WHAT IS YOUR RACE CHANGE, REFUND, DEFERRAL AND TRANSFER POLICY?

No refunds are permitted. No deferrals of entry to future years are permitted. No transfers of entry will be permitted after Aug. 31, 2013. NO EXCEPTIONS. These include requests made due to injury, surgery, pregnancy, personal circumstances, date conflicts and professional commitments.
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No switching between the Marathon to 1/2 Marathon will be permitted once the event into which you want to move is sold out.
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There is no waiting list for either event.
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For race change and transfers, our registration system allows you to update your information, including switching between the Marathon and 1/2 Marathon and transferring your entry to another person. Please note that race changes will only be permitted while your desired event is open. As stated earlier, transfers will only be permitted through Aug. 31, 2013.

There is a $15 fee to switch races (plus the difference if upgrading). To change from one race to another, click here.
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There is a $25 fee to transfer your entry to another person. To transfer your entry to another person, click here.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO YOUR FIELD?

Yes, for the past five years, the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon has sold out, so register early! There is a capacity of 7,00 marathoners and 11,000 1/2 marathoners.

IF I TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION, WILL THE PERSON I'M TRANSFERRING IT TO GET TO CHANGE THE SHIRT SIZE AND THEIR NAME ON THE FRONT OF THE BIB?

Yes IF your transfer happened by 8/31! When the transfer form is filled out, the registrant being transferred to will enter all of their information as if they are a new registrant. If there are any problems, they can email registration@columbusmarathon.com and we will make the changes for them manually. Remember, all transfers are due by 8/31. No exceptions.

CAN I PICK UP SOMEONE ELSE'S RACE PACKET AT THE EXPO?

To pick up a race number for someone else, a person must have a copy of the other person's ID, as well as their own picture ID. There will be a table outside the main entrance to the Expo with a large sign that reads, "PICKING UP FOR OTHERS?  START HERE." You will need to fill out a brief form providing contact information, and once both IDs are approved, the form will receive a stamp. You will then proceed to packet pickup with the approved form. You will not need to present your ID or the copy of the other person's ID again.

DO YOU OFFER RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP?

Due to the size and nature of our event, we are unable to offer race day packet pickup.  Participants or their proxies must pick up their race numbers at the Expo, taking place on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19.

I WANT TO DRIVE IN THE MORNING OF THE RACE OR I AM UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE EXPO ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY. CAN I HAVE MY PACKET MAILED TO ME IN ADVANCE?

Unfortunately, we do not have access to race numbers or race shirts prior to the Expo, making it impossible to mail them in advance of the event.  We do, however, allow a proxy or representative (friend, family member, co-worker or running partner) to pick up your number for you, provided they have a copy of your picture ID along with theirs.  You and that representative can then make arrangements to meet on race morning.

CAN I RUN OR WALK WITH AN IPOD OR OTHER PERSONAL MUSIC DEVICE?

The short answer is yes. USA Track & Field has amended Rule 144.3, which pertains to the use of headphones and other electronic devices, to enable race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races to that end, the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon will allow its participants to use an iPod or other personal listening device, but we ask that you keep the volume at a level that enables you to be alert to your surroundings in case there is an emergency. The only exception to this new rule is elite athletes (any athlete competing for prize money) – they are not allowed to use iPods.

WHAT TIMING DEVICE IS THE EVENT USING?

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon will be using the BibTag timing device -- a device that will stay on the back of your bib. Athletes MUST wear their bib in the front and on the outside of their clothing. Additionally, do NOT bend or mutilate the BibTag.

IS THERE A WAY FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO TRACK ATHLETES ON THE COURSE?

This year, the Columbus Marathon is featuring the latest in real-time race tracking technology by providing Live Results via our partner RTRT.me. Note: registration for this service will start the week of Oct. 7.

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Features include:

--Leaderboard: Provides times and current pace, usually within 10 seconds of a participant crossing a split point. After the first split, estimated times for the next point and finish will also be provided (based on current pace).

--Real-time Facebook/Twitter Notifications: Automatic posting as progress is made on the course. As a spectator, the times of the person you are tracking can be posted to your Facebook/Twitter feed automatically, allowing friends and family to share in the excitement. If you are a participant, claim your profile and enable Facebook/Twitter notifications. Your stats will post live as you pass each checkpoint.

--Text Notifications: Sign up online to have splits texted to your Mobile phone via SMS. PLEASE NOTE: Facebook/Twitter/Text results are UNOFFICIAL! Official results will be posted upon completion of the event.

Additionally, there will be maptracking live on columbusmarathon.com and friends and family can keep track of their athlete at three points on the course for the 1/2 Marathon (start, 10K and finish) and five points on the course for the Full Marathon (start, 10K, 13.1, 20 miles and finish).
Registration for RTRT will start the week of Oct. 8. Please check back then for registration details.

HOW OLD MUST YOU BE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL COLUMBUS MARATHON OR 1/2 MARATHON?

