On your mark-Get Set to Picture Yourself as part of the famous Columbus Marathon and then GO be a part of this spectacular annual race. This is a rare opportunity to experience athletic history in the making.
Once again the Nationwide Insurance Columbus Marathon will be the star event at the downtown region in Columbus, Ohio.
Spectators, runners and support staff are going to be out in full force as athletes attempt to press beyond their personal limitations.
Will the old course records be broken this year? Only time will tell.
Walkers and runners will position themselves at the Broad and Third Street intersection shortly after sunrise.
Crowds will be lined up along the race route and final preparations will be completed.
From 7:30 in the morning until 3pm in the afternoon the Columbus Marathon course will remain open for participants.
Road To Boston
The marathon in Columbus is recognized as one of the toughest in the world. Approximately 1/5 of the entry field is once again expected to qualify to compete in the Boston Marathon.
In 2010 almost 20% of the runners were invited to participate in this famous Massachusetts distance event.
Do you first want to try out a smaller marathon event in the Ohio Region? The Akron Marathon might be something for you!
RunFest Fever
You can even sign up to be part of the RunFest which is a free event that takes place several weeks prior to the start of the marathon.
In addition to the fun and festivities there will be freebies for everyone to enjoy. You do not have to be a runner to participate in RunFest but there are certain to be many marathon enthusiasts there who will be sharing in the excitement.
RunFest is a fitness celebration that occurs weeks before the actual Columbus Marathon and it will include:
- Free Food and snacks
- Free Training Tips from professional runners
- Free family Entertainment
- Free Live music
- Free Health and Wellness Info
- Free Fitness seminars
- Free Raffles with great prizes
Race History
It was during the first edition in 1980 that a course record was set by a Swedish runner. Tommy Perrson won this challenging distance event with a time of only 2:11:02. No other runner has ever come close to breaking this record.
The 2010 edition was won by native Ohioan Jason Ordway with a time of 2:18:08 and Elena Kaledina from Russia claimed the win for women with a time of 2:44:20.
Course Info
With 30K on the line there is ample incentive for runners to come out and give this race their ‘best shot’. The course for this marathon is unusually fast due to the flat terrain.
Runners will follow a winding, pre-determined track that takes them through Bexley, German Village, the Downtown District, Olde Town East, Short North, Victorian Village, Upper Arlington, Ohio State, Grandview Heights, the Arena District and Short North.
Marathon Training
In addition to your usual training routines participants are encouraged to enter prep events that include the Run with Pride 5K at Goodale Park; the Upper Arlington Memorial Day 5 Miler; the MoveM More Run at Fred Beekman Park; the Columbus 10K and the Columbus Crew 5K.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
Registration
Those who are planning to take part in either the ½ Marathon or the Columbus Marathon can register online. Goody bags for racers and bib tag timers will be available at the Health and Fitness Expo that will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on N. High Street.
Registration information and packets must be picked up during the Expo event. There is no packet pick-up available on racing day.
The Columbus Marathon Expo will draw thousands of visitors during its 2 day run. There will be at least 100 booths set up that are going to be featuring health and fitness related products, information and samples.
Walk Or Run-Just Do It!
The field of competitors is always tough at the Columbus Marathon and each year the stakes and prestige bring out the best in each runner. Every individual is sure to discover at least one race in which they will feel comfortable.
In addition to the full marathon there will be a walking event, a ½ marathon, a wheelchair marathon event and fun races for the casual runners to participate in.
Just do your best and have fun-this is really what the Columbus Marathon is all about.
Whether it is your 20th distance event or a first time effort you will be surrounded by supporters who will cheer you on to the finish line.
If you want to experience excitement, thrills and rewards then this is the marathon you cannot afford to pass up.
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