Let’s make a difference together!

Helping More Runners Find Their Way to Your Start Line

Here’s what you need to know upfront: RUNColumbus is not a race producer. We partner with races like yours to create a year-long race series for runners and walkers who love showing up, setting goals, and experiencing the running community together.

Each season, we showcase emerging and established events of various distances, primarily throughout Central Ohio and beyond.

There is no charge to be part of the annual race series. Think of RUNColumbus as a promotional partner with a built-in audience of 300-plus athletes, an engaged team community, and a growing presence across Columbus and beyond.

To be considered for an upcoming season, race directors must complete a brief Race Registration Form by August 1. The upcoming season is announced each year on September 1.

“I just looked at the registration numbers, and we’re almost 150 registrants more than last year – so I am confident RUNColumbus is making an impact.” Carrie Ritzler, Dublin Irish Festival 5K Race Director

Race Considerations

Thank you for your interest in being part of the RUNColumbus Race Series! Our annual season runs from January through December, with the upcoming season announced each year on September 1. Race registration forms must be submitted by August 1 to be considered for the next season. Forms received after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The following criteria are used as a guide when selecting races for the annual RUNColumbus Race Series:

Awards & Swag
Runners like their stuff; what can we say?!

Charity
Partnering with races making a difference in our community is always a plus.

Date
We make every effort not to double-book races so each event receives strong attention and support from our team. The only exception is when one race is on a paved surface and the other is on an unpaved surface, giving runners different race-day experiences.

Distance
We love giving runners options for challenging their fitness, from shorter distances to endurance events.

Field Size
We partner with races of all sizes, from smaller community events to larger regional races.

Location
Most RUNColumbus races are located in Central Ohio and adjacent counties. As our team and interest continue to grow, we are beginning to consider select races beyond Central Ohio.

Surface
We include a mix of paved and unpaved race options to give runners variety throughout the season.

Timing
Accurate timing and published results are required.

Spots in the annual series are limited, so we encourage race directors to submit their Race Registration Form sooner rather than later.

Race Directors FAQs

Can’t find the answer to your question? Email us.

  • Yes. We understand that many races cannot finalize logistics until permits have been approved. Go ahead and complete the Race Registration and use the comment section to inform us what details are pending approval and the timeline for getting approved.

  • As a race director, you know how important it is to get your event (and the important cause it supports!) in front of as many runners as possible. RUNColumbus wants to partner with you in expanding your reach via the RUNColumbus website, social media, and email presence. 

    The better question may be: Why wouldn’t you want to be part of the RUNColumbus Race Series?

  • As participation in the race series grows, so does the number of RUNColumbus athletes signing up for series races. Anywhere from 35 to 100-plus RUNColumbus runners and walkers are typically present at series races.

  • The reason a runner registers for the RUNColumbus Race Series can vary.  The runners we polled listed the following as the top reasons to sign up:

    1. To compete for a RUNColumbus Championship, Division, or Age Group Title.
    2. To complete a minimum of six races in the series and receive the commemorative Finishers Award. (Several runners cited they have never run that many races in a year.)
    3. To earn additional stackable awards. (Everyone loves a challenge!)
    4. To be part of the RUNColumbus Team.

    Registration includes many perks, including RUNColumbus apparel, awards, race registration discounts, and more.

  • Absolutely nothing. Well, it does require a little bit of your time to complete the RUNColumbus Race Series online form.

  • Races that are part of the annual series can expect the following:

    • Listing and link to your race page on the RUNColumbus website;
    • Inclusion in the weekly team newsletter and monthly subscriber newsletter.
    • Features on the RUNColumbus Instagram and Facebook accounts; and
    • Shares of your social media posts to the RUNColumbus accounts.

    While races are not required to support RUNColumbus to be part of the annual series;  we ask races to consider partnering with RUNColumbus in one or more of the following ways:

    • Offer a registration discount to RUNColumbus participants;
    • Provide two complimentary race registrations that RUNColumbus may use as giveaways;
    • Link your race website to the RUNColumbus Race Series website; and/or
    • Mention the RUNColumbus Race Series in your e-newsletters or on your social media platforms.

  • Our desire is to include all races that wish to be part of the series, but inclusion is not guaranteed.

  • Yes! Each season showcases new events as well as a few favorites.

  • Complete the online form expressing interest in participating in the RUNColumbus Race Series. We encourage races to apply early. We will follow up with you shortly thereafter.

  • Yes, however, RUNColumbus Race Series participants only earn Participation Points for virtual events. 

  • Race applications are accepted year-round, but we announce the upcoming year’s series schedule on September 1. As such, we highly recommend races wishing to be part of the series to submit their interest form early.

  • No, we’ll leave that to the many experienced race directors and timing companies in Central Ohio.

  • The heartbeat of RUNColumbus is to see your race grow, and in turn, increase support to your charity. Only RUNColumbus participants will receive specific information about discount codes. While RUNColumbus cannot be held liable for someone sharing the code with a non-RUNColumbus runner, we will make every effort to communicate the importance of keeping codes confidential.

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