The 34th Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon has sold every last spot in the race for the seventh consecutive year.
A field of 18,000 athletes will compete Sunday, October 20, 2013. This is the fastest the marathon has ever sold all its space. Darris Blackford, Race Director, says having Nationwide Children’s Hospital serve as a primary beneficiary helped drive participation, along with the marathon’s growing national reputation as a fast and fun course.
“It’s kind of a big deal to run 13.1 or 26.2 miles; we’re thrilled to see so many commit to the race and the cause we support,” Blackford said. “There is so much excitement about the race, the surprises along the course and the thousands of children we will help through our partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.”
Blackford said 7,000 participants will compete in the full marathon, and 11,000 will take part in the ½ marathon. He said anyone can get involved to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Champions program. Fans will also have the chance to see some special features only found at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon.
- 24 of the “Miracle Miles” will be dedicated to a current patient of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Patient Champions will be on the course on race day to cheer on the participants. Additionally, there will be an “Encore Mile” featuring Patient Champions from last year; and an “Angel Mile” to honor the angels of Nationwide Children’s Hospital who have passed on.
- The marathon course will take runners and walkers through Ohio Stadium. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon will start near the intersection of Broad and Third Streets in downtown Columbus at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 20 for wheelchairs, walkers and runners. The course will be open until 3 p.m.
About The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon
The 34th Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2013 and will feature a sold-out field of 7,000 full Marathoners and 11,000 1/2 Marathoners. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon is the 16th largest marathon in the United States and it’s one of the top marathons to qualify runners for the Boston Marathon. For more information, visit www.columbusmarathon.com.
About Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital is honored to serve as the title beneficiary of the Nationwide Children’s’ Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Each mile in this year's race is represented by a patient at Nationwide Children's. 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. Children’s Champions are participants who chose to run, walk or cheer for the marathon or 1/2 marathon while fundraising for Nationwide Children’s. As a Children’s Champion, these 800-plus individuals are reaching beyond personal training goals to support another mission. To cure, to mend and to comfort each child that walks through the doors of Nationwide Children’s. Their fundraising efforts help provide every child with the highest quality of care, regardless of the child’s diagnosis or the family’s ability to pay. The marathon and 1/2 marathon may be full, but there’s still time to become a Children’s Champion. To learn more about the Patient Champions or fundraising efforts visit nationwidechildrens.org/marathon.