Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the 2025 Mill Race Marathon Medals.
Columbus will be welcoming thousands of people today for one of the most collaborative events of the year.
The 13th annual Mill Race Marathon is today, in which hundreds of runners will show their skill, endurance and resilience in one of three races, all starting from downtown Columbus.
The marathon runs with almost textbook precision and that’s not an accident. Few Columbus residents realize the months of planning that go into the event every year to ensure each competitor’s comfort, safety and enjoyment, along with spectators and family members who are here to cheer them on.
In a nation that is so divided on so many levels, it’s remarkable to be able to point out that the marathon each brings together volunteers from the city, county, the business community, law enforcement, and more, working together on a project to promote healthy living in Columbus.
Teams representing all aspects of the community have been meeting since last spring to plan this year’s event. And by planning, we mean down to the last detail — where the cones will be placed, which streets are closed and opened by time, how runners will start their race and complete it and safety precautions at the start, at the finish, and on the course.
A command center is in place to monitor all aspects of what is happening on race day, ready to deploy whatever resources are necessary.
Volunteer bicyclists and those who provide pace times are trained and ready to assist.
There is an entire Mill Race special section in competitor’s packets giving information about everything from who is singing the national anthem to where to park downtown. There’s a gear check area and shuttles to help people get to the start line.
Everything has been planned down to the best detail possible.
This is something to be celebrated on our community.
In a time when so many people appear to be unable to work together in any capacity on a national level, Columbus is showing how it’s done on a local level.
Race coordinator Joel Sauer, race director Randy Stafford, and main sponsors Cummins, Columbus Regional Health and ZwanzigZ should all be commended for their leadership and stewardship of this ongoing community event that showcases what Columbus can do as a community, working together.
And today, good luck to the runners, who will enjoy the race today because of the hard work of these marathon organizers and all the volunteers who are here to help.
