Mill Race Marathon festivities begin today with preliminary events leading up to the race on Saturday.
From the Health and Fitness Expo at The Commons today, where runners will pick up their race packets, to tonight’s Kids Fun Run, where future competitors show their stuff, there’s a lot to enjoy even for those not competing.
Here’s a roundup of some of the most important things to know about race weekend as Columbus welcomes runners from all over the world, and all over the city, to its annual marathon.
Competition numbers
Registrations to run in the Mill Race Marathon, half-marathon or 5K are up this year, with the most Saturday runners registered since 2016.
All race registrations increased over 2018 numbers, according to race organizers.
The marathon has 249 competitors so far, the half-marathon has 1,543 and the 5K has 1,499, meaning more than 3,200 runners will take to the courses on Saturday.
Race Day
Race Day on Saturday will start with opening ceremonies at 7:10 a.m. downtown. The marathon and the half-marathon begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the start of the 5K at 7:50 a.m. The Finish on Fourth After Party begins at 9 a.m.
Give-aways
Don’t forget that all marathon and half-marathon participants who cross the finish line are automatically entered to win a brand new RAM 2500 Cummins-powered pickup truck. The winner will be announced at the Finish on Fourth party stage at 3 p.m. and runners must be present to win.
Those who finish the 5K are eligible to win one of four new bicycles, which will be presented at 9:30 a.m. at the Finish on Fourth Stage. These runners must also be present to win. Each bike is valued at $1,000.
Weather
Mother Nature is predicted to cooperate with the running of the marathon this year, although the temperatures will reach the mid-80s as a high, with humid conditions predicted. Weather conditions are monitored from the race control center throughout the day. In case of inclement weather, locations along the route have been set up as shelters.
Kids Fun Run
Hundreds of local students will lace up their running shoes for the annual Kids Fun Run tonight at Mill Race Park, at Fifth and Lindsey streets. The event begins at 6 p.m. for pre-K through sixth graders, with different race lengths based on age. All children crossing the finish line receive a participation medal.
Schools are divided into three divisions based on enrollment numbers. The schools with the highest student participation percentage receive a $500 gift certificate to purchase physical activity equipment. Runners-up receive a $250 gift certificate.
Health and Fitness Expo
Runners and spectators can explore the marathon Health and Fitness Expo from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.
Nearly 30 local and national exhibitors will bring interactive displays and health information, on-the-spot muscle soreness and strain support and retail shopping opportunities.
Columbus Regional Health will showcase the CRH Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center Service to support all athletes competing in the marathon. CRH physical therapists will attend the health expo offering free ASTYM and kinesiology taping services.
Runners and walkers may pick up their packets, and race registration is available during the event. The Health and Fitness Expo is free.
Street closings
A complete list of street closings for the marathon on Saturday, and the times the streets will reopen, has been posted at therepublic.com and was included in the official guide to the marathon which was included in last Sunday’s Republic. Parking restrictions are also included in the list.
Residents who are signed up with the Everbridge Emergency Notification System will receive updates to help navigate through the city while the marathon is going on.
To sign up for Everbridge, go to columbus.in.gov/police and click the “citizen alert” button. Then scroll down to the log-in screen and click “sign up” and follow the prompts.
Still have questions?
For more information about the Mill Race Marathon, visit millracemarathon.com.
For updates and coverage throughout the day Saturday, visit therepublic.com.
For full coverage, photos and a recap of the event, see Sunday’s Republic.
