Elites

The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon Invited Athlete Information

The 2010 Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon is inviting elite athletes to apply to be included in the event’s elite starting corral. Elite Men's and Women's awards in the marathon and the 1/2 marathon will be based on gun time (the order in which the athletes cross the finish line). The total prize purse for the 2010 event is $30,000 (see breakdown below).
 
Based upon demonstrated past performance, and at the discretion of the NBHCM, a limited number of complimentary entries will be available to elite athletes. In addition, limited travel assistance and hotel accommodations may be offered. The application process for these registrations is explained below and involves a thorough check of past performances.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY SEPTEMBER 10, 2009.
 
Time requirements to apply for Elite Athlete status (for races completed since April 18, 2008):

  • Marathon: 2:30 for men; 3:00 for women
  • 1/2 Marathon: 1:10 for men; 1:24 for women

To apply for elite athlete status, please forward the following information with the subject line “Elite and Invited Athlete Information” to John Martin, Elite Athlete Coordinator, at: johnmartin@columbusmarathon.com:

  • Name, age, citizenship, current address, phone number and email address
  • Race times (including the name and date of the Race)
  • Sponsor/Club
  • All-time PRs
  • Best race times since April 2008 for the event for which you are seeking elite status.

 
Additional information:

  • Only those athletes entered in the elite athlete field are eligible for prize money awards. To conform to national and international rules, sanctioned events may only award prize money to those athletes with valid USATF membership.
  • To avoid a 30% tax on your prize money, US and Resident Foreign Athletes must possess a Social Security number. Non-Resident Athletes are subject to a 30% Federal Income Tax withholding.  For more information contact the national USATF office at 317-261-0500.
  • USATF Rule 245.1  "The order in which the athletes cross the finish line will be the official finish position."
  • Elite Men's and Women's awards in the marathon and the 1/2 marathon will be based on gun time (the order in which the athletes cross the finish line).

Prize Money

The 2009 Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon events offered a combined prize purse of $30,000. Prize money was given to the top three female and male participants for the full and 1/2 marathon and the hand-cycle and wheelchair divisions. Prize money was also awarded for the top three female and male Masters participants in the full and 1/2 marathon; elite status is not required for age dependent (Masters) awards.  An athlete can be awarded prize money in only one category.  All prize money awards are based on gun time. Additionally, see age group award information here.

The following is the prize money breakdown:
 
Event
First
Second
Third
Marathon
$2,500
$1,000
$750
1/2 Marathon
$1,000
$750
$500
Ohioan (full marathon)
$750
$500
$250
Masters (40 and older, full marathon)
$750
$500
$250
Hand-cycles (full marathon)
$1,250
$750
$500
Wheelchair (full marathon)
$1,250
$750
$500