Spectators
The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon's trademark is its thousands of spectators lined along city and suburban streets throughout the race. In addition to the bands that line the routes, more than 10 Columbus radio stations are positioned along the course to increase community involvement and excitement. Additionally, many families in Columbus make a day-long celebration of the event in front yards and driveways, encouraging participants along the way.
Best places to watch:
- E. Broad and High Streets is where you'll catch the start of the 2008 Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon and a record 11,500 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 and Dodridge Streets is another crowded corner on the course — make sure you get there in time to claim your spot. Additionally, this area has easy access to the highway, so you have time to see your athlete and get to the finish line.
- North Star Rd. and Lane Ave. is when the athletes are really starting to experience the strain of a marathon and need maximum encouragement — feel free to tell them that Lane Ave. is downhill!
- 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.
