Thousands expected to take part in 2013 Cummins Marathon
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Andrew Laker | The Republic
The inaugural Cummins Marathon in September 2013 will absorb the Mill Race Race and Mayor%u2019s Walk. Participants in the 2008 15k race were captured in this tilt-shift view as they crossed Jackson Street running down Fifth Street.
The inaugural Cummins Marathon, to be held next year in Columbus, is anticipated to attract thousands of runners and fitness enthusiasts from around the world, the company announced Thursday.
The marathon, scheduled for Sept. 28, 2013, will serve as a certified qualifying race for runners seeking to participate in the Boston Marathon and will be sanctioned by USA Track and Field. Organizers expect 4,000 people to take part.
The event directly aligns with the company’s recent focus on health issues, officials said. Laura Chassé, Volvo customer account executive at Cummins and co-leader of the marathon’s planning committee, said those initiatives have included smoking cessation, wellness classes and more fitness opportunities in Cummins facilities.
“This is a terrific opportunity to combine two things that are very important to Cummins,” said Cummins Vice President David Compton, who serves as the event’s executive sponsor. “Promoting healthy lifestyles and partnering with the local community.”
For runners and walkers not quite ready to tackle the 26.2-mile challenge, the marathon will occur as an extension of the annual Mill Race Race, which will provide participants with 5-kilometer course option.
A half-marathon (13.1 miles) also will be available for runners and walkers.
All three race events are scheduled to begin at the Cummins Corporate Office Building, with marathon runners continuing past Noblitt Park to Owens Bend Park, northwest of Columbus Municipal Airport.
Runners and non-runners can take advantage of the events the night before the race that include a healthy dinner for race participants, a “Kid’s Fun Run” and a Fit Community Expo.
Details about the event are still in the works, but marathon steering committee member Randy Stafford said the cost to participate in the full marathon likely will be about $70.
Stafford, who is also the state coordinator for USA Track and Field, said the tentative price for the Cummins Marathon is comparable to other marathons of its size.
Proceeds from the event will benefit health initiatives in communities in which Cummins has a presence.
A link on the Cummins website will allow people to sign up for the event as early as October. Until then, email inquiries can be directed to cumminsmarathon@cummins.com.
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