5K races near Circleville

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.

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 Haunted 5K, 10K & 13.1M in Chillicothe is a morning run starting at Yoctangee Park. Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K, or half marathon. The event begins at 8:00 AM. Pre-registration via RunSignup is required, as on-site registration will not be available. The course consists of asphalt out-and-back sections. The 5K covers the route once, the 10K covers it twice, and the half marathon completes its route four times. The race has a 3 hour and 30 minute time limit. Finisher medals and awards will be presented. The best costume award highlights the Halloween theme.

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 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 Total HealthWorks Movin' It! 5K Run/Walk for Parkinson’s is a 5 km run and walk in Columbus, Ohio, beginning at 303 W Broad St. It is part of the Movin' It! series, organized by Total HealthWorks, with race proceeds supporting the fight against Parkinson's disease. The event is designed for runners and walkers, accommodating those aiming for a timed 5K and those participating at a gentler pace. The race has a direct connection to an Ohio Parkinson’s exercise community. RacePenguin reports that over 21,000 people in Ohio receive treatment for Parkinson’s annually, with approximately 7,500 new diagnoses each year. The cause is significant because exercise can aid individuals with Parkinson’s in maintaining balance, mobility, and daily function, and it may help slow disease progression. The event also highlights OhioHealth Delay the Disease, an evidence-based fitness program for people living with Parkinson’s, established on David Zid and Jackie Russell’s conviction that daily exercise can help manage the disease.

Run To Feed The Hungry is a running event in Columbus, Ohio, starting at 500 Maier Place. The event includes a 402 m kids' dash up to a half marathon, accommodating families, new runners, and those seeking a longer distance within the same race series. The available distances are 402 m, 1 mile, 5K, 10K, and 21.1 km for the half marathon. The event's name indicates a food-relief purpose, and the shorter race options make the day accessible for children and walkers, alongside runners aiming for the 5K, 10K, or half marathon.

Turkey Trails is a Thanksgiving-themed U.S. race series featuring a 5K and 10K, with a half marathon, 1 mile run, and kids' dash also available. It is an annual family event, not solely for competitive runners, offering youth pricing for the 5K and 10K and a virtual option for those preferring to run on their own schedule. The race accommodates adults, first-timers, children, and families together in the same event, allowing participants to select different distances. The 5K, 10K, and half marathon are chip-timed with live results and awards, while the 1 mile and kids' dash are untimed. All runners receive a custom bib, designer shirt, and medal. Children 10 and under get a mini bib and youth shirt. Children can enter the kids' dash without charge if they forgo the swag. Post-race treats and complimentary participant photos enhance the holiday atmosphere.

The SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run Columbus is a November race held in Columbus, Ohio, offering 5K, 15K, and 1K distances. It belongs to the Hot Chocolate Run series, a large-scale running event centered on a chocolate theme, distinct from a typical single-distance road race. The event's slogan is "America's Sweetest Run," emphasizing the post-race indulgence: train, race, and finish with chocolate. Participants, including runners, walkers, and families, can select a suitable distance. The Columbus event also utilizes volunteers to assist with race day operations.

The Circleville Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning 5K walk/run through Circleville, Ohio. It starts at 9:00 a.m. Eastern at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on West Mound Street, offering participants a local way to get moving before the holiday meal. The route winds through the City of Circleville, not confined to a park or track. As Pickaway County’s largest one-day fundraising event, its proceeds support the Emergency Clearinghouse Food Pantry and the Community Cupboards of Pickaway County, ensuring more nutritious food reaches those in need across the county.

The Officer Larry R. Cox Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day 5K and fun walk held in Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe, Ohio. This event is for the community, offering a straightforward 5-kilometer distance and a walking option for those seeking a more relaxed start to the holiday. The race honors Officer Larry R. Cox. Registration is online only, with no race-day signup. Packet pickup is on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at the Ross Chillicothe Library Annex, located behind the Main Library off Paint Street. Those who pick up their packets then are entered into a raffle for a 55-inch Smart TV.