Tip #17 | Gear Check
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 2023 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon experience! Let’s go!
We take great pride in making sure you get off to your best start on race day. Part of that is having an efficient Gear Check so that you can focus on the journey ahead.
Participants can drop off and pick up their gear in the same location – at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Gear Check Tent at the corner of Spring St. and McConnell Blvd. (southwest corner of McFerson Park). It’s convenient and easy if you follow a few simple rules that help optimize the safety of our athletes and spectators:
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.
Camelbaks and personal hydration vests may be worn during the race but are subject to the above referenced inspection.
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 or store it in Gear Check at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Gear Check Tent.
Have additional suggestions? Let us know in the comments below, or share with us on Facebook and Instagram, and we’ll be sure to get them answered!
I appreciate the heads up that only the clear Gear Check bags from the expo are accepted—no exceptions! I’ll plan to drop my stuff at the Dick’s tent on Spring and McConnell before heading to the start. Random side note: I was messing around with a chronological age calculator yesterday and realized I’m running this in a new age group. See you out there!
A great method to include runners and spectators is with this daily countdown style driving directions While providing necessary practical elements, such as corral entrance at Neil & Spring, the RTRT app, and the endearing presence of the 24 Patient Champions along the route, it creates enthusiasm.
The clear-bag rule is good to know before arriving at the start. I’d put my warm layer and anything I want after the finish in the issued bag the night before, then check that I have what I need during the race. For anyone also looking up practical rules around betting and age requirements, betfm has a relevant guide. Having drop-off and pickup in the same spot should make the morning a little less hectic.
The track offers no guarantee that the next section will resemble the previous one. That unpredictability keeps slope 2 interesting, since players must adjust their approach whenever the route changes. Some moments allow confident movement, while others require careful positioning and patience. Learning to switch between those styles can improve overall performance. Each run becomes a practical lesson in control.
The best approach is to slow phrazle down and examine every clue. Look at the number of letters in each word and consider how they might work together.