Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run
Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon: America's Most Meaningful Race for kids.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Columbus, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 29.3 Miles, 16.2 Miles, 5K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Fundraising Only
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 153,261
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Columbus, Ohio, hosts a vibrant race weekend each October, centered around the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. This event has grown into a significant fixture, with recent fields nearing 8,835 finishers and attracting participants from approximately 47 states, underscoring its national appeal.
The course is renowned for its speed, offering a flat profile conducive to personal bests. Runners can expect a well-organized experience, with about a quarter of participants returning year after year, a testament to the race's enduring quality and the positive atmosphere it cultivates. The event also boasts a strong charitable mission, having raised over $15 million for Nationwide Children's Hospital since 2011.
Beyond the half marathon, the event includes a full marathon, 5K, and kids' run, making it a comprehensive race weekend. The commitment to Nationwide Children's Hospital earns it the moniker "America's Most Meaningful Race," adding a layer of purpose to the athletic endeavor.
Race-provided description
JOIN US THIS OCTOBER There are a million reasons to race with us in Columbus each October. From the fast course to the impactful partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital, race weekend is an experience unlike any other. Learn more HERE. FOR THE KIDS Nationwide Children’s Hospital is honored to be the title beneficiary of the Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. 2026 marks the 15th year of this partnership, and more than $15 million has been raised for the hospital. Register to join us at America's Most Meaningful Race!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Long-sleeved T-Shirt
Start Location
North Bank Park, Columbus, OH, 43215
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8619 years running
~7,649 finishers a year
growing or steady
25% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 47 states
winner 1:04:59
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
45°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 153,261 finishers actually crossed the line across 19 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
153,261
Median time
2:17:08
Latest turnout
8,835
States
51
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run?
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run take place?
It takes place in Columbus, Ohio.
What distances does the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 29.3 Miles, 16.2 Miles, 5K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles, Fundraising Only.
Is the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 153,261 runners who have completed the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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