Running Events in Columbus | Marathons & Track Meets

Running and Track & Field in Columbus

Local runners, jumpers and throwers have been setting records and winning Olympic medals for more than a century. Columbus has a rich track & field history, led by Ohio State’s Jesse Owens, whose life and legacy on and off the track continue to inspire millions around the world.

Running is big in Ohio's capital city as well as more than 18,000 athletes compete in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Marathon and Half-Marathon weekend in October. The OhioHealth CapCity Half Marathon was named the no. 2 half in the country by USAToday 10Best in 2024.

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OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

Held for 20+ years, with 12,000+ runners annually. In 2024, it was named the #2 half marathon in the US by USAToday 10Best.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon

This annual event has raised $12 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital and brings the community together to support…

The Ohio State 4-Miler

The largest four-mile running & walking event in the country with one of the coolest finish lines around – the 50-yard line at Ohio…

OHSAA Cross Country State Championships

The past three boys and girls state championship events have been held at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park.

Jesse Owens Track Classic

Held every April at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, this meet has featured great athletes over the years, including: Edwin Moses…

OHSAA Track & Field State Championships

Columbus has hosted the boys state meet since 1910 and the girls state meet since 1975, with the exception of 1999 to 2003 when they…

Fast Facts

At the 1935 Big 10 championship meet, Ohio State’s Jesse Owens sets three world records and tied another in the span of 45 minutes: 100-yard dash (tied the record of 9.4 seconds); long jump (26-8 ¼); 220-yard low hurdles (22.6 seconds); and 220-yard dash (20.3 seconds).
Five Buckeyes competed in track & field at the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 in Tokyo): Adelaide Aquilla (United States – shot put), Anavia Battle (United States – 200 meters), Christina Clemons (United States – 100-meter hurdles), Maggie Barrie (Sierra Leone – 100 meters) and Eric Harrison (Trinidad and Tobago – 400-meter relay).
Columbus North High School won the first boys state track and field team championship in 1908.
The Ohio State men and women each won Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field team titles in 2022, the first school to win both since the University of Wisconsin in 1997.