Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon
The Lowdown
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon is a USATF-certified, Boston Marathon-qualifying race through downtown Columbus, Ohio, drawing more than 15,000 runners across its marathon, half marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile, and Kids Run events. The flat, fast course tours the Ohio Statehouse, Nationwide Children's Hospital, historic German Village, Bexley, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, and The Ohio State University, making it a favorite for runners chasing a personal record (PR) or a Boston qualifying time. Nationwide Children's Hospital has been the race's title beneficiary since 2012, and 24 miles of the course are dedicated to hospital patients and their families, who cheer runners on along the route; more than $15 million has been raised for the hospital through the partnership. Race weekend includes a Health & Fitness Expo at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, with roughly 100,000 spectators lining the course on race day.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Ohio Statehouse
Nationwide Children's Hospital
German Village
Bexley
Upper Arlington
Grandview Heights
The Ohio State University
Other distances available during the event weekend:
North Bank Park, 311 W Long Street, Columbus, OH 43215
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 16 for the Marathon and Half Marathon on race day
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID for bib/packet pickup
Entry Methods
- General online registration via RunSignUp
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable
Deferral and transfer options, if any, follow official race terms
Health & Fitness Expo held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center the two days before race day
Nationwide Children's Hospital has been the race's title beneficiary since 2012, with more than $15 million raised for the hospital
24 miles of the course are dedicated to hospital patients and their families, who cheer runners along the route
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.

