Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus 5K, 1 mile and kids run

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus 5K is back on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Columbus, OH 43215. It's not a standalone race, though—it's part of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend, which also includes a Jesse Owens 5K, a 1 Mile, and a kids run. If you're not in the mood for a full marathon, the 5K is a good way to get in on the action without committing to 26.2 miles.

There's a specific reason for the whole thing. The race powers the hospital's 'Children's Champions' fundraising program, where participants raise money to support life-saving pediatric research and care at Nationwide Children's Hospital. So when you sign up, you're not just paying for a bib; you're contributing to the work the hospital does for kids across the region. It's one of those events where the running is the vehicle for something bigger.

Because it's part of a larger race weekend, there's a bit of a range to choose from. The 5K is the main draw here, but the 1 Mile and the kids run mean you can bring the whole family along, even the little ones who aren't ready for a full 3.1. If you're looking for something a bit more challenging, the marathon and half marathon are running alongside it, so the energy of the whole weekend is built around the hospital.

Keep in mind that the full program for this edition hasn't been officially confirmed yet, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the official updates as the date gets closer. For now, the 5K is set for Saturday, October 17, in Columbus, OH 43215.