Frequently Asked Questions
What is your race change, refund, deferral and transfer policy?
- No refunds are permitted. No deferrals of entry to future years are permitted. No transfers of entry will be permitted after Aug. 31, 2012. NO EXCEPTIONS. These include requests made due to injury, surgery, pregnancy, personal circumstances, date conflicts and professional commitments.
- No switching between the Marathon to 1/2 Marathon will be permitted once the event into which you want to move is sold out.
- There is no waiting list for either event.
For race change and transfers, our registration system allows you to update your information, including switching between the Marathon and 1/2 Marathon and transferring your entry to another person. Please note that race changes will only be permitted while your desired event is open. As stated earlier, transfers will only be permitted through Aug. 31, 2012.
There is a $15 fee to switch races (plus the difference if upgrading).
To change from one race to another, click here.
There is a $25 fee to transfer your entry to another person.
To transfer your entry to another person, click here.
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 Children's Hospital 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 Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon will be using the BibTag timing device -- a device that will stay on the back of your bib. Athletes MUST wear their bib in the front and on the outside of their clothing. Additionally, do NOT bend or mutilate the BibTag.
How old must you be to participate in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon or 1/2 Marathon?
You must be 16 years of age (as of 10/21/12) 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. 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 look up their assigned bib number at the participant bib number wall at the Expo.
Can I have friends and family following my time on Race Day?
Yes! We have a Twitter app called TweetMyTime. You can register at www.tweetmytime.com for free and your progress will automatically be tweeted to your followers at five different points throughout the marathon -- start, 10K, 1/2 marathon, 20 mile and finish. Additionally, friends and family can track your progress online on Race Day through a Maptracker link that will be provided on the home page of the Web site.
What are the Start Times for the respective events?
What are the locations for the events?
Where should we park for the start, along the course or at the finish?
Review a map developed by Experience Columbus here.
Start Area
- 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
- Veteran's Memorial, 4 blocks from Start (note: a shuttle bus will provide complimentary service back to the Veteran's Memorial parking lot from the Finish Line area)
Bexley
- Parking lot on the corner of Parkview and Main Streets next to Fisherman's Wharf
- Residential streets in the vicinity
German Village
- 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
Finish Area
There are more than 15,000 parking spaces available within a 10-minute walk of Nationwide Arena. You can even purchase parking tickets for the Columbus Marathon on Oct. 21 at any Arena District Parking lot at www.arenadistrictparking.com, Following are Arena District lots and garages:
- Front Street Garage
- Chestnut Street Garage
- Arena Crossing Garage
- Neil Ave. Garage
- Marconi Blvd. Garage
- Vine Street surface parking lot
- Front Street surface parking lot
The Columbus Marathon cannot guarantee parking availability in any of these lots due to changing schedules and lack of ownership. Spectators and participants are responsible for any parking fee charged by those who own the lot.
How many Fluid Stations are on the course?
There are 21 fluid stations on the course. At each station there will be tables -- the first set of tables will offer Gatorade Lemon Lime Endurance Formula and the last set will offer water.
How many energy gel stations are on the course?
There are two stations that will offer ClifShots -- one at approximately mile 7 and the other at approximately mile 15.
Can I drop off my extra runner gear to pick up at the finish line?
Yes... feel free to use your own bag or the gear drop bag provided at packet pick-up. Drop off is at the start of the race at the corner of Broad and High Streets. Pick up is at the end of the finish chute, after you get your medal and food. Additionally, any extra clothes that you decide to throw off in the first mile or so will be collected and donated to charity.
Where do I meet my family?
In Celebration Village which is located in McFerson Commons (just beyond the Finish Line.)
How do we line up at the start?
We have implemented a start line corral system. To see where you fit in, please review the start line corral page.
What is the course elevation?
The course is relatively flat and there is only about 100 ft. of difference in elevation throughout the 26 mile course. Check out the fluid station map here and at the bottom is the course elevation profile.
Is there entertainment along the course?
Yes! There will be approximately 100 live bands and radio stations and various neighborhood parties along the route to keep you going!
What are the best places for your spectators to watch along the course?
Check out this map to plan the best places to wait for your athlete along the course on Oct. 21. Following is a description of what you'll see along the way:
- E. Broad and Third Streets is where you'll catch the start of the 2012 Nationwide Children's Hospital 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.
- Town 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 Street Campus 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.
How do I know when the marathon is coming through my area?
Please refer to the course map page. The wheelchairs will come through first and the walkers will come through last – toward the middle and end of the course, these times could be hours apart.
What happens if I’m not keeping the pace I should be?
First of all, we encourage you to run with a pace group. Participants can utilize the Clif Bar pace team or the New Albany Walking Club pace team for free. Visit their booths at the Expo to learn more.
If you are competing in the Marathon and are not at Mile 13 by 11:28 a.m. (a 16-minute-per-mile pace if you were to cross the start line as late as 8 a.m.), you will be directed to the Finish Line and given a 1/2 Marathon medal and 1/2 Marathon finishing time.If you are competing in the Marathon and are not at Mile 17.5 by 12:40 p.m. (a 16-minute-per-mile-pace if you were to cross the Start Line as late as 8 a.m.), you will be asked to get into a race support vehicle for transport to the finish line.
These time limits are in place to provide a safe event as well as to comply with city, police and facility contracts, rules and regulations.
For the 2012 pace chart, click here.
What time does the course officially close?
The course closes at 11:30 a.m. for the ½ marathon, and 3 p.m. for the full marathon. You must be able to maintain a 16-minute-mile pace throughout the race.
What is your inclement weather policy?
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon puts the safety of its participants, spectators, staff and volunteers first. Dangerous weather conditions pose a unique challenge to an event the size of a Marathon or 1/2 Marathon. Therefore we have adopted the following Inclement Weather Policy:
Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, with special attention placed on the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds and extreme temperatures. If necessary, athletes will be made aware of these conditions and possible dangers which could result on the Columbus Marathon website (www.columbusmarathon.com), as well as through other means of communication such as e-mail, Twitter, Facebook and public address announcements.
The Race Director and Medical Director, in consultation with law enforcement, fire/EMS and other officials, will monitor the weather and make a decision if any action will be taken to modify the race. Possible changes include: Altering the start time or in extreme situations,cancellation of the event. Visible lightning will cause the race to be postponed for a minimum of 15 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 15-minute increments.
If extremely high heat and humidity is predicted, extra water will be provided to the athletes, both prior to, during and after the event. The medical team will be alerted that athletes may require additional medical attention during and after the event due to these conditions. If it is felt that it is unsafe for participants to start the race due to severe temperatures and humidity, the race may be cancelled.
Race personnel reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race due to inclement weather. Participants must abandon the race if ordered to do so by the race personnel, medical staff, fire or police personnel.
Are there other on line sites for the marathon?
Yes, in addition to www.columbusmarathon.com, there is a Columbus Marathon Facebook fan page and we have a Columbus Marathon Twitter page.
