A runner from Southwest Ohio claimed the men’s title in the full marathon, while the women’s crown went to an athlete hailing from Arkansas. The champions crossed the finish line to roaring crowds, marking a personal achievement that was also a massive win for the community.
Community and Fundraising Triumph
The 2025 event was a tremendous success for its primary beneficiary, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Race officials announced that the marathon officially raised over $1 million for the hospital.
“Today’s inclement weather could not keep our runners and walkers from having a great day and showing up for the kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” said Darris Blackford, race director of the Columbus Marathon, in a post-race statement.
The spirit of the event was most evident in the emotional Marathon Mile Champions program, where 24 miles of the course were dedicated to patient champions and their families from the hospital, providing inspiration and motivation for the 15,000 runners. The “Remembrance Mile” was also dedicated to the “angels of Nationwide Children’s who have already run their race.”
Sold-Out Field and Race Results
The sold-out field marks the fourth straight year the marathon has reached maximum capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic, cementing its status as a premier running event in the region.
In the half marathon, Curtis Eckstein of Batesville, Indiana, took first place for the men, while Tyler Hudacek of Boulder, Colorado, won the female half marathon. John Moore of Dayton, Ohio, finished first in the wheelchair division.
The marathon provided a significant boost to Central Ohio businesses, bringing thousands of runners and spectators to downtown Columbus for the weekend. The focus now shifts to planning for next year’s event, promising to build on the successful run for a good cause.