Race Weekend
More than 100 bands on course!
To help you along your way, more than 100 bands, entertainers and radio stations will be lining the course (approximately every quarter-mile). Check out the 2012 entertainment map and a list of the different bands, radio stations, etc. From the OSU brass band, heavy rockers, to bagpipers, we’ve got the tunes to keep you moving’. If you like what your hearing, please let our bands know, They love the encouragement too!
To get the day started, ‘The Danger Brothers’ will be at the start line again this year to get you warmed up and ready for your run.
Where to Watch
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon's trademark is its thousands of spectators lined along city and suburban streets throughout the race. In addition to the numerous bands that line the routes, many families and friends in Columbus make a day-long celebration of the event in front yards and driveways, encouraging participants along the way. Check out this map to plan the best places to wait for your athlete along the course on Oct. 21, 2012. 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 its 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.
- Bryden/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 Chittenden Streets and High and E. 15th takes you through the east side of campus, including a trek down sorority and fraternity row. Additionally, this 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.
Parking
There will be 17,000 people making their way to the start line on Sunday – so please plan ahead! Review this map produced by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and make your plan for parking
Start Area (NOTE for participants: we recommend you park in the Arena District so you don't have to walk far at the end of the Race. You can even purchase tickets online here)
- 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
- Parking lot on the corner of Parkview and Main Streets
- Residential streets in the vicinity
- Old Engine House #5 Lot on the corner of Thurman and Fourth Streets
- Residential streets in the vicinity
- Ohio Funeral Directors Association on the corner of College Hill Drive and N. Starr Road
- Businesses on the South side of Lane Avenue, East of Starr Road
Finish Area
There are more than 15,000 parking spaces available within a 10-minute walk of Nationwide Arena (again, you can purchase your parking passes online in advance here), including the following Arena District lots and garages:
- Front Street Garage
- Chestnut Street Garage
- Arena Crossing Garage
- Neil Ave. Garage
- Marconi Blvd. Garage
- Arena West surface parking lot
- 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. These are suggested places to park in order to help out those wishing to watch the Columbus Marathon for the first time. Also, spectators and participants are responsible for any parking fee charged by those who own the lot.
Meet your friends and family in Celebration Village
Tell your family and friends to meet you in Celebration Village! Relax, stretch, and enjoy the tunes provided by regional artists ‘The Ark Band’ and ‘Moving to Boise’. There will be plenty of venders, a big screen camera of the finish line, and even a kids area with bouncy games.
Celebrate your experience with us at the afterparty!
Come join us later that evening for the official post race afterparty at Park Street Cantina in the Arena District from 4 to 7 pm. Share your ‘war stories’ from the morning with friends of new and old. There will be live entertainment by Grumblefish, great drink specials, free appetizers and great door prizes. We hope to see you there!
Weekend Schedule of Events
October 19, 2012
Columbus Marathon Health & Fitness Expo, registration and packet pickup: noon to 7 p.m. (Hall D of the Greater Columbus Convention Center at 400 N. High St.)
October 20, 2012
Columbus Marathon Health & Fitness Expo, registration and packet pickup: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Red Nose Run Activity Expo at Franklin Park Adventure Center (1747 E. Broad St.): 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Red Nose Children’s Run presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department at Franklin Park Adventure Center (1747 E. Broad St.): 1 p.m.
October 21, 2012
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon begins at 7:30 a.m. (for runners and walkers)
Plans are in the works for another great after Race party. Stay tuned for details.
Remember – there is NO Race Day Packet Pickup!
