Final Instructions
Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and Corporate Wellness 5K
Start location: Broad St., just west of the Third Street intersection
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2009
Start Times: 7:25 a.m.: Wheelchair and Hand Cycle Division start
7:30 a.m.: Marathon and 1/2 Marathon running and walking start
7:45 a.m.: Corporate Wellness 5K start
Expo
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center - Hall D (400 North High St.).
Dates: Friday, October 16, 12:00 pm (noon) – 7:00 pm; Saturday, October 17, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
This is the only time and 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 the email with your bib number that was sent from the timers.
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 before, during, and after the race. If you need something specific (i.e. allergy medication), you should carry it with you.
- Non-registered runners may not run any part of the course. Course monitors and police have the authority to remove unregistered runners from the course. Please be sure your race number is visible at all times during race.
- The only wheeled vehicles permitted on the course are official wheelchair /hand cycle entrants, pace vehicles and official bicycle spotters. No baby strollers, dogs, in-line skates allowed.
- All athletes that are at or behind the course closing pace will be required to get into a SAG vehicle.
Athlete Information
- Pin your race number on the front of your shirt. Do not fold, bend, or mutilate your number in any way. Completely fill out the back of your race number with current medical information.
- Wheelchair /Hand cycle participants: Pin your race number on the back of your shirt. Completely fill out the back of your race number with current medical information.
- Before the start of the events, athletes can leave their warm-up clothes in the storage truck, located in the middle of the High and Broad St. intersection on the north side of Broad Street. Items will then be available at the Gear Pick-up Tent at the south end of Celebration Village at the Finish (you must have your bib to pick up your bag).
Wheelchair and Hand Cycle Athletes
Starting at 6 am on Race Day, athletes can park their vehicles in the parking lot at the SpinLife offices at 330 West Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215 (in the Belmont Building at the corner of Spring and Cozzins St.; two blocks from the finish and a few short blocks from the start). This area is reserved for Wheelchair and Hand Cycle athletes and their families/friends only. Wheel chair and Hand Cycle athletes that park and prepare for the race at SpinLife will be escorted to the start of the race by a cyclist. If you are not parking at SpinLife, it is suggested that you 'back' into the start entering the starting area from the front of the start and the corner of Broad and Third Streets.
Timing
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 follow the directions that are on the bib for affixing to your shoe; if you fail to wear your D-Tag properly, your time may not be recorded. NO D-TAG = NO TIME! You can keep your D-tag and because they will not be collected at the end of the race, there will be no fee assessed for lost D-Tags (i.e., you don’t have to give it back to the event after you finish).
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 time 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.
Additionally, family and friends can track their runner online by accessing this link on Race Day.
Fluid Stations
21 Fluid 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 7.5 and 16.
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 bus 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. For medical emergencies, please dial 911.
Parking
Right next to the finish line and 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 City Center Parking garages are open to the public. Cost for parking in these lots may vary. All parking meters in Columbus are free on Sunday. Please view this map produced by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission for further details.
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 American Institute of Alternative Medicine in the finish area – take advantage of this service. Then, proceed to Celebration Village where live bands The Ark Band and BuzzCrush will be playing and you can meet your friends and family to celebrate your successful finish!
Post Race Celebration
From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Park Street Patio, 533 Park St. The band Controversy 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 Patio.
