Columbus Marathon: What to know about race routes, parking, street closures and more
Some 12,000 runners from 47 states and 13 countries will meet to compete for the fastest feet when the annual Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon sets off on Sunday morning.
In addition to the U.S., countries represented will include Canada, Mexico, England, Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as Germany, with competitors from Columbus' sister city of Dresden participating as part of a marathon exchange program.
"It's one of the hallmark events in central Ohio each fall," race director Darris Blackford said of the Columbus Marathon, adding that it is one of the top 20 running events in the country.
"It's one of the mainstays for the community at large, not just for the runners, but for the spectators and the city," he said. "Our event stands up to anybody's when it comes to fun, excitement, music and entertainment."
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The 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile half-marathon are benefiting Nationwide Children's. Together, the races have raised more than $12 million for the hospital during a 12-year partnership. "It's important to recognize the work that the hospital does," Blackford said.
An indication of the marathon's popularity is how early spots were filled to participate. Registration for the full marathon sold out on Sept. 5, and the half-marathon sold out a week later.
If you're planning to be one of the hundreds of thousands cheering from the sidelines, here are some details you'll need to know before you get on your mark, get set and go!
When and where will the marathons begin?
Both the full and half marathons will begin at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at North Bank Park, 311 W. Long St. The wheelchair division will start at 7:25 a.m.
What else takes place during race weekend?
For one thing, you can expect to hear lots of entertainment including music by live bands and DJs during the marathon.
There also will be other running and walking events on Saturday: The Jesse Owens 5K and One Mile Family Fun Walk will begin at 11 a.m. at North Bank Park, and the Highlights Kids’ Run will start at 12:30 p.m. in McFerson Commons Park, 218 West St.
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The kids' run includes the Diaper Dash for toddlers 1 and 2 years old, plus races for children ages 11 and younger in three divisions: ages 3-5 (.15 miles); ages 6-8 (.35 miles); and ages 9-11 (.85 miles). Participants in these free events will each get a medal and refreshments for finishing.
In addition, the Health & Fitness Expo will be held in Hall D of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
What route will the runners be taking?
The full marathon will begin at North Bank Park, travel down East Broad Street through Downtown and into Bexley. Runners will then turn on Drexel Avenue and go back via a route that includes Main Street, Broad Street and Livingston Avenue, eventually passing Nationwide Children's Hospital and German Village. Next, competitors will run on High Street in the Short North and University District, then through Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights before circling back to the park.
The course for the half-marathon covers the first half of the full marathon route into Bexley and back to High Street. After going through German Village, runners will finish at North Bank.
Where can I get a good view of the marathon?
These sites are among the primo places to root on the runners: Drexel and Main streets in Bexley; Nationwide Childrens' Hospital on the 18th Street and Livingston Avenue sides; Livingston and Parsons avenues; Schiller Park, 1069 Jaeger St.; Upper Arlington between Ohio State University and King Avenue; Grandview Avenue; Buttles Avenue and Park Street bordering Goodale Park.
Will the Marathon Mile Champions be at this year's race?
They sure will! Twenty-four Marathon Mile Champions — children who have been treated by or are currently in treatment at Nationwide Children’s — will line each mile of the course. Additionally, one mile of the marathon will be the Encore Mile for champions who have participated in previous years, another will be the Angel Mile for family and friends to celebrate their angels who have passed on, and the Alumni Mile will feature past champions.
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What will the parking situation be?
First, plan ahead to get Downtown early and into your parking spot well before the runners take off! Corrals open at 6 a.m. at numerous garages and lots in the area. To view a parking map, go to ParkMobile and select "2023 Columbus Marathon" under "Upcoming Events."
Will streets be closed for the events?
The following closures are planned during race weekend:
Friday
9 a.m.: Long Street closes; Hocking Street to Neil Avenue remains closed until 6 p.m. Sunday (except 5-7 p.m. Saturday for the Blue Jackets).
11:59 p.m.: Spring Street between West Street and Neil Avenue closes until 6 p.m. Sunday.
11:59 p.m.: Hanover and Cozzins streets closed except to local traffic until 6 p.m. Sunday.
11:59 p.m.: West Street from Nationwide to Marconi and John McConnell from New Public Way to Spring Street will close until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday
11:59 p.m.: Spring Street from Neil Avenue to Hocking Street closes until 6 p.m. Sunday.
11:59 p.m.: Neil Avenue south from Nationwide Boulevard goes down to one lane for condo traffic until 4 a.m. Sunday.
Sunday
4 a.m.: Neil Avenue south from Nationwide closes until 3 p.m. Sunday. (Condo traffic will use the rear entrance off Nationwide.)
7:30 a.m.: Beginning at the start line on Long Street and for the 26.2 miles of the marathon course and the 13.1 miles of the half-marathon course, roads will be subject to partial or full closure based on the expected arrival times of the first and last athlete. Spring Street, Long Street and Neil Avenue will open back up to traffic at 6 p.m.
Will bus routes be affected?
On Sunday, COTA services will be disrupted and rerouted in the Downtown area. Visit cota.com for details.
What if I want to volunteer at the marathon?
You can sign up on the event website to volunteer at the Health & Fitness Expo, the 5K and 1-mile events, helping runners stay hydrated at water stops along the route, and numerous other positions. Volunteers who are at least 16 years old are welcome; those 12-15 are permitted to volunteer with a trusted adult in at least a 6-to-1 ratio. As a thank you, each volunteer will receive a free race volunteer shirt and a gift card to the Columbus Running Company.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Marathon 2023: What to know if you plan to go
