5k Run or Walk: Columbus Races Roundup for 2024

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 2024, 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.

pixabay: maxmann

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 27, 2024 in Downtown Columbus

The “Best Tour Of Columbus On Two Feet” will again feature a distance for everybody: OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon (13.1 miles), OhioHealth Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) and the Columbus Promise 5K (3.1 miles). 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 celebrate at the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line Part & PNC Post-Race Concert Featuring North To Nashville. 

image: OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon

PanCAN PurpleStride Columbus

Saturday, April 27, 2024

PurpleStride is the ultimate walk to end pancreatic cancer. It’s an inspirational day to honor those we lost, celebrate survivors and turn the nation purple!  PurpleStride is open to the public, and is a family friendly event. Although this event is FREE to attend, those that fundraiser or donate $50.00 will be eligible to earn a PurpleStride Columbus T-Shirt! Register here.

Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Parkway, Dublin

PanCAN PurpleStride Columbus

The DYE HARD 5K – It’s a RACE and a P*A*R*T*Y!

Sunday, April 28, 2024, 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! 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 28, 2024 – 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 

Register here.

UACA Memorial Day Run

May 27, 2024 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!

See website for additional information

5K for K9s

September 14, 2024

Register today to run or walk at Alum Creek State Park Beach Area with your 2-legged and 4-legged friends to help us save sick and injured dogs at Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center.

Learn more: https://www.5kfork9s.com

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Columbus

Sunday, October 27, 2024 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.

Register or learn more at www.makingstrideswalk.org/columbus

Drill4Life 5k – Water is Life

November 2, 2024 at 9 am at Highbanks Metro Park

Help to bring water to those who desperately need it. Drill4Life is a charitable organization whose sole focus is providing freshwater resources for drinking & sanitation for the people living in rural Zimbabwe.

Registration is $35 before event, or $40 on the day. Register here. 

Check out these other upcoming races!