Columbus Marathon

ColumbusOhioUnited States

Next race

Sunday, 18 October 2026

7:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 159 m gain

159 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Columbus Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Columbus, United States. The course starts and finishes at North Bank Park (311 W Long St). The route passes the Ohio Statehouse, Short North, Ohio State University, German Village, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Very flat throughout.

Columbus Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 4,500 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid autumn
11–16°C · humidity 65–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:11:02 — Tommy Persson (1980)Women: 2:28:15 — Lyudmyla Pushkina (2003)

Course & terrain

Columbus Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Columbus Marathon is a very flat loop starting and finishing at North Bank Park (311 W Long St), passing the Ohio Statehouse, Short North, Ohio State University, German Village, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Its profile favors even pacing and qualifying attempts, and spectators gather at North Bank Park and along High Street through the arts district and campus.

Columbus Marathon route map

Registration

Columbus Marathon entry requirements

For the Columbus Marathon, absolutely. The flat course combined with cool October temperatures — typically 7–15 °C — makes Columbus one of the most reliable BQ races in the Midwest. Many runners choose it specifically for its combination of a fast course, manageable field size, and autumn conditions.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Columbus Marathon elevation profile?: The Columbus Marathon has 159 metres of total climbing and 159 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Columbus Marathon route map?: This page includes a Columbus Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Course passes the Ohio Statehouse, Short North, OSU, German Village, and Nationwide Children's Hospital.
How long is the Columbus Marathon?: The Columbus Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at North Bank Park (311 W Long St).
What time does the Columbus Marathon start?: The 2026 Columbus Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Is the Columbus Marathon Ohio's largest marathon?: Yes. The Columbus Marathon is the largest marathon in Ohio, drawing over 18,000 participants across all race distances on marathon weekend, with the marathon itself attracting approximately 4,500 finishers.
How flat is the Columbus Marathon course?: Columbus is one of the flattest major marathons in the Midwest, with only approximately 159 metres of total climbing — nearly all gentle rollers with no significant sustained hills. The flat profile is a primary reason runners target Columbus for BQ attempts.
Is Columbus a top Boston Qualifier race?: Absolutely. The flat course combined with cool October temperatures — typically 7–15 °C — makes Columbus one of the most reliable BQ races in the Midwest. Many runners choose it specifically for its combination of a fast course, manageable field size, and autumn conditions.
When is the Columbus Marathon held?: The Columbus Marathon is held in October, typically on the third Sunday, at the heart of Ohio's autumn season when the university city is at its most vibrant and the weather is ideal for racing.
Where does the Columbus Marathon start and finish?: The race starts and finishes in downtown Columbus near Nationwide Arena, with the course looping through the Short North arts district, Victorian Village, and Columbus's diverse urban neighbourhoods before the downtown finish.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Columbus.

CincinnatiOhioUnited States· 160 km away

Flying Pig Marathon

The Flying Pig Marathon is Cincinnati's beloved spring race, drawing about 10,000 finishers through the city's seven hills and across the Ohio River. Named for Cincinnati's pork-industry heritage, the Pig features enthusiastic local crowds, a tour of downtown, Eden Park, and the riverfront, and a finish festival at Sawyer Point. May weather and rolling terrain make it a challenging but festive Midwest marathon.

Next race: Saturday, 1 May 2027

AkronOhioUnited States· 177 km away

Akron Marathon

The Akron Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each September through the Rubber City on the Ohio & Erie Canal. The course passes Stan Hywet Hall, the Akron Art Museum, and the canal towpath on rolling northeast Ohio terrain. September's crisp Midwest autumn and the intimate community atmosphere make it one of Ohio's best-loved marathons.

Next race: Saturday, 25 September 2027

FalmouthMassachusettsUnited States· 183 km away

Cape Cod Marathon

The Cape Cod Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Falmouth, United States. Its autumn timing captures Cape scenery after summer crowds fade. The route passes sea inlets, cranberry-country roads, and breezy sections with Buzzards Bay views. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

ToledoOhioUnited States· 195 km away

Glass City Marathon

The Glass City Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April on an urban road in Toledo, United States. It is one of the Midwest's best-known Boston-qualifier courses because the layout stays smooth and fast. The course passes Old West End boulevards, Ottawa Park, and wide residential roads designed for uninterrupted rhythm. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

ClevelandOhioUnited States· 203 km away

Cleveland Marathon

The Cleveland Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Cleveland, United States. The course starts and finishes in downtown Cleveland. The route crosses the Hope Memorial Bridge, passes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and follows the Lake Erie shoreline. Hilly with climbs on the Hope Memorial Bridge and through Ohio City.

Next race: Saturday, 15 May 2027

PittsburghPennsylvaniaUnited States· 261 km away

Pittsburgh Marathon

The Pittsburgh Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers on an urban road in Pittsburgh, United States. The course starts and finishes at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The route crosses the city's three rivers via multiple bridges, passing PNC Park and Mount Washington. Hilly with repeated bridge climbs throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

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Marathon Course Profiles Explained

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