Columbus Prepares for Major Marathon Weekend with Road Closures and Transit Reroutes

Columbus, Ohio, is gearing up for a weekend of athletic events with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon set to draw tens of thousands of participants and spectators. With a significant turnout expected, organizers are advising early arrival and pre-booked parking to mitigate anticipated congestion.

This year’s marathon events commence on Saturday morning, October 19th, with races including a half marathon, a 5K, and a 1-mile run. A dedicated children’s run will follow in the afternoon. The main marathon and half marathon events are scheduled for Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

As crowds flock to downtown Columbus, significant road closures are in place. From 9 a.m. on Friday, Long Street, stretching from Hocking Street to Neil Avenue, will be closed until 6 p.m. Sunday. However, it will briefly reopen for a Blue Jackets game between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Additionally, multiple streets will face closures from late Friday to Sunday evening, including rolling closures along the marathon route as participants make their way through the city.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) anticipates extensive delays and changes, with at least 17 bus lines rerouted during Sunday morning and early afternoon. These alterations will impact over 800 stops in areas such as the Short North, Upper Arlington, OSU, and Grandview Heights. Downtown transit hubs will temporarily relocate to Spring and Long Streets near Fourth Street.

During the marathon weekend, nearly 100,000 spectators are expected to cheer on the athletes. Assisting the event will be 3,000 volunteers, while entertainment will be provided by 100 bands and other entertainers along the route. The extensive preparations include nearly 4 miles of fencing, a powerful sound system at the Start Line, and coordination across five police jurisdictions to manage the 26.2-mile course.

Participants will be supported by 200,000 White Castle cups of water, an equivalent number of lemon-lime Gatorade cups, 16,000 bananas, and 600 portable restrooms strategically placed throughout the event area.