The Columbus Marathon Is This Weekend. Here’s What To Know
Posted
Chelsea Wiley (via Columbus Navigator)
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon is about so much more than running 26.2 miles.
This annual Columbus tradition brings together athletes, families, volunteers, and spectators for a weekend of personal victories and support for a great cause. The 2026 marathon and half marathon take place Sunday, October 18, with additional races scheduled for Saturday. Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, here’s your guide to making the most of this year’s event.
The Course
The Columbus Marathon course has minimal elevation changes, giving runners a scenic tour of the city and surrounding communities. Highlights include downtown landmarks like the Ohio Statehouse, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and historic German Village, along with stretches through Bexley, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, and The Ohio State University campus.
What makes the Columbus Marathon especially meaningful, though, is its connection to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Twenty-four miles are represented by Patient Champions from the hospital, who stand along the course with their families to cheer on runners. There’s also an inspirational mile honoring children who have passed away and an alumni mile celebrating the Marathon Mile Champions who have participated in previous years.
The marathon and half marathon both begin and finish at North Bank Park, located at 311 W. Long St. in downtown Columbus. Sunday races begin at 7:30 a.m., with the wheelchair division starting at 7:25 a.m. and starting corrals opening at 6 a.m.
Spectator Tips and Race Etiquette
Spectators help make race day memorable, whether they’re holding handmade signs, cheering for friends, or encouraging runners they’ve never met. Here are a few ways to help keep the course safe and supportive:
Stay clear of the course. Avoid stepping into the race route or blocking runners. If you need to cross the street, follow designated crossings and instructions from race officials.
Respect runners’ space. Cheering is encouraged, but be mindful of where you stand and avoid obstructing participants or other spectators.
Leave assistance to the official crew. If a runner appears to need medical attention, alert a race volunteer or medical worker. Don’t enter the course or interfere with race operations.
Plan your viewing spot. The course passes through several Columbus-area communities, so you have options beyond downtown. Check the official course map before deciding where to watch.
Supporting the Runners
A little encouragement can go a long way when someone is several miles into a marathon. Here’s how to help your favorite runners get across the finish line:
Cheer loudly and often. A little enthusiasm can make a big difference, especially during the tougher stretches of the course.
Track your runner. The official race app, RTRT, offers runner tracking and race-weekend information. Check the official marathon FAQ for tracking details.
Keep it positive. A simple “You’ve got this!” or “You’re doing great!” is always welcome. If you know someone’s goal time, try to be in place when they’re expected to pass.
Make a plan to reconnect. With road closures and large crowds, meeting up after the race can take some coordination. Pick a specific meeting spot before the starting gun.
Road Closures to Know About for the Columbus Marathon
Photo courtesy of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon.
If you’re driving around Columbus during marathon weekend, expect road closures and traffic delays near the starting line, finish line, and throughout the race route. Some streets will close before race day for event setup, while others will have rolling closures as runners move through the course.
Friday, October 16
9 a.m.: Long Street closes between Hocking Street and Neil Avenue. The road is scheduled to remain closed until 6 p.m. Sunday, with a temporary reopening from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday to accommodate nearby event traffic.
11:59 p.m.: Spring Street closes between West Street and Neil Avenue. Hanover and Cozzins streets also close to non-local traffic, while West Street between Nationwide and Marconi boulevards and John McConnell Boulevard between New Public Way and Spring Street close for the weekend.
Saturday, October 17
11:59 p.m.: Spring Street closes between Neil Avenue and Hocking Street. Neil Avenue south of Nationwide Boulevard is reduced to one lane for condo traffic.
Throughout the day: Expect additional traffic around North Bank Park and the Arena District for the Jesse Owens 5K, 1-mile race, Kids’ Run, and other weekend activities. Long Street is scheduled to temporarily reopen from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for nearby event traffic.
Sunday, October 18
Beginning at 7:30 a.m.: Streets along the 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon routes will be subject to partial or full closures as runners pass through downtown Columbus and surrounding communities.
Campus area: Sections of Kenny Road, Woody Hayes Drive, Tuttle Park Place, 19th Avenue, College Road, Annie and John Glenn Avenue, and Neil Avenue will have intermittent closures from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Upper Arlington: North Star Road, Guilford Road, North and South Mallway drives, Waltham Road, Coventry Road, and a section of King Avenue will close to traffic along the course.
By 6 p.m.: Long Street and Spring Street are scheduled to reopen, along with other streets affected by weekend event operations.
If you’re heading downtown to watch the race or attend weekend events, plan your parking and route ahead of time. The marathon’s starting and finishing area is at North Bank Park, and nearby road closures can affect access to garages and parking lots.
The race organizers recommend arriving early, allowing extra travel time, and considering carpooling or rideshare services. You can find parking options and directions on the official marathon parking page.
