Columbus · United States
Half Marathon races near Columbus
5 races in 2026
next one in 11 days
Race calendar
Upcoming Half Marathon races near Columbus
JUL 2
12JUL
Run · road · Half Marathon
Heatwave Half Marathon - Indianapolis
Indianapolis · 67 km away
25JUL
Run · road · Half Marathon
Fun Races Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5K Indianapolis
Indianapolis · 66 km away
SEP 3
19SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Strength In Our Streets
Indianapolis · 70 km away
25SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Mill Race Marathon & Half Marathon
Columbus
26SEP
Run · road · Half Marathon
Mill Race Marathon
Columbus
Columbus · 80 km
5 races mapped
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Recurring Half Marathon races near Columbus
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben
The Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben includes a timed "Kill the Hill" climb near mile 11, a 320-meter push on Harrison Trace Trail by Delaware Lake. This Indianapolis race, held in October, features a 13.1-mile half marathon, a 10K, a 5K, and a Kids One Mile Run, suitable for walkers, first-timers, families, and those seeking a challenge.
The half marathon is the primary race, but the hill segment adds difficulty. Separate awards are given for the fastest Youth, Open, and Masters runners on this climb. The race is organized by Beyond Monumental, a nonprofit focused on Indianapolis road racing, with proceeds benefiting youth health and well-being programs. Participants receive a medal, a race shirt, post-race food, and a drink. The INDYTHON program connects this race with other Beyond Monumental events for those completing multiple races in a season.
Spooky Sprint- Indianapolis
Spooky Sprint Indianapolis is a Halloween-themed race day in Downtown Indianapolis, featuring a half marathon at 8 AM alongside 10K, 5K, 1-mile, and Kids Dash events. Bodies Race Company organizes the event, which caters to families and regular runners alike. The 5K and 10K offer reduced youth pricing for participants aged 12 and under. The 1-mile run is untimed, and children can participate in the dash without charge if they forgo the shirt and medal.
The half marathon follows a certified, all-paved course that is flat and fast, crossing downtown streets and parks near White River State Park. Participants receive chip timing with live results, complimentary finisher photos, a technical shirt, and a custom medal. The Halloween theme is present through costumes, finish-line refreshments, and Trick-or-Treat aid stations. The event typically attracts 500 to 1,000 participants and is part of Beast Pacing's fall half marathon series. Virtual entry and race-bundle options are available for added flexibility.
CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
The CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Marathon begins and ends in downtown Indianapolis, offering marathon, half marathon, and 5K races each autumn. The marathon is one of the 15 largest in the U.S. The logistics are straightforward for participants: hotels are located near the start and finish areas, and the airport is approximately 15 minutes from the city center.
The USATF-certified courses are known for being fast and flat, attracting a diverse field of runners including first-time marathoners, half marathoners, those seeking personal bests, Boston Marathon hopefuls, and elite competitors. The course winds through downtown, historic areas, and past Indianapolis's monuments. Charity groups, such as Active Minds, utilize the event weekend to gather support for mental health advocacy focused on youth and young adults.
Running for Children's Rights to Both Parents - 11 of 50 Half Marathons in 50 States - Indiana
The Indiana event for Running for Children's Rights to Both Parents begins at 18 North Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis. Participants can complete an in-person half marathon between morning and midnight Eastern Time. This is Run 11 of a 50-state half marathon series, with one half marathon held each month. The event also provides virtual 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, allowing supporters outside Indiana to participate by running, walking, or moving within their own communities.
Virtual runners do not have a shared course; each participant selects a local route while supporting the same cause. Bob, the founder of Mothers and Fathers Truly Matter, runs the Indiana half marathon in person, while supporters nationwide participate remotely. The series aims to raise awareness about parental alienation, family court practices that separate children from a parent, and the lasting emotional, psychological, and developmental harm that can result. The core message is that children should have reasonable access to both parents, and family court decisions should prioritize the child's well-being.
Turkey Trails- Indianapolis
Turkey Trails - Indianapolis is a Thanksgiving-themed trail race held at Washington Township Park in Avon, Indiana, west of Indianapolis. Participants can choose from a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, plus an untimed 1-mile option and a kids dash for those 10 and under. This annual, family-friendly event is centered around the holiday season, encouraging costumes and offering youth pricing for the 5K and 10K.
