
2026 Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
Columbus Marathon half-marathon draws ~7,700 from 46 states each October.
Race Date
Oct 18, 2026
Location
Columbus, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Columbus Marathon half-marathon, part of a 15-edition tradition, now draws around 7,700 finishers each October. Runners arrive from some 46 states, and about a quarter of the field are repeat entrants — a testament to the race’s reliable, well-organized appeal. Over its history, the event has grown steadily, and the typical October weather (mid-40s to low 60s) often delivers cool, crisp conditions ideal for racing.
The half-marathon course winds through downtown Columbus, past landmarks and neighborhoods, with strong community and spectator support lining the streets. While the overall profile is generally considered fast — winning times hover around 64 minutes — the course offers a mix of urban energy and local character. The race finishes near the state capitol, where a festive post-race area awaits.
With a charity partnership through Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a reputation for smooth logistics, the Columbus Marathon half-marathon has become a destination race for both first-timers and seasoned runners. The event’s scale and growing field, paired with its loyal following, make it a highlight of Ohio’s fall racing calendar.
Race-provided description
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! (https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Columbus/NationwideChildrensHospitalColumbusMarathon12Marathon5K?utm_source=platform_find_a_race&utm_medium=referral) [image: CM26_ProfilePic--10.19.26 (1).jpg https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f1e82a_6960828bad9243d8a2e410ff31835f99~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_45,h_47,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/CM26_ProfilePic--10_19_26%20(1).jpg]
MEET OUR 2026 CHAMPIONS! (https://www.givesignup.org/Race/OH/Columbus/ChildrensChampions)
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JOIN US THIS OCTOBER
There are a millio
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8315 years running
~6,860 finishers a year
growing or steady
26% returning runners
limited extras
runners from 46 states
winner 1:04:06
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon?
The 2026 Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Where does the 2026 Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon take place?
It takes place in Columbus, Ohio.
What distances does the 2026 Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the 2026 Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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