If you’re deciding which distance to tackle at the upcoming OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon, you're not alone! Whether you're aiming for a 5K, Quarter Marathon, or the Half Marathon, each option has unique challenges and rewards.
Here’s a guide to help you decide and prepare for the biggest running and walking celebration of 2025!
Step 1: Assess Your Fitness and Goals
Before diving into distance options, consider where you’re currently at with your fitness level and what your goals are:
- Are you a beginner wanting to test the waters of running & walking events? The Columbus Promise 5K may be a good start. The 5K is also a great option for getting a PR for more experienced runners and walkers! The 5K course will be supported with one Coca-Cola Refueling Station.
- Have you completed a few 5Ks and are looking to stretch yourself? The OhioHealth Capital City Quarter Marathon can be an exciting new challenge. Half of a Half and all of the fun. Enjoy a 6.55 mile tour of Columbus and celebrate your accomplishments at the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line party! The OhioHealth Quarter Marathon will be supported with four Coca-Cola Refueling Stations along the course.
- If you’re a more seasoned runner or walker or looking for a rewarding long-distance accomplishment, the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon may be the choice for you! Bonus: the Cap City Half is the best half marathon for first-timers! The course offers 8 Coca-Cola Refueling Stations and one gu gel station powered by Fleet Feet. Take a 13.1-mile tour of Columbus and enjoy some of the best sights and course entertainment Columbus has to offer! It's a celebration from Start to Finish.
CLICK HERE FOR COURSE MAPS
CLICK HERE FOR COURSE TOUR
Step 2: Register!
Set your goal, get registered & invite your friends and family to join you...because celebrating is better TOGETHER. Invite your friends and family to assess their fitness goals & join you to make this a friends & family CELEBRATION!
Enhance your experience & sign up for the Diamond Cellar VIP Experience! Diamond Cellar VIP Experience Members receive:
- Official VIP 1/4 Zip
- VIP Packet Pick Up
- Free race day parking
- Admittance into the Diamond Cellar VIP Tent on Race Day which features catered breakfast and lunch from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and celebration cocktails from Teremana Tequila and G.H. Mumm.
Step 3: Set your Training Plan
A successful race day starts with a training plan. We have the training resources to get you to the Start Line & Finish Line.
Here’s a breakdown of Cap City Training Resources:
Official Training Plans presented by OhioHealth:
- Don’t know where to start on your training? From beginner to intermediate, OhioHealth has a training plan for every distance & every goal.
Training Tips Powered By Fleet Feet & Marathoner in Training:
- Columbus' leader in running & walking gear and top training program has all the tips to conquering your goals!
Official Training Groups:
- Get to the Start Line & Finish Line together! Check out the Official Training Groups and find your community today.