The routes are set within the park's natural terrain, offering a more relaxed trail outing compared to a large city road race. Runners receive chip timing, live results, awards, complimentary photos, a performance shirt, and a custom medal. The finish area provides post-run refreshments. The kids dash is free without the shirt-and-medal package, and a virtual option allows participation remotely while still receiving race merchandise.
Turkey Legs Trifecta & Half Marathon
The Turkey Legs Trifecta & Half Marathon is a Thanksgiving race series in Indianapolis, Indiana, held each November on dirt trails featuring some hills and a wooded environment. Participants can select a 4K, 5K, 6K, the Trifecta Challenge combining all three for 15K, or the Half Marathon Challenge.
The half marathon links the 6K, 4K, 5K, and another 6K consecutively, with the two 6K segments run immediately after one another. The event is family-friendly, but the trail format provides a more challenging race than a flat road run. Chipped timing, race bibs, online results, free photos, music, long-sleeve shirts, turkey dogs, hot chocolate, and spinning-turkey finisher medals enhance the Thanksgiving theme.
2027 500 Festival Running Events
The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, a 13.1-mile race in Indianapolis held in early May, is the focus of the 500 Festival Running Events. Over 20,000 participants, including runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair racers, gather downtown for a flat, fast half marathon that coincides with the city’s Month of May activities leading up to the Indy 500.
The race begins downtown, with each wave starting behind an IndyCar, and includes a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many participants pause at the Yard of Bricks to kiss the bricks, adopting a well-known auto racing tradition. The large field includes a variety of participants: competitive runners, first-time racers, walkers, wheelchair athletes, thousands of volunteers, and nearly 100 entertainment groups along the course. Runner’s World has recognized it as one of America’s Most Iconic Races and it has been among the nation’s largest half marathons for over two decades.
Looking for something else near Columbus?
Other races in the next 90 days
JUL 967 km away
cycling
Momentum Indy & Indy Cycloplex Parkside Throwdown (Permits 15641 & 15713)
JUL 1167 km away
cycling
Honor Major Taylor Fondo presented by Zipp
JUL 1232 km away
cycling
DINO MTB Series - Muscatatuck Park
JUL 1664 km away
cycling
Fitness | Indy Parks Bike Ride Series | Christian Park
JUL 2471 km away
cycling
Dust Bowl 100 presented by Zipp
AUG 84 km away
triathlon
-TRI Columbus
AUG 1663 km away
cycling
DINO MTB Series- SouthWestWay Park
AUG 2068 km away
cycling
Fitness | Indy Parks Bike Ride Series | Pogue's Run
About Half Marathon races in Columbus
Columbus Training Notes
Columbus hosts 12 Half Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals run Columbus through parks, river edges, and the People Trails. The main loop is 75 km and climbs 27 m, so it works for steady Z2 or light intervals. The shorter loop is 73 km and gains 25 m. The shortest loop is 00 km and climbs 16 m for quick work. Columbus Running Club is the name to know. Mill Race Park anchors club energy with the Elementary Fitness Fun Run. Kiwanis 5K Run & Walk for Kids, The Polidor 5K Run/Walk, Firecracker 5K, and Gobble Wobble 5K keep the calendar busy.
Riders use Columbus as a paved trail, country road, and gravel town. The People Trails give the easy spin option, and locals say there are many good bike paths and trails. Country roads carry the base miles, and the area has loads of them. The Moonlight Loop runs 19 miles from the Bartholomew County Public Library/Visitors Center Plaza and loops through the covered bridge in Mill Race Park. The Downtown Columbus Loop Route gives riders 17 miles. The Downtown Columbus to New Albany route stretches to 23 miles or 46 miles. TRI Columbus is the anchor event for bike-run fitness.
Spring gives runners and riders the cleanest build, with temperatures rising from the 40s into the 70s. Autumn brings days in the 60s and 70s, so September through November works well for tempo runs, gran fondo pace, and long Z2 rides. Summer hits 90°F, so training starts early or waits for evening. Locals keep water close and use parks for shade. 9°F. Winter turns workouts shorter, steadier, and more route-dependent.