COLUMBUS — The Columbus Marathon returns Sunday, Oct. 18, with organizers hoping to beat the record $1.4 million raised last year for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Race director Darris Blackford said fundraising is on track to top the 2025 mark. This is the 15th year of the partnership between the race and the hospital, which was extended in January for at least two more years and has generated more than $15 million in total.
More than 15,000 runners are expected to start from North Bank Park in downtown Columbus. Organizers increased marathon entries from 5,200 last year to 5,700 this year, and the full 26.2-mile race sold out quickly. The half-marathon field was also slightly expanded, to 10,650, with only limited spots remaining.
Blackford recalled that heavy rain soaked last year’s race but spectators still packed the course, and the weather stayed warm enough to keep runners safe.
The weekend also includes races on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting with the Jesse Owens 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m. at North Bank Park, followed by children’s events at the start and finish area at Long Street and Neil Avenue.