Final Instructions
Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon
Start location: Broad St., just west of the Third Street intersection
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2012
Start Times:
7:27 a.m.: Wheelchair Division start
7:30 a.m.: Marathon and 1/2 Marathon running and walking start
Expo
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center - Hall D (400 North High St.).
Dates: Friday, October 19, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Saturday, October 20, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
This is the only place to pick up race packets as there is NO RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP. You may have someone pickup your packet IF they provide a copy of your ID and get your bib number from the alpha list on the bulletin board.
Race Rules
Violation of any of these rules may result in disqualification. There are no exceptions to the rules.
- Everything needed for a successful race is available from official marathon fluid or medical stations. If you need something specific, you should carry it with you.
- Non-registered runners may not run any part of the course. Course monitors and police have authority to remove unregistered runners from the course. Be sure your race number is visible.
- The only wheeled vehicles permitted on the course are official wheelchair entrants, pace vehicles, official bicycle spotters and approved wheeled devices. No baby strollers, dogs, in-line skates allowed.
- All athletes that are at or behind the course closing pace will be required to get onto the sidewalk.
Athlete Information
- Pin your race number on the front of your shirt (don’t cover with other clothing). Do not fold, bend, or mutilate your number in any way.
- Wheelchair participants: Pin your race number on the back of your shirt.
- Before the start of the events, athletes can leave their warm-up clothes in the gear truck, located at the south corner of the Broad and High St. intersection. Items will then be available at the south end of Celebration Village at the Finish (you must have your bib to pick up your bag).
Wheelchair Athletes
After securing Race Day parking (or having been dropped off for the Race), wheelchair athletes should make their way to the northeast corner of Broad & Thirds Streets, next to the Start Line. At the corner (directly in front of the Chase Bank building), there will be a special VIP area with a handicap-accessible portable bathroom for your use. A Race Official will escort all wheelchair athletes to the Start Line at 7:10 a.m. The Wheelchair start is at 7:27 a.m. NOTE: Due to safety concerns, handcycles are not permitted in this year's event.
Timing
The Columbus Marathon will be using the BibTag timing device. The BibTag is an all-weather tag that will be placed on the back of your bib to record your time. You MUST wear your bib on the outside of your clothing in order for the BibTag to work correctly. Do NOT fold or bend your bib.
Athletes will be able to alert their friends and family of their progress through a free service called TweetMyTime (register at www.TweetMyTime.com). The athlete’s progress will automatically be tweeted at five different areas along the course for the full marathon and three different areas of the course for the ½ marathon.
Aid Stations
21 Aid Stations will be situated along the course, supplying Gatorade Endurance Formula®, non-carbonated water and toilet facilities to athletes. We will also feature CLIF SHOTS at approximately miles 7 and 15.
Medical Support
Certified medical personnel are located throughout the course and in the finish area to assist athletes at any time. Mobile intensive care units will be positioned at aid stations throughout the course. In the event an athlete is unable to continue, report to the next mile marker for assistance. A sweep vehicle will pick up disabled athletes for transport to the finish area. The medical staff has the right to withdraw an athlete from the race who appears in distress or at risk. Minor medical aid (i.e. band-aids or Vaseline) can be found at each aid station.
Parking
We strongly recommend parking near the finish (which is just a few blocks from the start) -- all Nationwide Arena District garages and surface lots are open to the public. These spaces include the Front Street garage, the Chestnut Street garage, the Arena Crossing garage, the Neil Avenue garage, the Marconi Boulevard garage as well as the Arena West, Vine Street and Front St. surface lots. Near the starting line, all Statehouse and Columbus Commons Parking garages are open to the public. Cost for parking in these lots may vary and spots in the Arena District can be purchased in advance online (arenadistrictparking.com). All parking meters in Columbus are free on Sunday.
Finish Area
Upon crossing the finish line timing mat, your time will automatically be recorded. DO NOT STOP after you cross the Finish Line. Please move through the Finish area to receive a blanket, medal, and refreshments. FREE MASSAGE IS AVAILABLE from the students at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine in the finish area. Then, proceed to Celebration Village where live bands Swagg and Moving to Boise will be playing. There will be signs at the finish where runners can reunite with their family and friends based on the first letter of their last name -- once reunited, celebrate your successful finish!
Post Race Celebration
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Park Street Cantina, 491 N. Park St. The band Grumblefish will keep the excitement going and Park Street Patio will also provide plenty of food and drink specials guaranteed to help relax any aches and pains. A complimentary ticket is available in your race bag for entrance into Park Street Cantina.
