FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Columbus Marathon Continues Legacy of Ohio State and Olympic Great
Jesse Owens Through New 5K and 1 Mile Races
DEI effort returns in elevated form to benefit entire Columbus community
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon &
1/2 Marathon weekend of events kicks off Saturday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. with
new 5K and 1 Mile races, presented by Park National Bank, honoring Ohio
State and Olympic great Jesse Owens.
From 2015 to 2019, Marathon weekend featured the "Jesse Owens Jog," a
2.62-mile fun run and walk honoring the "Buckeye Bullet." It focused on
encouraging more of Columbus’ diverse community to participate in a health
and wellness activity through walking, jogging or running. It was not held
in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Jesse Owens 5K will be a timed race for runners and walkers, followed
by the 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk, an untimed, family-friendly event. You can
register at: www.columbusmarathon.com/5k. Both events will use the
same Start/Finish as the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon &
1/2 Marathon with registrants receiving an event beanie hat and medal for
finishing. The 42nd edition of the Columbus Marathon and the 16th running
and walking of the 1/2 Marathon will take place the following day, Sunday,
October 16.
"Jesse Owens is not just a Black American hero, he is an American hero; and
after the pandemic pause, we brainstormed a way with the Jesse Owens
Foundation to make this event bigger and better," said Darris Blackford,
Race Director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2
Marathon. "We will keep our focus on building greater diversity in long
distance running and these two events with shorter distances are a great
way to get more people involved in Marathon weekend and feel the thrill of
the start line."
"It is a full-circle moment for our family to have these events and this
impact in Columbus," said Marlene Rankin, daughter of Jesse Owens and
herself a graduate of The Ohio State University. "Dad loved his years at
Ohio State, and we are thrilled at continuing to honor his legacy at a
higher level in such an inclusive, health-minded way."
About Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon:
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon has
raised more than $11 million for Nationwide Children's Hospital since it
became the title beneficiary of the event in 2012. The Columbus Marathon
will be held for the 42nd time in 2022; this year will mark the 16th
edition of the 1/2 Marathon and the first for both the 5K and 1 Mile races.
For more information, visit www.columbusmarathon.com.
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