June 23, 2020
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The 2020 OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and the OhioHealth Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon will be held virtually in 2020 in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus and protect the health and safety of participants, volunteers and spectators.
The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon – including the Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 10TV Commit To Be Fit 5K – was originally scheduled for April 25, 2020 then rescheduled to August 29, 2020 after Gov. Mike DeWine banned mass gatherings in the wake of the nationwide coronavirus outbreak. The ban has not yet been lifted.
The OhioHealth Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon – including the Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5K – was scheduled for August 23, 2020 in Dublin, Ohio.
The decision to cancel in-person events and hold both the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon and OhioHealth Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon events virtually was made in compliance with the Governor’s Order; and in consultation with state and local health officials; OhioHealth, the official healthcare provider and title partner of both events.
“While it is unfortunate that we cannot hold the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon and the OhioHealth Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon in-person this year, the health and safety of our participants, volunteers, partners and spectators will always be our No. 1 priority,” Race Director David Babner said. “I look forward to producing remarkable virtual experiences for our participants, partners and the community. We have added some fun elements to our virtual events and will provide participants with a great platform to continue their journey of getting fit, staying fit and living fit.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly made a tremendous impact in this community, and we know there is no substitute for proceeding with caution when it comes to the safety of race participants, supporters, and spectators. The decision to make these events virtual this year is not what we hoped for, but is the correct decision,” said Sue Jablonski, OhioHealth Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer. “What this pandemic can’t touch is the valued partnership we have with M3S Sports, and with the runners and walkers for the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon and the OhioHealth Half & Quarter marathon. We’ll see you virtually this year, and can’t wait to see you in person when the time is right.”
The Virtual OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and Commit To Be Fit 5K will be held August 28-30, 2020 and the Virtual OhioHealth Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon and 5k will be held August 21-23, 2020. Participants in both events will be able to upload their results to the OhioHealth Leaderboard and upload event photos after completing their respective distances.
Those already registered for the Capital City Half Marathon and the Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon have THREE OPTIONS:
* Participate virtually in August 2020 and receive a 30 percent discount into the 2021 OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon or the 2021 OhioHealth Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon.
Those who participate in the virtual option will receive their Race Bib, Official Event Shirt, Official Finisher’s Medal and a Goody Bag full of special offers and promotions as well as a 30 percent discount off registration in 2021.
* Defer to the 2021 OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon or the 2021 Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon.
* Donate their entry fee to the OhioHealth Foundation to benefit the foundation’s OhioHealth Associate Emergency Assistance and OhioHealth Greatest Needs funds, which help OhioHealth associates, caregivers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those registered for the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon and the OhioHealth Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon will receive an e-mail with instructions on next steps.
For more information, visit www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com, www.emeraldcityhalfmafarathon.com and e-mail info@m3ssports.com with questions.