WATCH
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon features a spectator-friendly course. Following are some highlights for spectators on Race Day:
Bleachers At The Start: Bleachers line the north side of Long Street at the start line and
can hold hundreds of spectators. If you’ve never seen the start of the race in person, it’s
well worth your time.
26 Miles of Patient Champions: 24 miles are represented by a patient at Nationwide
Children's, one is dedicated as an Angel Mile for the special children who have been
taken too soon, and one is an "encore mile" for the Patient Champions from past years.
These patients and their families will be along every mile of the course to cheer on
participants and serve as a visual reminder of how the marathon is helping ill and
injured children.
Broad Street Presbyterian Church (760 E. Broad Street): Starting at 7:15 a.m., BSPC will
open its doors to all spectators to come inside for hot coffee and treats, restrooms, and
warm conversation. Spectators can come and go as they please, and enjoy the
hospitality center shortly before mile two. Broad Street Presbyterian Church also has a
160-spot parking lot that is free to the public. Go to bspc.org for more info.
Drexel and Main Streets in Bexley: A perfect place to take in the fall colors and amazing
homes as the runners pass by. Fun fact: Bexley is home to more ice cream shops per
capita than anywhere in Ohio.
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RACE DAY SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Nationwide Children’s Hospital: The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus
Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will run past two sides of Nationwide Children’s Hospital on
18th St. and Livingston Ave. and there will be great viewing opportunities for spectators
at the park at Livingston and Parsons Avenues. There will be bands, butterflies on stilts
and hundreds of signs to represent those Children Champions who have been raising
money for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Schiller Park: This German Village treasure is bordered by Reinhard, Jaeger and Deshler
Streets. This year marks the 152nd birthday of this beloved and scenic park — you'll enjoy
walking from one side to the other to cheer on your athlete.
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 to see your athlete.
Upper Arlington: Upper Arlington is the stretch of course between The Ohio State
University and King Avenue. It welcomes athletes and spectators with its beautiful
homes and gardens. Fun fact: It is the home of world-famous golfer Jack Nicklaus.
Grandview Heights: Spectators will enjoy Grandview Avenue with its unique
neighborhood boutiques, incredible restaurants and outdoor seating perfect for
grabbing a cup o’ joe and cheering on the field through their 21st mile.
Victorian Village: Neil Avenue with its gorgeous Victorian style homes and beautiful
trees will be a welcome reprieve for athletes and spectators as they head toward the
finish line. Buttles Avenue and Park Street borders Goodale Park, another historic park in
Columbus that is great for spectator viewing.
Celebration Village: Featuring the Columbus Marathon store, a medal engraver and
sampling from different vendors. Additionally, there will be food trucks, live
entertainment and more. NOTE: there will also be an Information Booth on Spring Street and McConnell Blvd. as you enter Celebration Village folks there will be able to handle questions ranging from how to track your athlete to how to get back to your hotel.
