Run or Walk – 5k Races in Columbus for 2026

Race entry frees aren’t exactly cheap, but registering for races helps people stay accountable with a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine. Being healthy IS frugal. Find races in Columbus that support causes close to your heart, or that have the best swag bag!

Running in the USA already has 70+ Columbus races listed for 2026, and many more will be added. You’ll have no problem finding the ones that works for you! 

If you want to get into or keep your exercise routine consistent, sign up for a few races to keep you on track.

Whether you want to sign up for one per month, every other month, or train for the half or full marathon, you’ll find plenty of options.

Many races also benefit a charitable organization in some way and offer great swag, so check around the list to see what suits you best. 

See the links below where you can find dozens of race options, along with a few highlighted races after you scroll.

Classic Races within 25 miles of Columbus

Run/Walks, Trail Runs, Stair Climbs. 

Multi-sport within 25 miles of Columbus

Duathlon, Triathlon, and Aquathons

Variety Runs within 25 miles of Columbus:

Obstacle Courses, Adventure Races, Novelty Runs

Volunteer!

Not ready to jump in yet?  Most races need volunteers to help run the event, and volunteers get t-shirts and other swag for helping before, during, or after the race.

Featured Run/Walk Races in Columbus

Do you have a race you’d like featured on Columbus on the Cheap? Email news@columbusonthecheap.com with complete details and signup link for consideration. 

Stroll for Epilepsy

February 28, 2026 at 9 am.
Register here. $15 for children 12 and under, $30 for adults

A fun, family friendly event that all can take part in. All participants who register receive a colorful event t-shirt and Treasure Hunt card. With the card, participants walk throughout the mall visiting Treasure Hunt stops. At the stops, participants will answer questions about epilepsy and receive a special stamp on their card. After visiting all the stops, participants will then return to the Center Court area to enter their card into a drawing. There will also be live entertainment, a silent auction, and much more!

Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240

Hustle for Habitat 5K Run/Walk

April 18, 2026 at 9 am at Hoff Woods Park

5K Run or Walk to raise funds in support of homes being built by Habitat for Humanity of Delaware & Union Counties. Family-friendly run/walk. Registration $40 for each runner/walker.

Website for event: https://www.westervillehabitatpartnership.org/events

AIDS Walk Ohio 2026

April 18, 2026 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

As one of the largest events in the state to bring awareness and critical funds to HIV/AIDS, the 5K run/walk has raised more than $2 million for treatment and prevention programs since its start in 1991. AIDS Walk Ohio is one of the largest events in the state to bring awareness and criBcal funds for

The 5K run/walk will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a pre-race party at 9:30 a.m. In-person registraBon will also be available beginning at 9 a.m. for those who do not register online. Register here. 
Genoa Park 303 West Broad Street, Columbus

OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

April 25, 2026 in Downtown Columbus

The “Best Tour Of Columbus On Two Feet” will again feature a distance for everybody: OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon (13.1 miles), OhioHealth Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) and the Columbus Promise 5K (3.1 miles). Registration is now open!

The event features OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon will again feature the Half Marathon (13.1 miles), OhioHealth Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) and Cap City 5K (3.1 miles). Afterward celebrate at the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line Part & PNC Post-Race Concert Featuring North To Nashville. 

PanCAN PurpleStride Columbus

Saturday, April 25, 2026

PurpleStride is the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer. It’s an inspirational day to honor those we lost, celebrate survivors and turn the nation purple!  PurpleStride is open to the public, and is a family friendly event. Although this event is FREE to attend, those that fundraiser or donate $50.00 will be eligible to earn a PurpleStride Columbus T-Shirt! Register here.

Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Parkway, Dublin

Columbus Great Strides 5K

April 26, 2026 – Huntington Park – 330 Huntington Park Ln. Columbus

By joining Great Strides, you can help make a difference for people living with cystic fibrosis. 

11:00 am         Gates Open/Registration Opens
12:30 pm         Walk Begins
2:00 pm           Event Ends 

Register here.

Autism Speaks’ Walk

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 7:30 am
Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, Ohio
Registration for the Walk: No registration fee, fundraising is highly encouraged. Every participant that raises $100+ will receive a T-shirt.
www.autismspeaks.org/empowercolumbus

UACA Memorial Day Run

May 25, 2026 at 8:30 am at Upper Arlington Fire Station #72 3861 Reed Rd Columbus, OH US 43220
The event has changed distances from a 5 miler to a 5K! Both the 5K and 1 mile courses race through the flat and fast streets of Upper Arlington and provide a great experience for serious and casual runners alike. All proceeds will benefit the charitable functions of the UACA.

Participants will receive an official UACA Memorial Day Run event shirt and Official Finisher’s Medal. Awards given to Top Finishers following the race. We look forward to another great Memorial Day celebration in Upper Arlington!

See website for additional information

5K for K9s

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Register today to run or walk at Alum Creek State Park Beach Area with your 2-legged and 4-legged friends to help us save sick and injured dogs at Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center.

Learn more: https://5kfork9s.com

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Columbus

Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Genoa Park beginning at 9 am.

Making Strides against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer events in the nation. Raising money to help the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking breast cancer research. The organization also provide patient services like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near treatment, and a live 24/7 cancer helpline.

Register or learn more at www.makingstrideswalk.org/columbus

Drill4Life 5k – Water is Life

October 24, 2026 at 9 am at Highbanks Metro Park

Help to bring water to those who desperately need it. Drill4Life is a charitable organization whose sole focus is providing freshwater resources for drinking & sanitation for the people living in rural Zimbabwe.

Registration is $35 before event, or $40 on the day. Register here. 

Check out these other upcoming races!