RUNNING USA – Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon Sells Out In Record Time

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The 34th Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon has sold every last spot in the race for the seventh consecutive year.

A field of 18,000 athletes will compete Sunday, October 20, 2013. This is the fastest the marathon has ever sold all its space. Darris Blackford, Race Director, says having Nationwide Children's Hospital serve as a primary beneficiary helped drive participation, along with the marathon's growing national reputation as a fast and fun course.

"It's kind of a big deal to run 13.1 or 26.2 miles; we're thrilled to see so many commit to the race and the cause we support," Blackford said. "There is so much excitement about the race, the surprises along the course and the thousands of children we will help through our partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital."

Blackford said 7,000 participants will compete in the full marathon, and 11,000 will take part in the half-marathon. He said anyone can get involved to support Nationwide Children's Hospital through the Children's Champions program. Fans will also have the chance to see some special features only found at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon.

Event highlights include:

-24 of the "Miracle Miles" will be dedicated to a current patient of Nationwide Children's Hospital. The Patient Champions will be on the course on race day to cheer on the participants.

-There will be an "Encore Mile" featuring Patient Champions from last year; and an "Angel Mile" to honor the angels of Nationwide Children's Hospital who have passed on.

-The marathon course will take runners and walkers through Ohio Stadium.

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon will start near the intersection of Broad and Third Streets in downtown Columbus at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 20 for wheelchairs, walkers and runners. The course will be open until 3 p.m.

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon is the 16th largest marathon in the United States and is one of the top marathons to qualify runners for the Boston Marathon. For more information, visit www.columbusmarathon.com.