Tip #19: Bringing the Kids? Here are the Do’s and Don’ts!

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 atmosphere of OUR race is unmatched, and participants often want to share the day with family and friends. If you are planning to bring your children, please pay special attention to the information below. Remember: the minimum age for participation in our full marathon is 16, and the minimum age for participation in our ½ Marathon is 12.

• Family Tent: This area will provide special resources and support for breastfeeding and pumping athletes and spectators, as well as a designated baby changing station. This tent will be located near the Info Tent and the Dick’s Sporting Goods Gear Check Tent on Race Day!

• Lost Children: Lost children will be supervised at the Info Tent in Celebration Village, located on Spring Street. Info Tent staff will also be able to assist with communications regarding any lost children.

• No Children Running the Half or Full Marathon: Participants must be the following age to participate in the ½ or full marathon. There will be no exceptions to this policy, even with parental permission and/or a doctors’ note. Also, for the safety of all participants, strollers are not allowed on the course.

1/2 Marathon: 12 years old (as of 10/16/22)

Marathon: 16 years of age (as of 10/16/22)

• No Family Run-Ins: For the safety of all athletes, spectators, race and safety officials and volunteers, no family run-ins are permitted through the duration of our race. This includes unregistered children running in with parents at the Finish Line.

Check out this post for more information on how the whole family can participate in race weekend by running the Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile and/or Highlight’s Kids’ races.

Have questions? Let us know in the comments below, or share with us on Facebook and Instagram, and we’ll be sure to get them answered!