Columbus is a fun city to run & walk in. Whether you’re training for an upcoming race or just getting some cardio, we compiled a few of our favorite ways to see the city on foot.
Fast Fact Guide
Look for these icons next to each route
#️⃣ Miles
🏙️ Sidewalks
👟 Paved Path
🌳 Park Views
💧 River Views
🏟️ Stadium Views
Scioto Mile Loop 3️⃣👟💧🌳
Distance: 3.17 | Elevation: 93 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: North Bank Pavilion | Parking: Street
This 5k friendly route is almost entirely on the paved paths of the Scioto Trail. You’ll be running next to (and over) the river the whole time with great views throughout.
Highlights: start of Columbus Marathon, Columbus 10k, North Bank Park, Scioto Water Park, Genoa Park, COSI, Scioto River, Confluence Boat House, connection to Olentangy Trail, deer statues.
The Hat Trick 3️⃣🏙️👟💧🌳
Distance: 3.0 | Elevation: 100 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Nationwide Arena | Parking: Street, Arena Lots
We call this three mile run the Hat Trick because it starts and ends at Nationwide Arena, home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. You get a good mix of city streets and paved trails as you run past downtown buildings to the banks of the Scioto River.
Highlights: High Street, Nationwide Arena, Genoa Park, Scioto Mile Water Park, deer statues, COSI, Scioto River
“Sports Street” Tour 2️⃣🏙️🏟️
Distance: 2.52 | Elevation: 78 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Spruce & High | Parking: Street, Convention Center Lots
Columbus’ four professional teams - Blue Jackets (NHL), Crew (MLS), Clippers (AAA) and Fury (PVF) - play in three stadiums within a half-mile of each other. So it only makes sense to call this stretch of Nationwide Boulevard Sports Street. Since 0.5 miles is just a warm-up, we have you start at the Arnold Schwarzenegger statue outside of the Convention Center. From there, you’ll turn down Sports Street to run past Nationwide Arena and Huntington Park before doing a lap around Lower.com Field and heading back.
Highlights: Arnold Statue, Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, Lower.com Field, Olentangy Trail connection
Short North Shortie 2️⃣🏙️🌳
Distance: 1.62 | Elevation: 41 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Spruce & High | Parking: Street, Goodale Park, North Market Lot
Although it’s only 1.6 miles, it might take you a little longer if you stop to shop or sip in the Short North. On the other hand, you could use the temptation to quicken your pace so you can get done, get cleaned up and get out to dinner. You’ll run under the city’s famous Short North Arches and around Goodale Park for a quick tour of one of Columbus’ favorite neighborhoods.
Highlights: Short North Arches, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Arnold Statue, North Market, Goodale Park, Convention Center
Downtown Theater Landmarks 2️⃣🏙️
Distance: 1.57 | Elevation: 41 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Columbus Commons | Parking: Street, Columbus Commons Lot
Just south of the Arena District is Downtown Columbus. Start at Columbus Commons and head through downtown past some of our city’s most notable theaters. The Commons offers a large green space that’s good for a pre-run stretch and a post-run sit.
Highlights: Ohio Theater, Palace Theater, Southern Theater, Columbus Commons, Start Line & Finish Line party location of the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon.
Schiller Park 1️⃣🏙️👟🌳
Distance: 1.14 | Elevation: 41 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Spruce & High | Parking: Street (free)
Historic German Village is known for brick streets, homes and shops and the 32-room Book Loft. Schiller Park is at the center of the village and this route takes you around the park and then some.
Highlights: Schiller Park, German Village Homes, Jeni’s Ice Cream, nearby connection to Scioto Audubon
Sneakers ‘Round the ‘Shoe 1️⃣🏙️👟🏟️
Distance: 1.0 | Elevation: 43 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Ohio Stadium | Parking: Ohio Stadium Lots
This short route takes you around one of the most iconic football venues in the country. The iconic Ohio Stadium recently turned 100 and is still adding big games to its resume, hosting the College Football Playoff in 2024 and the NHL Stadium Series in 2025. Start and finish outside of Gate 22 and keep the Horseshoe in your sights for the full mile.
Highlights: Ohio Stadium, Olentangy Trail, RPAC, Start & Finish of the Ohio State 4 Miler
Campus Cruise 3️⃣🏙️🏟️
Distance: 2.85 | Elevation: 30 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Ohio Stadium | Parking: Ohio State Visitor Lots, Ohio Stadium Lots
A longer jaunt in the University District, this route takes you through Ohio State’s expansive athletic campus. Start at Ohio Stadium, then hang a left on Woody Hayes. Pass the time by counting how many stadiums and arenas you see. The Buckeyes have 36 varsity teams, and you’ll pass nearly all of their home venues.
Highlights: Ohio Stadium, Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, Bill Davis Stadium, Schottenstein Center, St. John Arena, Olentangy Trail connection, RPAC
Colleges and Murals 3️⃣🏙️🌳
Distance: 2.72 | Elevation: 43 feet | On Strava
Start/Finish: Ohio Stadium | Parking: Street
Start at Topiary Park and you’ll only have to make six turns on this two and three-quarter mile run. You’ll pass several pieces of art including murals and structures as well as see the historic King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood.
Highlights: Lincoln Theater, Maroon Arts Group, Long Street Mural, Spring Street Mural, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus State Community College
Looking to experience many of these routes & Columbus highlights in an exciting race atmosphere? Join the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon - it’s the best running & walking tour of Columbus!
These routes were created by Chris Glover with help from M3S Sports. Connect with them on Strava:
