5K races near Bexley

The Walk, Run and Roll 5k takes place at Glacier Ridge Metro Park in Plain City, Ohio, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Packet pickup on race day is available at the park prior to the start. The Central Ohio Spina Bifida Alliance, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving over 50 counties, organizes the event. The race aims to raise awareness of Spina Bifida and support individuals and families impacted by it in Central Ohio. COSBA provides educational materials, social events, and financial aid through its initiatives. Therefore, the 5k functions as a community fundraiser alongside being a morning walk, run, or roll.

Community Refugee & Immigration Services' 5K + Community-Wide Event begins at Genoa Park in downtown Columbus, with the in-person race starting at 10:00 AM. The program features a 5K run/walk, an untimed 1-mile walk, a kids fun run, and a virtual 5K option for those who wish to participate remotely. This event directly supports CRIS, an independent nonprofit assisting refugee and immigrant communities in Central Ohio. The event focuses on providing runners, walkers, children, and remote participants a unified way to support CRIS's mission. The organization aids refugees and immigrants in finding safety and stability, developing self-sufficiency, and integrating into Central Ohio. Its staff represent diverse global backgrounds and speak numerous languages.

Run Like a Girl is an all-women's running series in Westerville, Ohio, offering 5K, 10K, and 10-mile options on the same morning. The races begin between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., providing Central Ohio runners a choice of a short road race, a middle-distance effort, or a longer challenge. The field accommodates a wide range of runners, from first-timers and weekend participants to faster athletes seeking competition. Groups of four or more receive a per-person registration discount, aligning with the event's emphasis on friends registering together as well as individual runners testing their limits.

The Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, held in Columbus, Ohio each October, features a marathon, half marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile race, Kids Run, and a Gold Medal Challenge. The main courses are fast, making the weekend suitable for runners aiming for a personal best, those preferring a shorter distance, or families participating with children. Nationwide Children's Hospital is the title beneficiary, a partnership over ten years old. Over $15 million has been raised for the hospital, with Children's Champions athletes contributing millions through their fundraising efforts.

The Circleville Classic is a 5K run/walk in Circleville, Ohio, held during Pumpkin Show week. The in-person race begins in the morning, with check-in opening earlier. No same-day registration is available. Participants can also opt for virtual 5K or 5-mile races. The current in-person course circles Circleville High School and utilizes the Roundtown Trail. The event previously featured a traditional 5-mile run, but the in-person race was shortened to a 5K due to safety concerns related to Pumpkin Show traffic. After completing the race, participants are located near downtown Circleville, adjacent to the Circleville Pumpkin Show, known as “The Greatest Free Show On Earth.”

The Rachel & Friends 5k is an October running event in Washington Township, Ohio, featuring a main 5 km race along with 1.6 km and 402 m options. The listed start at 1700 Lyons Rd places the event in a local neighborhood setting. The range of distances offered extends beyond a standard 5k. Participants can select the full 5 km, a 1.6 km route, or a 402 m distance suitable for children or new runners. John Goris is noted for highlighting the race, and registration and event details are available on RunSignup.

The DRILL4LIFE 5K is a 5K run and walk in Lewis Center, Ohio, taking place at Highbanks Metro Park with a 9 AM start. It is designed for runners, walkers, and families, and the mostly paved path makes it accessible for various ability levels. The race benefits Drill4Life, a charity dedicated to providing clean drinking water and sanitation in rural Zimbabwe and sub-Saharan Africa. Their efforts aim to empower villages, improve school attendance for children, and foster healthier daily living through lasting water solutions.

The John Glenn International Runway 5K is a Sunday 5K in Columbus, Ohio, run on the north runway of John Glenn International Airport. The setting is the whole point: instead of city streets or park paths, runners get a flat airport runway under their feet, with the terminal close enough that they can wave to travelers as they pass. The course is straightforward, and one participant called it perfectly flat and easy for a personal best. More than a thousand runners show up, making it feel like a community race rather than a novelty run. A repeat participant said the event has been held every year since it started and praised its organization, giving both the course and race management top marks.

The Spooktacular 5k is a Halloween-themed evening race held at the West Licking County Family YMCA, featuring a timed 5k run/walk. This event is designed for families, with proceeds benefiting YMCA youth programs. It also includes a Little Monster Dash for children aged 10 and under. The 5k course consists of two loops on paved roads and gravel trails, passing through wooded areas and a new crushed gravel section, with one water stop. Younger children participate in a short Little Monster Dash and receive a shirt and finisher medal. Participants in the 5k receive a long-sleeve race shirt and medal. An additional event is the Zombie Chase, a 1.5-mile run through the woods where runners encounter zombies after the main race.