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Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon

October 18, 2026 · 7:30 AMColumbus, OH, United States

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Race Day

54°F

41–64°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

262ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +33 ft

Crowd Rating

9/ 10

Legendary crowd support

The Lowdown

The Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon support Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The 2026 marathon and half marathon start Sunday, October 18 at 7:30 AM, after Saturday’s Jesse Owens 5K, one-mile, and kids events. Online registration for the full marathon is closed; the half marathon remains offered.

Minimum Age: 16 years
Eligibility: Marathon: Open to ages 16+.
Marathon + Gold Medal Challenge: Open to ages 16+.
1/2 Marathon: Open to ages 12+.
1/2 Marathon + Gold Medal Challenge: Open to ages 12+.
Jesse Owens 5K: Open to ages 10+.
Jesse Owens 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk: Open to ages 10+.
Kids' Run presented by White Castle: Open to ages 9 and under.
Required Documents: Bring the registration confirmation or QR code for packet pickup.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds or deferrals to future editions.
Runner transfers and event changes were permitted until September 18, 2026; that deadline has passed.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer262ft gain, 54°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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From the course

Curated by 42cal

Blue, white, and orange balloon arches above the 2010 Columbus Marathon finish corridor, with spectators behind barriers. — Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon finish line, October 17, 2010.
2010 edition · Mark Sundstrom
Source CC BY-SA 2.0

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