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What’s Around: Races in Columbus (Summer 2018 Edition)

May 18, 2018

Whether you’re a veteran runner or simply a casual, cause-driven participant, downtown Columbus plays host to dozens of different races–including 5Ks, 10Ks, fun runs and bike rides–that test your endurance and raise money for incredible charities. In fact, there’s at least one race in Columbus almost every weekend this summer!
In our latest installment of What’s Around – a series that gives locals and visitors a look at the various shopping, culture and entertainment options available in the Arena District – learn more about the various summer races held in Columbus in 2018.

Komen Columbus Race for the Cure | May 19, 2018 | Columbus City Hall
On May 19, just a few blocks from the Arena District, Downtown Columbus will be buzzing with thousands of people in pink– all running and walking to raise money for breast cancer research, care and action during the 2018 Komen Race for the Cure. To kick off the race, a Survivor Ceremony and Expo will be held to celebrate local women who have won their battle with breast cancer.
Click here to register for the 2018 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure.


PetPromise Rescue Run | May 26, 2018 | McFerson Commons Park 
On the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend 2018, visit McFerson Commons Park in the Arena District to participate in the PetPromise Rescue Run – a dog-friendly 5K run/walk, 1K fun run and festival that promotes awareness of pet overpopulation and supports efforts to change the future for homeless pets through education, rescue, sterilization and adoption
Click here to register for the 2018 PetPromise Rescue Run in downtown Columbus.

Columbus Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K | June 2, 2018 | McFerson Commons Park
Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K Columbus–also known as BT5K Columbus–is a signature race hosted by the American Brain Tumor Association, and held at the beautiful McFerson Commons Park in the Arena District. Recognizing the 700,000+ people in the United States living with a brain tumor diagnosis, supporters of this 3.1-mile walk/run allow the ABTA to fund brain tumor research, patient programs and support services.
Click here to register for the 2018 BT5K Columbus.

Columbus Charity Day 5K | July 2, 2018 | Downtown Columbus
On Fourth of July weekend, the Charity Day 5K run/walk kicks off the annual Red, White & BOOM festivities in downtown Columbus. Starting at Spring Street–just east of Neil Avenue–this race features a collaborative fundraising effort of several different charitable organizations in Columbus, all running the same course to raise money for their respective initiatives. Immediately after this evening summer race in Columbus, spectators and participants are invited to attend an entertaining party hosted by Red, White & Boom!
Click here to register for the Charity Day 5K in downtown Columbus.

Columbus Frosty 5K | July 15, 2018 | Huntington Park
On a hot summer day, nothing sounds better after running a 5K than an ice cold Wendy’s Frosty waiting for you at the finish line. That’s exactly what you’ll get if you run the Columbus Frosty 5K–held at Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers and located just down the street from Nationwide Area. This summer race through downtown Columbus–hosted by Wendy’s–raises money and awareness for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a nonprofit dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
Click here to register for the 2018 Columbus Frosty 5K.

Pelatonia | August 3-5, 2018 | McFerson Commons Park
More of a biker than a runner? Founded in Columbus in 2008, Pelatonia–held at McFerson Commons Park in downtown Columbus–started as a grassroots bike tour that has turned into a purpose-driven organization with a mission to accelerate funding for innovative cancer research. To date, the annual 2-day bike ride–which has routes up to 200 miles long–has brought in more than $2 million, and in 2018 every penny raised will fund cancer research at the Ohio State University’s Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.
Click here to register for the 2018 Pelatonia bike ride in Columbus.

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Bull Run | August 18, 2018 | McFerson Commons Park 
The 2018 Bull Run, presented by Merrill Lynch, is made up of a fun run, 5K and 10K race through downtown Columbus held at McFerson Commons Park in the Arena District. This family-friendly event–now in its 15th year–has raised more than $1 million for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital since its inception. At the 2018 race, money raised will go specifically towards funding the Children’s Clubhouse and Ocean Room programs at the hospital. This is a great way to get involved with charity while also staying fit and active!
Registration for the 2018 Bull Run in Columbus will be available on-site the day of the event.

What other 2018 summer races in Columbus are you excited about? Let us know in the comments below!