Thousands of athletes are set to embark on the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon this weekend. The 46th annual marathon and expo returns to Columbus Oct. 16-18. But there's a reason why Columbus Marathon 2026 is being called America's most meaningful race. This is because of the marathon’s unusual connection to children receiving treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The event has raised more than $15 million for the hospital since 2012.
"24 miles are represented by a patient at Nationwide Children’s, one is an inspirational mile for the special children who have been taken too soon, and one is an “alumni mile” for Marathon Mile Champions from past years. These patients and their families will be beside every mile of the course to cheer on participants and serve as a visual reminder of how you, along with the marathon, are helping ill and injured children through your participation," according to the official website.
