COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon is back for its 44th year.
The three-day event runs Friday, Oct. 18 - Sunday, Oct. 20.
Each year, thousands of athletes gather in Columbus to raise money for the children helped by Nationwide Children's Hospital, while celebrating health and wellness, personal victories and record-breaking performances.
Here's what you need to know about the 2024 Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon:
Schedule of Events
Friday, Oct. 18
Health & Fitness Expo (noon to 7 p.m.) – Hall D of the Greater Columbus Convention Center
Saturday, Oct. 19
Health & Fitness Expo (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) – Hall D of the Greater Columbus Convention Center
Jesse Owens 5K and 1 Mile – North Bank Park (311 W. Long Street)
- Both races begin at 11 a.m.
Kids' Run - McFerson Commons Park (218 West Street)
- Multiple kids races starting at 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon
• 7:25 a.m. Wheelchair Division start
• 7:30 a.m. Marathon & ½ Marathon start
Race Routes:
Marathon:
Half Marathon:
5K:
Road Closures:
Friday, Oct. 18
- 9 a.m.: Long St. closes, Hocking St. to Neil Ave., remains closed until 6 p.m. Sunday. (except 5-7 p.m. Saturday for Blue Jackets)
- 11:59 p.m.: Spring St. between West St. and Neil Ave. closes until 6 p.m. Sunday
- 11:59 p.m.: Hanover and Cozzins Streets closed except to local traffic until 6 p.m. Sunday
- 11:59 p.m.: West St. from Nationwide to Marconi and John McConnell from New Public Way to Spring St. closed until Sunday at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19
- 11:59 p.m.: Spring St. from Neil Avenue to Hocking St. closes until 6 p.m. Sunday
- 11:59 p.m.: Neil Ave. south from Nationwide Blvd. goes down to one lane for condo traffic only until 4 a.m. Sunday
Sunday, Oct. 20
- 4 a.m.: Neil Ave. south from Nationwide closes until 3 p.m. Sunday (condo traffic uses rear entrance off Nationwide)
- 7:30 a.m.: Starting at the start line on Long Street and for the 26.2 miles of the marathon course and the 13.1 miles of the 1/2 marathon course, roads will be subject to partial or full closure based upon the expected arrival times of the first and last athlete.
- 6 p.m.: Spring Street, Long Street and Neil Ave. will open back up to traffic
Parking:
There are a variety of garages that are in close proximity to the Start/Finish line, and you may view a map or purchase parking in advance of race day. Please click HERE for more information.
COTA Reroutes:
On Sunday, Oct. 20, at least 17 COTA transit lines will be rerouted throughout the morning and early afternoon. Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 22, 31,102, CMAX and Zoo Bus will be impacted.
Nearly all downtown transit stops will be closed beginning at 4:00 a.m. Sunday. More than 800 transit stops will be closed at some point Sunday in Downtown Columbus, German Village, Bexley, North Bank, Arena District, Short North, Victorian Village, The Ohio State University, Grandview Heights and Upper Arlington.
Downtown transit transfer points will be located at Spring and Long Streets near the intersection of North Fourth Street. Additional COTA Transportation Street Supervisors will be on duty along with COTA’s Strategic Response Specialists during the marathon to assist customers.
All reroutes will end in the mid-afternoon Sunday, following the conclusion of the marathon.
Additional information will be posted throughout the weekend on COTA.com and will also be shared on social media throughout the weekend.