Columbus Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Christina M.
Massillon, OH

  (10-22-2010)

"Pros: The course was beautiful and very flat for the most part, which was great for my first 1/2. The scenery was great the entire time (some beautiful residential neighborhoods), and the crowd participation as well as live music was fun and in good supply. The tech-shirts were really nice as well (and pink...yay!)

Cons: The organization of the porta-johns at the starting corrals was bad. There seemed to be plenty, but they were very difficult to get to (had to stand in line amongst a large stream of spectators going the opposite direction = stressful before the race). Also, the snacks after the race left something to be desired...severly under-ripe banana halves, hard bagels, donuts and some generic chips... I've had better after-race food at most of the 5K's I've competed in. The goodies in the expo bag were pretty non-existent. I've been to both the Akron and Cleveland expos... and we at least got some free samples of granola bars and what-not. After paying $75, I'd expect a little more."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

John H.
Hilliard, OH

  (02-26-2010)

"This was my first race, and I'm willing to bet I picked a great one to start with! The crowd was great. The bands (when I paid attention to them) were great. Water and Gatorade were plentiful. There were a couple of GU stations, which seemed to pop up right when I needed them.

It took us a few minutes to get started after the gun, maybe 2:30 to go a city block to the start.

It was pretty cold, but what do you expect in Ohio in October. It was crazy to see frost form on people's backs.

Really liked this race. It was my first, so it's set the bar pretty high for the future. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

David P.
Howard, OH

  (02-16-2010)

"Great Race!! My second time completing the half. Will register for the full marathon in 2010. I have only 2 complaints I have is at the start. There are not near enough port-a-potties. The lines were ridiculous. Second, at the start, the runners were smashed together - the pace setters were not spread far enought apart from each other. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Adam C.
San Francisco, CA

  (11-06-2009)

"It was COLD (32 degrees). Ohio is beautiful in the fall. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Bill A.
Greenwood, IN

  (11-04-2009)

"This was my 1st time running this race in Columbus.
I have run 4 previous full Marathons in different states as well as several mini's.
I am used to expo's in Indy, Chicago, Dallas, Disney, & Louisville. The Columbus was alright just more like a mouse maze.
I was happy with the Nike Dry-Fit T-shirt, why white?
The start of the race was the worst I have ever run in... people were crammed like sardines. People were so packed in between the fences that it was impossible to reach the 3:30 pacer. I was at the corral 30 minutes before the gun. Only one big corral and no side access gates. I had to run around joggers and walkers for 2 miles. 16 weeks of training and the corral helped to kill my hopes for Boston with all of the zigging and zagging.
The porta-potties would have been better placed perpendicular to the starting corral instead of part of the starting line.
Several water stops were under-staffed but there was ample Gatorade and water if you wanted to stop and grab a cup off of the tables. Some of the stops were poorly placed and could have been staggered. A nice trick would have been water on one side and Gatorade on the other for the entire run.
The course layout was one of the best courses I have ever run, it was beautiful!
The finish was great!, The spectators were great!. The blanket and food were great! The medal and the hat were super!
The race photos were okay when taken... Overall this was a good race, I would recommend this race but tell everyone to get to the front of the corral at least 45 minutes before the race starts to reach your trained running time. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Justin J.
Columbus, OH

  (11-03-2009)

"My 2nd time running this race was very similar to the 1st... I had an excellent time and PR'd AGAIN.

The expo was once again a bit underwhelming. Not much there to really keep my attention, but it was certainly serviceable and well-organized. I just wish there was a bit more free stuff being given away by sponsors, and maybe some speaking events would have been nice. But maybe I'm just nit-picking...

The swag was OK but the shirt was not as good as the previous year's... I was happy that it was still a Nike Dry-Fit T-shirt, but why white? The 1/2 marathoner shirts were black, but the full marathoner shirts white? Oh well. Happily, they were selling the old T-shirts from last year for very cheap, so I was able to get a few more of those for the gym for just a few bucks.

The start of the race was a bit more problematic this year... people were jammed in so tightly in between the fences that I was completely unable to move forward to start with the pacers I wanted to run with. This was the 2nd year in a row that this happened to me... maybe I should have gotten in line with them much earlier, but it was a bit cold and I wanted to limit my outdoor time. At least there were plenty of porta-potties to go around at the start line, so the wait wasn't too bad for that.

Same as last year, the water stops were well-staffed with volunteers and there was ample Gatorade Endurance and water to go around. I'm a fan of Gatorade Endurance, so I was happy it was back this year. One or two of the stops were poorly placed and caused a bit of a bottleneck, but it was only a couple of the stops.

