Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run or walk with an iPod or other personal music device?
The short answer is yes. USA Track & Field has amended Rule 144.3, which pertains to the use of headphones and other electronic devices, to enable race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races. To that end, the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon will allow its participants to use an iPod or other personal listening device, but we ask that you keep the volume at a level that enables you to be alert to your surroundings in case there is an emergency. The only exception to this new rule is elite athletes (any athlete competing for prize money) – they are not allowed to use iPods.
What timing device is the event using?
The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon will be using the D-Tag timing device. The D-Tag is an all-weather tag that you will peel off your bib and place on your shoe to record your time. Please take a moment to review the directions; if you fail to wear your D-Tag properly, your time may not be recorded. NO D-TAG = NO TIME! Also, there will be no fee assessed for not returning the D-TAG.
How old must you be to participate in the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon or 1/2 Marathon?
You must be 16 years of age (as of 10/17/10) to participate in the full marathon and 12 years of age to participate in the 1/2 marathon.
Are you allowed to push a jogging stroller in any of the races?
No. You are not allowed to run or walk while pushing a jogging stroller or wheelchair. Additionally, bicyclists (with the exception of marathon-sanctioned bicycle athlete escorts), rollerbladers, dogs, etc. are not allowed on the course -- only registered participants are allowed on the racecourse during the event.
Can I pick up someone else's race packet at the Expo?
We do allow this, however you MUST bring a copy of their ID and the email that will be sent in October from our timer with the assigned bib number.
Can I exchange my participant shirt for a different size at the Expo?
When you pick up your race packet, you will receive the size shirt that you ordered when you registered. If shirts are available after the race, then you may exchange yours from the supply that is on hand.
Can I have friends and family following my time on Race Day?
Yes! Our friends at Huber+Co Interactive have developed a Twitter app called TweetMyTime. You can register at www.tweetmytime.com for free and your time will automatically be tweeted to your followers at five different points throughout the marathon -- the start, 10K, 1/2 marathon, 20K and finish. The 1/2 marathoners will be able to tweet out their times at three areas -- the start, 10K and finish. Additionally, friends and family can track your progress online on Race Day through a link that will be provided on the home page of the Web site.
What are the Start Times for the respective events?
- Columbus City Center parking garages
- Statehouse Parking Garage
- Parking lots/garages on the corner of Third and Gay Streets
- Parking lots/garages on the corner of Long and Third Streets
- All meters downtown are free on Sunday
- Parking lot on the corner of Parkview and Main Streets next to Fisherman's Warf
- Residential streets in the vicinity.
- Golden Hobby Shop located on the corner of Sycamore and Third Streets
- Old Engine House #5 Lot on the corner of Thurman and Fourth Streets
- Residential streets in the vicinity
- Ohio Funeral Directors Association on the corner of College Hill Drive and N. Starr Road
- Businesses on the South side of Lane Avenue, East of Starr Road
There are more than 15,000 parking spaces available within a 10-minute walk of Nationwide Arena, including the following Arena District lots and garages:
- Front Street Garage
- Chestnut Street Garage
- Arena Crossing Garage
- Neil Ave. Garage
- Marconi Blvd. Garage
- Arena West surface parking lot
- Vine Street surface parking lot
- Front Street surface parking lot
- E. Broad and Third Streets is where you'll catch the start of the 2009 Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and a record number of runners and walkers as they embark on their journey.
- Drexel and Main Streets in Bexley is a perfect place to take in the fall colors and amazing homes as the runners pass by.
- Bryden and Third Streets is a great spot to greet runners as they turn the corner to head south to German Village.
- Schiller Park in German Village is bordered by Reinhard, Jaeger and Deshler Streets. This is one of Columbus's oldest and most scenic parks — you'll enjoy walking from one side to the other to cheer on your athlete and take part in the German Village Neighborhood Party.
- Short North Arts District on High Street — between Nationwide Blvd. and Fifth Ave. — enjoy window shopping at the art galleries and boutique shops and have a cup of joe from one of the local coffee shops while you wait for your athlete.
- High and Chittenden Streets and High and E. 15th will take you through the east side of campus, including a trek down sorority and fraternity row. Additionally, this area has easy access to the highway, so you have time to see your athlete and get to the finish line.
- Grandview Ave. is when the athletes are really starting to experience the strain of a marathon and need maximum encouragement — this beautiful area has great boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops and plentiful seating for spectators.
- 5th and Neil Avenues is at approximately the 24.5-mile-mark — you can enjoy the beautiful homes of Victorian Village while you cheer your athlete toward the finish line.
- Goodale Park in the Short North is bordered by Buttles and Park Streets, is the 25-mile mark and is a great place to set up camp to cheer athletes through their last mile.
- Nationwide Blvd. by Nationwide Arena is where thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer runners to the finish line.
