebration year.”

Runners and walkers can register for the event at www.columbusmarathon.com. Early registration remains at $75 for the Marathon and $60 for the ½ Marathon until Feb. 14. More than 100,000 people are expected to watch the race, with more than 3,000 volunteers lining the 26.2-mile course.

“I strongly encourage everyone to register as soon as possible—both because it’s a better value the sooner you register, as the registration fee rises as we get closer to the race date; and also, to ensure you have a slot in the 40^th anniversary event,” said Race Director Darris Blackford. “Plus, it’s a great fitness goal as you head into 2019.”

Each year, Columbus Marathon participants weigh in on their race experience in a post-race survey that the Race Director reads and makes updates and improvements accordingly. To celebrate the 40^th anniversary, the Columbus Marathon is making the following improvements to the 2019 event:

• Course Time Limit Extension: The ½ Marathon course limit will remain at four hours to complete the 13.1-mile course (an 18:20-minute-mile pace), while the Marathon course limit will be extended to 6.5 hours for the 26.2-mile course (a 13:44-minute-mile pace). This is a 30-minute extension to the 2018 course closure time.
• Other Improvements: Better signage will be placed in start area corrals and along the course, more restrooms will be available for spectators, and there will be additional restrooms placed within the first 13 miles of the race. Plus, special enhancements will be added to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the Marathon.

“These changes keep the event fresh and ultimately improve the race experience for our athletes and spectators as we continue to make the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon the premier running, walking and racing event in the Midwest,” Blackford said.

Athletes can visit www.columbusmarathon.com for event information, including how to become a Children’s Champion to raise money for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The website also features hotel information; Blackford encourages athletes who are visiting Columbus to book early, as the room block always sell out quickly.

About The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon: The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon will be held on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. The Marathon is now in its 40^th year. In its 14^th year, the ½ Marathon is the largest in Columbus. Approximately $8 million has been raised for Nationwide Children's Hospital since it became the title beneficiary of the event in 2012.  For more information, visitwww.columbusmarathon.com.