The course was flat as always with good spectator support through downtown, old Town East, German Village, Upper Arlington, and especially Grandview. The Grandview folks really came out this year and it was great to see.

They started "Buckeye Hill" this year, where they handed out chocolate-peanut butter Buckeye candies at mile 25... the only problem is I can't imagine too many people want chocolate right at that point. At least I sure didn't. At mile 25, I am too focused on moving forward to be able to think about chocolate. Wished it was at mile 10 or somewhere earlier.

The finish was great, with balloons strewn over the street and many cheering spectators. The photos from the race were also excellent... I was amazed at just how many pics were taken of me this year.

Also, I happily got a nice silver blanket at the finish this year to keep warm. The finish also had great food choices this year... donuts, chips, bagels, bananas, water, chocolate milk... boxes upon boxes of stuff. I was very happy with the food available to me.

The medal was better this year as well with a nifty design. Also, I got a nice snug warm running hat to wear home.

All in all, it was a great race and I enjoyed myself immensely. I would recommend this race to anyone. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Bill M.
Columbus, OH

  (10-30-2009)

"Had a great time, the only negative, the pace markings at the start where hard to find, couldn't find the pace person I was looking for, lots of walkers started the race ahead of me so I spent two miles dodging them slowing me down considerably. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

elyse k.
denville, NJ

  (10-29-2009)

"I thought it was great! The course was very easy. I especially loved the music around the course. I'm thinking about doing this one when I feel as if I can qualify for Boston."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Megan K.
Houghton, MI

  (10-22-2009)

"I decided to do the Columbus Marathon before I competed at IMoo, because I was lucky enough to win a free entry through Racevine. Even if I hadn't won an entry, I can honestly say that it would have been well beyond worth the entry fee. I'll get to that later.

I drove down from Houghton to Monroe on Friday and had dinner with my mom, sister, their kids, my grandparents, and my uncle. My mom made mostaciolli and had some rice pasta and sauce left for me. Delicious! I slept in... not too late... and went shopping for interview clothes in the morning with my cousin after playing with my nephew, Seth. I headed to Columbus around 1230pm, and missed my exit off I75. That tacked on about an hour to my drive, but I made it down to Kendra and Tom's by 430pm and we went to the expo.

The expo was much bigger than any other expo I'd been to before. I thought Lincoln National Guard's was big, but I guess this is what I get when I race against 15,000 competitors! We picked up our packets, bibs, D-tags, and race shirts, and bought a couple packs of orange burst Gu from a running shop (I had left my Honey packets at home). Then, we stopped at Whole Foods to grab some dinner and headed back to their house. I took my frozen pizza from Whole Foods with me over to my cousin's (Jenny) place and met her 3-month old baby, Sophia, for the first time! So cute. After eating, I went back to Kendra's, went for a quick run, and got ready for the morning. I was in bed by 930, and slept like a baby. A happy baby.

I woke up before my alarm, which was nice. Halfway through the night, the vial of concentrated Nuun that I had made for race day exploded. I used an old tube of Nuun filled with water and put one tablet of Kona Kola in it. I let it sit out for about an hour before putting the cap on it when I went to bed, but apparently that wasn't long enough. I woke up to a loud "POP!" at 2am and then had a dream that the Nuun spilled all over Kendra's dresser. Luckily, that didn't really happen, but the top did explosively pop off and hit the ceiling. No damage was seen.

After I woke up, I ate a bowl of cereal, drank some nuun, and packed my race food. My race food was a bulging wad of fruit snack that was a little cumbersome in my shorts pocket. I would remedy this later... I took in some caffeine so I didn't get a headache, especially since I hadn't weened myself off caffeine whatsoever. [I don't think I will ever do the "weening" thing again, after having a terrible race in Lincoln in May]

We got in the car and headed to the race around 630, and it was about four blocks to the race start. We stopped by the Convention Center for a bathroom pitstop before heading to the race start, and then hit the portapotties one last time when we arrived. I threw my bag in the big truck (that was really convenient) and Kendra and I headed to find a spot between the 3:20 and 3:30 pace groups.

The race started on time, and I crossed the starting line about a minute after the race clock started. The first mile was relaxed, slow, weaving around people, 7:57. Slower than I wanted, but I tried to stay relaxed. Kendra made a comment that there were something like 40-50 bands along the course, and we started to see and hear them rather quickly. Every major intersection had someone playing an instrument. It was distracting, which was a good thing.

