Every year, thousands of athletes gather in Columbus to raise money for children helped by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon is back for its 45th year.
The three-day event will take place from Friday October 17 to Sunday October 19.
Each year, thousands of athletes gather in Columbus to raise money for 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 2025 Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon:
Events Calendar
Health and Fitness Lounge (noon to 7 p.m.) – Greater Columbus Convention Center Hall D (400 N. High St.)
Health & Fitness Lounge (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 St.)
- Both races start at 9 a.m.
Kids Run – McFerson Commons Park (218 West Street)
- Several children’s races from 12:30 p.m.
National Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon
• 7:25 a.m. Start of the wheelchair division
• 7:30 a.m. Start of the marathon and 1/2 marathon
Race course
Road closures
- 9:00 a.m.: Long Street closed and Hocking Street to Neil Avenue closed until 6:00 p.m. Sunday – except 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday for arrivals of Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew fans
- 11:59 p.m.: Spring Street between West Street and Neil Avenue closed until 6 p.m. Sunday
- 11:59 p.m.: Rues Hanover and Cozzins closed except to local traffic until 6 p.m. Sunday
- 11:59 p.m.: West Street from Nationwide to Marconi and John McConnell from New Public Way to Spring Street closed until Sunday at 6 p.m.
- 11:59 p.m.: Spring Street, from Neil Avenue to Hocking Street, closed until 6 p.m. Sunday
- 11:59 p.m.: Neil Avenue south of Nationwide Boulevard drops to one lane for condo traffic only until 6 p.m. Sunday.
- 7:30 a.m.: Departure from the start line on Long Street and for the 26.2 miles of the marathon course and the 13.1 miles of the half marathon course, roads subject to partial or total closure depending on the expected arrival times of the first and last athlete
- 6:00 p.m.: Spring Street, Long Street and Neil Avenue reopen to traffic
Parking
There are a variety of garages near the start/finish line, and you can view a map or purchase parking before race day. Please click HERE for more information.
COTA reroutes
On Sunday, October 19, approximately 17 Central Ohio Transit Authority (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.
Almost all downtown transit stops will be closed starting at 5 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 street supervisors from COTA Transportation will be on duty during the marathon to assist customers.
All reroutes will conclude 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.
