The Columbus Marathon had its biggest year in 2025, raising a record-setting $1.4 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Race director Darris Blackford hopes to leave that number in the dust.
“We’re on track to beat last year’s record. We continue to draw great support and great fundraising. Our partnership with the hospital works so well,” Blackford said.
This is the 15th year of the partnership, which was extended for at least two more years in January, and has generated more than $15 million for the hospital.
More than 15,000 runners are expected to take off from North Bank Park, 311 W. Long St., during the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon on Oct. 18.
Openings for the marathon were increased from 5,200 in 2025 to 5,700 this
year, and the 26.2-mile run sold out quickly, as usual.
The half-marathon was increased from 10,600 to 10,650, and limited spots remain.
Funds weren’t the only thing that came pouring in last year, as heavy rain plagued the marathon.
“It stayed warm enough for people to not get hypothermia, but the rain was bad,” Blackford recalled. “I was surprised by how many spectators still came out. The course was packed with people.
“The only drawback was we had some new things planned that couldn’t come to fruition, that didn’t materialize because of the weather.”
What other races are happening?
In addition to the marathon and half-marathon, several races will take place on Oct. 17.
First up, the Jesse Owens 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. in North Bank Park.
At 11 a.m., events for little athletes will take place at the start/finish line at the intersection of Long Street and Neil Avenue. There will be “I Can Do It!” challenges for ages 1-3, a .40-mile run for ages 4-6 and a .65-mile run for ages 7-9.
What’s new at the Columbus Marathon?
If Mother Nature cooperates, last year’s rained-out attractions are back on. In addition to 10 “cheer zones,” there will be about 50 live music acts playing along the course.
Blackford is especially excited about changes that will make the marathon course safer and more runner-friendly, plus highlight some new areas of Columbus.
“We’ll go down past the hospital as always, then from Livingston to Parsons to Thurman,” he said.
“The exciting part is, Parsons Avenue is going through a lot of positive changes. We didn’t want to force our way through a new part of town. We want to be as neighborly as possible.”
Blackford met with businesses and community groups in the area, finding them receptive and eager to participate in the marathon.
“We got that kind of reception over and over. We’re so pleased, so thankful,” he said.
Columbus Marathon to impact roads, traffic
Starting Oct. 16, some roads in the North Bank Park area will be closed to traffic.
Hocking Street to Neil Avenue will close at 9 a.m. and remain closed until 6 p.m. Oct. 18, except 4:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 for traffic to the Jonas Brothers concert at Nationwide Arena and 4:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 for traffic to the Columbus Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena.
Additional closures will include:
Oct. 16
- 9 a.m. - Long Street closes.
- 11:59 p.m.: Spring Street between West Street and Neil Avenue closes until 6 p.m. Oct. 18.
- 11:59 p.m.: Hanover and Cozzins streets closed except to local traffic until 6 p.m. Oct. 18.
- 11:59 p.m.: West Street from Nationwide to Marconi and John McConnell from New Public Way to Spring Street close until Oct. 18 at 6 p.m.
Oct. 17
- 11:59 p.m.: Spring Street from Neil Avenue to Hocking Street closes until 6 p.m. Oct. 18.
- 11:59 p.m.: Neil Avenue south from Nationwide Boulevard goes down to one lane for condo traffic only until 6 p.m. Oct. 18.
Oct. 18
- 7:30 a.m.: Beginning at the start line on Long Street, the marathon course will be subject to rolling closures based on expected arrival times of the first and last athletes.
- 6 p.m.: Spring Street, Long Street and Neil Avenue will open back up to traffic.
On Oct. 18, COTA services will be disrupted in the Downtown area and rerouted. Visit cota.com for more details.
Visit columbusmarathon.com for more details about the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Marathon to make run at topping $1.4M record from 2025