You must be 16 years of age (as of 10/20/13) to participate in the full marathon and 12 years of age to participate in the 1/2 marathon.

ARE YOU ALLOWED TO PUSH A JOGGING STROLLER IN ANY OF THE RACES?

No. You are not allowed to run or walk while pushing a jogging stroller. Additionally, bicyclists (with the exception of marathon-sanctioned bicycle athlete escorts), rollerbladers, dogs, etc. are not allowed on the course – only registered participants are allowed on the racecourse during the event.

HOW MANY FLUID STATIONS ARE ON THE COURSE?

There are 20 fluid stations on the course. At each station there will be tables – the first set of tables will offer Gatorade Lemon Lime Endurance Formula and the last set will offer water. Check out the fluid station locations on this course map.

HOW MANY ENERGY GEL STATIONS ARE ON THE COURSE?

There are two stations that will offer ClifShots -- one at mile 9.5 and another at mile 15.5.

CAN I DROP OFF MY EXTRA RUNNER GEAR TO PICK UP AT THE FINISH LINE?

In our Start Area, and specifically at Gear Check, we are instituting new rules to create as safe an environment as possible.

No solid-colored bags, boxes, luggage, etc., of any kind, including grocery bags or even cinch-style “goodie bag” backpacks, will be permitted in the “Athlete-Only” areas of the Start Line or in the starting corrals.

For Gear Check, we will only accept the clear Gear Check Bags you receive at the Health & Fitness Expo. All items you wish to check must be in these bags, and the numbered sticker you receive in your race packet must be on this clear bag. We will not accept any other bags, boxes, luggage, etc., of any kind, including cinch-style “goodie bag” backpacks.

If you arrive at the “Athlete-Only” gates to the Start Area with any other bag, box, luggage, etc., including a cinch-style “goodie bag” backpack that you wanted to take to Gear Check, you will have the opportunity to transfer your items into a clear Gear Check bag, and leave the other bag behind, return it to your car, hotel room, leave it with family or friends, etc. 

WHERE DO I MEET MY FAMILY?

In Celebration Village which is located in McPherson Commons (just beyond the Finish Line.)

WHAT IS THE COURSE ELEVATION?

The course is relatively flat and there is only about 100 ft. of difference in elevation throughout the 26 mile course. See the map here with the elevation at the bottom.

IS THERE ENTERTAINMENT ALONG THE COURSE?

Yes! There will be nearly 100 live bands and radio stations and various neighborhood parties along the route to keep you going! To check out the entertainment that will be on the course, check here.

WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES FOR YOUR SPECTATORS TO WATCH ALONG THE COURSE?

Check out this map to plan the best places to wait for your athlete along the course on Oct. 21; or click here for a description of what you'll see along the way!

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE MARATHON IS COMING THROUGH MY AREA?

Please refer to the pace chart. To plan the best places to wait for your athlete along the course on Oct. 20.

WHAT TIME DOES THE COURSE OFFICIALLY CLOSE?

The 1/2 Marathon course closes in 3.5 hours, and the Marathon course closes
in 7 hours. If I am unable to maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace in the Marathon past Mile 13, I agree to be diverted to the finish line and awarded a 1/2 Marathon medal and finishing time. If I am unable to maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace past Mile 17.5, I agree to be transported from this spot to the finish line and not to continue the race

ARE THERE OTHER ONLINE SITES FOR THE MARATHON?​

Yes, in addition to www.columbusmarathon.com, there is a Columbus Marathon Facebook fan page, Columbus Marathon Twitter page & Columbus Marathon Pinterest page

HOW CAN I CAPTURE MY MARATHON OR 1/2 MARATHON EXPERIENCE THROUGH PHOTOS OR SOMETHING COMMEMORATIVE?

We partner with MarathonFoto who will be all over the course on Race Day to capture you at various points. They will start posting photos a week to 10 days after the event, so keep checking their website. Additionally, we partner with Lasting Commemoratives, a company that creates beautiful displays that will capture your day. Check here for information and examples of their great work and displays.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE RACE DATES?​

>> Sunday, October 20, 2013
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​>> Sunday, October 19, 2014

​>> Sunday, October 18, 2015

​>> Sunday, October 16, 2016

​>> Sunday, October 15, 2017

​>> Sunday, October 21, 2018

​>> Sunday, October 20, 2019

WHERE CAN I VIEW A MAP OF THE COURSE?

Click here for a map of the full marathon course.

Click here for a map of the half marathon course.

I'M HESITANT TO ENTER MY CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION ONLINE. IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN REGISTER WITH A CHECK OR MAIL IN FORM?

Unfortunately, we do not offer registration by phone or mail-in registration forms.  We understand that some runners are more hesitant than others to enter their credit card information online; in those instances, we suggest that you buy a VISA gift card at any local retailer (Kroger, Giant Eagle, etc.) and use that card to register with.  This way, you are not entering any personal banking information or accounts online, but you are still able to complete the transaction.