Spring marks the start of race season for runners and walkers across Ohio! After winter training indoors, racers across the region look forward to returning outdoors to accomplish their fitness goals.
Check out these races to fill up your spring schedule!
1. Scioto Miles
Sunday, March 1st, 2026, 8 AM and Sunday, March 22nd, 8 AM | Columbus, Genoa Park at the Scioto Mile
This series lets you choose how much you want to run while taking in one downtown’s most scenic parts! You can choose to run a 5K, 10K or 15K, and if you sign up for both dates, you get a pair of Asics running shoes. There will also be a free half-mile run for kids 12 and under, so the whole family can get in on the fun!
2. Crooked Shillelagh 4 Miler
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 | 5 PM | Hilliard, Crooked Can Brewing Co.
The fourth-annual Crooked Shillelagh four-miler run/walk will feature a scenic tour of Old Hilliard and the Heritage Rail Trail, finishing at Crooked Can and the Center Street Market, followed by a post-race party and concert! All participants will receive a race hoodie, a finisher’s medal and a race bib.
3. Pi Day Race for Inspiration Station
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 | 9 AM | Circleville, Mary Virgina Crites Hannan Park
With a mission to engage, educate and inspire children of all ages, this race is a great way to get your mind and body moving. Choose from a three-mile walk or run through the multi-sensory route for a guaranteed fun experience. Whether you bring the family or race solo, you have the perfect Pi Day plans.
4. Athens Ohio Marathon
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 | 8 AM | Athens
People have been participating in the Athens Ohio Marathon for over 50 years! Billed as “Ohio’s Longest Running Marathon,” get an up-close look at scenic sites like the Ohio University campus and Hocking River Valley while you get re-acquainted with outdoor running.
5. OhioHealth Race for a Reason
Saturday, April 24th and 25th, 2026 | Athens, Ohio University
This seven-race event allows you to choose your reason for giving. A portion of the registration fee goes to your chosen charity, nonprofit, or student organization. Whether you want to compete in a triathlon or a 5k, or even spice it up with a mud run obstacle course, there’s a fun way to be active while giving back to the community.
6. 20th Annual Capital City Half Marathon/Columbus Promise 5k
Saturday, April 25th, 2026 | 8 AM | Columbus, Downtown
The Capital City Half Marathon, celebrating its 23rd year, has races for runners of all distances and experience levels. Recognized as one of the premier races in the Midwest, this event brings out everyone from professional marathoners to first-time 5K walkers! There’s also plenty of family-friendly fun to keep your supporters entertained while you move through Downtown Columbus.
7. Parkinson’s Walk for a Cure
Saturday, April 25th, 2026 | 9 AM | Circleville, Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park
This year’s walk is the 15th annual Parkinson’s Walk for a Cure. This event brings families and friends together to raise awareness of the growing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in Pickaway County. Show your support for those persons and caregivers in our community experiencing the real-life challenges of Parkinson’s disease, as we raise funds to advance research to find a cure through the Parkinson’s Foundation. You’ll also get a cool T-shirt.
8. McConnell 5k Run and One-Mile Walk
Saturday, May 9th, 2026 | 8:30 AM | Columbus, McConnell Heart Health Center
Join the OhioHealth Foundation in a morning of exercise, awards and prizes at the 15th annual McConnell 5k Run and One-Mile Walk. Explore the outdoor trail at the McConnell Heart Health Center with your fellow runners or enjoy the scenery on a walk with family and friends. Register online and receive a free race day shirt.
9. Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 | 8:45 AM | Columbus, North Bank Park
The Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure has become a destination event for runners, walkers and families looking to fight breast cancer. Thousands of participants will be decked out in pink clothing and accessories to raise money to support breast cancer research at this race. We’d love for you to join us on Team OhioHealth!
10. Walk MS
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 | 10 AM | Bexley, Capital University
Support an important cause and connect with your community during this year’s Walk MS experience. With options for a one-mile or three-mile route, gather your circle of support and hit the road. Walkers who raise $100 will receive a special MS fundraiser shirt.
11. FORE! Miler
Thursday, May 28th, 2026 | 7 PM | Dublin, Muirfield Village Golf Club
Excited for the Memorial Tournament? So are we! This four-mile run tees off around parts of the golf course, and you also get an official race shirt, a finisher’s medal, an official race bib, a free practice round ticket, free admission to the Post-Race Party and $5 off your next M3S sports event!
12. Columbus 10K
Sunday, June 7th, 2026 | 8 AM | Columbus, North Bank Park
In its 49th year, the Columbus 10K is considered “The Oldest Road Race in Columbus.” Registration includes a finisher’s medal and t-shirt, and there is a kids’ race, so you can get the whole family involved! Stick around for the post-race party for a free beer waiting for you from Nocterra Brewing, live music, and vendors.
13. Walk with a Doc
Varying dates based on location | Central Ohio
Founded in 2005 by cardiologist Dr. David Sabgir, Walk with a Doc is the perfect opportunity to get your exercise in while learning about health and meeting new people. Free to everyone, check out where you can walk with a doc all across central Ohio.
Want to kick off your running journey, but not sure how? The OhioHealth Runner’s Clinic can help you get to the starting line.