The start was the most crowded start I've experienced yet, with 15,000 runners (half marathoners and marathoners started at the same time). Eventually, the crowd cleared a little and I could see the 3:20 pace group ahead and we stuck behind it at a constant distance for the a few miles. Kendra and I hung at 7:31 for mile 2. Where I wanted to be, but I also knew that I had to pick off 20seconds from the slow first mile. I paid attention to my breathing, and mile 3 had some downhill, so we rolled out our third mile at 7:21. I tried to keep the next three miles right at 7:30s, but the speed varied depending on turns and crowds. We eventually caught up to and got around the 3:20 pace group and I felt good being ahead of the crowd because I could see the road and the race in front of me. However, the pace group did a great job of blocking the wind. Win some, lose some, I suppose! I took some chews exactly at 30minutes and stuffed my food in my sports bra (my shorts pocket kept spilling its contents, and having chews in my underwear was not the most comfortable feeling).


Eventually, Kendra and I split up (around the 10K) and I comfortably sat at 7:20-25s until the half. I felt good and ate some more of my chews. I tried to not let my 12th mile get too fast because of all the half marathoners passing me, so I ate the rest of my chews and was smiling as I ran through the spectator-lined main street. Once the half marathoners split off, the road cleared even more, and it just got quiet. The music bands were a great distraction again. I caught up with a guy exiting the portapotty and we secured the 7:30s for a few miles. There were a few gradual uphills between miles 15-18. I decided to turn it up a notch to see what I could do, and I increased my turnover. My mile 17 was a little fast (7:06), but I didn't know it at the time because I missed my split. I knew it was faster, but I thought that it wasmaybe a 7:15. Then, I started to feel a mini bonk coming over me, and I quickly reached for my rescue Gu in my shirt pocket. I felt the bonk mostly as a factor for my legs and head, aerobically I still felt great. The bonk disappeared and I was on track for a 3:15. Mile 18 was back on to 730s, but I then started to feel a twinge in my hamstring as I started mile 19. I tried to focus on running upright, forward, using my arms. The pain would subside, but then I think I would lose my form again, and the pain would return. I started to develop a limp, and it hurt to push off with my left foot. My stride shortened substantially, and I started to fall apart.
I struggled to keep my pace at 8s. When I would recuperate my form, and look at my GPS, I was around 740min/miles. But, thirty seconds later when I started to slouch, the pain would return and I was running 8:15s. At mile 20, I thought to myself that I could still run a 50min 10K and PR. I am not sure if this thought spoiled my race, but while I was running, I was in pain. I knew that I needed to keep moving forward and that the 6.2miles would be over before I knew it. And they were.


Rolling into the finish felt good because the last 1/4 mile was all downhill. I felt my adductor muscles tighten as soon as I crossed the line, but it felt good to be done. My time was 3:19:51, which is 2 minutes, 20seconds faster than my previous best (my first marathon; Napa Valley).

Mentally, I think I have work to do on my last 10K. Also, I wore my ST3s, and although they made me feel fast for the first 20miles, I wonder if they just weren't enough support for the 26.2. That thought crossed my mind too, and I probably started to make excuses for myself during the race without realizing it. I thought: "Had I worn my Trances, I might not have biomechanically fallen apart." I was really happy with how I did, though, and I felt good even though I didn't quite make my ultimate goal of 3:15. My clothing was perfect. The temperature was ~35F when we started, and with all the people, I avoided the cool breeze and kept warm. I wore gloves until around mile 19, and kept my longsleeve on the whole time. I was comfortable temperature wise the whole time.

The race was phenomenal. The music was a great part of the race atmosphere. The spectators were awesome, and the other people racing were very encouraging. Not too many people wearing iPods, which I found to be a relief. When I crossed the finish line, I was immediately given a space blanket and medal (really cool "spinner" medal with color paint on it). I then got a finisher's hat (fleece) and was corralled to the massage room. Although the massages were disappointing, it was nice to be able to sit around. I went to get my pre-race clothes bag and it was really easy to find. I put on a few layers, found Kendra and Tom, and then we left to get lunch from PF Changs.

