Run or Walk: Columbus Races Roundup for 2023

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 2023, 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.

OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

April 29, 2023 in Downtown Columbus

The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon, OhioHealth Quarter Marathon & Cap City 5K celebrates its 20th Anniversary. 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 ceelbrate at the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line Part & PNC Post-Race Concert Featuring North To Nashville.

Runners at OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

image: OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Central Ohio Chapter Great Strides Committee Chair I am reaching out to inquire about submitting a local Cystic Fibrosis Foundation event in your community that benefits CF families in our community. Everyone is invited, not just CF families but those that would like to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation mission.

The DYE HARD 5K – It’s a RACE and a PARTY!

Sunday, April 30, 2023, 10 a.m.
Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S Charleston Pike, Springfield, OH 45505

Run or walk in the most colorful 5K ever! Sign up today for fun, food trucks, music, and TONS of color! Proceeds benefit people with developmental disabilities. The route is grass with a few rolling hills. Kids 10 and under are FREE! Groups of 6 or more get a $6 discount per person. Prizes are awarded to top finishers and first-place finishers in age groups. Come to race, or just have fun!

SIGN UP HERE: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Springfield/DyeHard5K

Columbus Great Strides 5K

April 30, 2023 – 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

UACA 51st Memorial Day Run

May 29, 2023 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!

Early Bird Pricing until April 17 – $35 for 5K – see website for additional information

Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Columbus

October 8, 2023 at Glacier Ridge Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd, Plain City
The Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Columbus raises funds, awareness and hope for the local brain tumor community! Funds raised benefits The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and other national brain cancer programs, education, and initiatives. Register here.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Columbus

Sunday, October 29, 2023 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.