The fourth annual Mill Race Marathon will draw thousands of participants and spectators today and Saturday to downtown Columbus.
If you have not seen any of the events previously, it’s worth your time to check them out.
And if you have participated previously as a runner or spectator, you know how fun it can be and should have a similar experience again this year.
Marathon events begin today with the Health and Fitness Expo, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Commons, open to everyone. The expo features about 30 exhibitors, interactive displays, health information, on-the-spot muscle and strain support and apparel and food for purchase. The expo also is a good way for visitors to get information about the Columbus community so they can explore the city’s other offerings.
Children will get everyone’s competitive juices flowing during the Kids Fun Run, which starts at 6 p.m. today at Mill Race Park. More than 1,000 children, from tots to sixth-graders, competed last year in five age divisions. The smiles on the kids faces, their screams of joy and the look of pride when they cross the finish lines are memorable.
Saturday morning is when the main events take place, the marathon, half-marathon and 5K races, followed later by the truck and bike giveaways and the Finish On Fourth After Party festivities of music, games and food. The running events are a chance to encourage family members and friends to reach their personal health goals, and for the general public to offer encouragement for runners. You don’t even have to be downtown to do that, as the course winds through the city, including some neighborhoods and areas perfect for parties, signs and music to provide the runners with a unique experience.
The Mill Race Marathon has developed into one of the community’s must-do and must-see spectacles with its array of running competitions and family friendly activities. It is also important because it financially supports the missions of Healthy Communities and the Columbus Park Foundation, two organizations focused on improving the quality of life for local residents.
Consider taking time one or both days to see for yourself what the marathon is all about. You will be glad you did.
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For more information about the Mill Race Marathon, go online at millracemarathon.com.
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