What I wore:
Brooks ST3s
Brooks Podium shorts
Brooks PR T
Brooks Equilibrium long sleeve top
Brooks runner PED socks
Brooks Run Happy hat
Cheap (99cent) cotton gloves

What I ate:
Pre race: Envirokids Panda Puffs (a bowl-full, plus a handful, so probably 2-3 cups), 2tablets of Kona Kola Nuun (caffeine) in 1liter water
Race: 2 packets of Honey Stinger chews, Pomegranate and Mixed Fruit (I emptied two packets in saran wrap), 1 Orange burst Gu (with caffeine), Gatorade Endurance on course after mile 17, water at every other station

New things about the race I hadn't experienced before:
-I had never used D-Tags before. Very easy to use. Just don't crease them!!
-TweetMyTime was really nice because it synced with both my Twitter and Facebook. My friends could see how I was doing at the 10K, half, 20mile, and finish!
-Lots of race photos; I didn't see many cameras out on the course, but I had six or seven photos from the race."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Leslie T.
Columbus, OH

  (09-16-2009)

"This is so much fun! Great route, great crowd, fun expo. Walker friendly (although there are a few angry runners who think we (walkers) are in their way and should not be in the race.)

One year, walkers started before runners and wheelchairs/handcycles. This was a mess! The race organizers fixed that challenge the next year. Wheelchairs/handcycles go first, then runners, then walkers! Medals for all at the end! Pizza too!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Justin J.
Columbus, OH

  (08-17-2009)

"The pre-race expo wasn't anything special, not many great things to do or see there, but it didn't matter...
... Because the race itself was well-organized. The stops were well-stocked with good-quality Gatorade. A few of the stops weren't well-placed, as you had to worry about bottlenecking on the narrow road, but it wasn't too bad.

The spectators were pretty good but the OSU campus area was empty with little support there which was disappointing, but running thru Grandview was a treat as the scenery was great with a good crowd. The finish is awesome, downhill the last hundred yards down Nationwide Ave.

The course itself is very flat with only one or two hills of any note towards the last third of the race.

The Nike Dry-Fit T-shirt was good, and the finishers medal was nice.

Overall, I recommend this course to anyone looking for a not-too-big but not-too-small marathon to run that is flat and well-organized. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Chris Z.
Cleveland, OH

  (08-14-2009)

"A++. Hope to Pr again as I ran my best race here on a fast courser. Great aid and support."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 1999

Bob B.
Lewis Center, OH

  (08-13-2009)

"I had never run more than 10 miles before and I really enjoyed my first half marathon. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Matt F.
Columbus, OH

  (08-12-2009)

"I have done the Half Marathon twice! It is a great route, all-flat, beautiful neighborhoods and great crowds along the way. I highly suggest this race!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Sarah Rose C.
Columbus, OH

  (08-12-2009)

"Nice and flat, music along the way, not too crowded, good weather. Very well organized. Great race for first time racers. Lots of spectators along the way."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Alice H.
Columbus, OH

  (08-12-2009)

"Great race! Plenty of porta-potties at each mile. Well-organized. I did this race as a half the year before. This was my first full marathon. Everyone was very supportive and they were still manning the finish line at 5 hours, when I crossed. My favorite part was separate shirts for men and women. My woman's shirt was actually cut in a way that fits! It was a flattering cut! Imagine!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Kyle D.
Florence, KY

  (08-12-2009)

"2008 was the second time I have done this race and I will definitely do it again. The course is great. Love the finish with the big screens. Only downside last year was that they ran out of t-shirts at the expo but did get a race shirt in the mail after the race."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Alan P.
Columbus, OH

  (08-12-2009)

"This was my first full marathon and it was an amazing experience! Planning on running it again this year. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Elizabeth M.
Columbus, OH

  (08-12-2009)

"This was my first marathon and with the exception of the the Boston Marathon, this race had the biggest crowd of any half marathon or full marathon I have ever run! I would highly recommend this race to a first timer or a veteran."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2006

Beth A.
DeWitt, MI

  (08-11-2009)

"The race was organized really well. The course was great too. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Eric K.
Columbus, OH

  (08-06-2009)

"I ran this as my second half-marathon in 2008. Three words describe it - Fun, Fast, and Flat! This is a GREAT race, tons of bands and people on the course, temperature was fantastic, and it goes through some great neighborhoods. My house is about two blocks off the course, so it made it easy for the family to walk over and cheer for me, which was a great pick-me-up! The best part was taking the left turn at the end of the half, knowing I was done, and seeing the full marathon folks continuing on! Looking forward to doing it again this year!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Brent L.
Columbus, OH

  (08-03-2009)

"Great Race - Super Fast! Last 10K is downhill! Great crowds, tons of Bands, and fantastic people. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Ken B.
Copley, OH

  (08-01-2009)

"Greata course and crowd and extremely well organized. Temps are almost always good."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Megan P.
Columbus, OH

  (07-31-2009)

"Great race. Goes thru a number of different areas of town- fun changes of scenery. Not too hilly. Lots of good music. Great enthusiasm from the crowds. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008