Recently, it was announced that Nationwide Children’s Hospital would be the title beneficiary of the newly named, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon, for the next three years. The partnership would not have been possible without the continued support of Nationwide Insurance, which remains one of the event’s lead sponsors. The marathon is slated for Sunday, October 21, 2012 in downtown Columbus and is expected to draw a sold-out field of 18,000 participants.
As part of this year’s event, Nationwide Children’s invites the true champions – the patients – to join the marathon as “Patient Champions” – to give marathon participants who choose to be fundraisers for the hospital inspiration to raise money for the nearly 1 million patient visits Nationwide Children’s sees each year.
Opportunities for current and former patients of Nationwide Children’s to become involved with the 2012 race include, but are not limited to:
- Becoming a “Patient Champion” by simply sharing you or your child’s story.
- Nominating a current or former patient to represent a “Miracle Mile” – there will be 26 “Patient Champions” representing each “Miracle Mile” of the 26.2-mile marathon course.
- Cheering on and encouraging marathon participants at special “Patient Cheer Stations” along the course on race day.
In addition, the last .2 mile of the marathon course will be dedicated to every single child that has been and is currently being treated at Nationwide Children’s – the “Rally Alley.” Photos of “Patient Champions” will be displayed in the Rally Alley – a perfect way to provide that last ounce of encouragement participants need to cross the finish line.
Current and former patients may submit their story to become a “Patient Champion” by visiting www.NationwideChildrens.org/patient-champions-share-your-story or the hospital’s Facebook page.
About The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon
The 33rd Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2012 and will have the capacity of 7,000 full Marathoners and 11,000 1/2 Marathoners. Registration is officially open. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon is among the 20 largest marathons in the United States and is one of the top marathons to qualify runners for the Boston Marathon. For more information, visit www.columbusmarathon.com or call 614-421-7866.