FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
40th Anniversary Race Registration Opens February 1
(COLUMBUS, OH) - Registration opens on Feb. 1 for the 40th anniversary
Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. The event
will take place on Oct. 20, 2019.
"This is a major milestone year for our event. The Columbus Marathon was
first conceived as a great way to put Columbus on the map. Forty years
later, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of participants from all
fifty states and more than 40 countries," said Darris Blackford, Race
Director of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon. "The
cherry on the top is that the event has raised more than $8 million for
Nationwide Children's Hospital since our partnership with them began in
2012. We can't wait to celebrate all our accomplishments on this special
celebration year."
Runners and walkers can register for the event at www.columbusmarathon.com.
Early registration remains at $75 for the Marathon and $60 for the 1/2
Marathon until Feb. 14. More than 100,000 people are expected to watch the
race, with more than 3,000 volunteers lining the 26.2-mile course.
"I strongly encourage everyone to register as soon as possible-both because
it's a better value the sooner you register, as the registration fee rises
as we get closer to the race date; and also, to ensure you have a slot in
the 40th anniversary event," said Race Director Darris Blackford. "Plus,
it's a great fitness goal as you head into 2019."
Each year, Columbus Marathon participants weigh in on their race experience
in a post-race survey that the Race Director reads and makes updates and
improvements accordingly. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, the Columbus
Marathon is making the following improvements to the 2019 event:
- Course Time Limit Extension: The 1/2 Marathon course limit will remain at
four hours to complete the 13.1-mile course (an 18:20-minute-mile pace),
while the Marathon course limit will be extended to 6.5 hours for the
26.2-mile course (a 13:44-minute-mile pace). This is a 30-minute extension
to the 2018 course closure time.
- Other Improvements: Better signage will be placed in start area corrals
and along the course, more restrooms will be available for spectators, and
there will be additional restrooms placed within the first 13 miles of the
race. Plus, special enhancements will be added to celebrate the 40th
anniversary of the Marathon.
"These changes keep the event fresh and ultimately improve the race
experience for our athletes and spectators as we continue to make the
Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon the premier
running, walking and racing event in the Midwest," Blackford said.
Athletes can visit www.columbusmarathon.com for event information,
including how to become a Children's Champion to raise money for Nationwide
Children's Hospital. The website also features hotel information; Blackford
encourages athletes who are visiting Columbus to book early, as the room
block always sell out quickly.
About The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will be
held on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. The Marathon is now in its 40th year. In its
14th year, the 1/2 Marathon is the largest in Columbus. Approximately $8
million has been raised for Nationwide Children's Hospital since it became
the title beneficiary of the event in 2012. For more information, visit
www.columbusmarathon.com.
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