Welcome back to our annual “26 Tips for 26.2 Miles” blog series. For the 26 days leading up to race day, athletes and spectators can get daily tips to make the most of OUR race. Stay tuned for tips on parking and food, cool viewing spots and race rules, and answers to all your pressing race day questions. We are here to help you make the most of your 2022 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon experience! Let’s go!
The 2022 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon promises to be a world-class event. We take pride in offering a fast and fun experience for all athletes.
One of the best ways to do this is to be prepared prior to the start. Today’s tip will help address race rules and give you sources to get those race questions answered prior to race day.
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 fluid or medical stations. If you need something specific, you should carry it with you.
For the safety of our entire field, non-registered runners may not run any part of the course. Course monitors and police have authority to remove unregistered runners from the course. This includes children running in with parents into the Finish Line. Anyone who does this risks disqualification and a ban from future events.
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 (on wheels or not), or in-line skates are allowed.
No family run-ins at the finish. We can’t overstate this enough: only athletes are permitted on the racecourse, including crossing the Finish Line. This is for the safety of all athletes, spectators, race and safety officials and volunteers. Any participant who is joined by a non-participant (including holding a child) on any portion of the course risks disqualification and a ban from future events.
Full Marathon participants who are not maintaining a 14:54-minute mile pace and who don’t make it to High & Long St. (approximately Mile 12.5) by 11:06 a.m. will be urged to head to the Finish Line where they will be credited with an official ½ Marathon finishing time and will receive other race participant benefits, including finish line food. If an athlete chooses to continue following along the Marathon course after this time, they will do so at their own risk. The water stops, entertainment areas, portable restrooms, medical support, and Police and Fire/EMS services ahead will all be shut down. The Finish Line closes at 2:30 p.m.
To ensure the most safe and secure race experience, here are additional rules that can save you time and hassle on race day.
We will ONLY accept the CLEAR Gear Check Bags you receive at the Health & Fitness Expo during your packet pick-up. ALL items you wish to check must be in these bags. We will NOT accept any other bags, boxes, luggage, etc. NO EXCEPTIONS.
All items being carried at or near the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon are subject to inspection. Participants may use personal hydration devices (Camelbaks, vests), but they are subject to inspection.
Participants in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will have special access to athlete-only areas at the Start Line and Finish Line. Non-participants are not permitted in these areas.
These rules were carefully created with the runner’s safety in mind. If you have any questions, please check out our frequently asked questions page. Have questions after looking at the FAQ? Let us know in the comments below, or share with us on Facebook and Instagram, and we’ll be sure to get them answered!