March 11, 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 9, 2026) – Thousands of athletes closed out the Arnold Sports Festival weekend in Columbus, OH with energy and excitement during Sunday’s Arnold 5K, Pump & Run and Ruck, marking a milestone year for the longtime fitness event.
In its first year produced by M3S Sports, the event experienced over 50 percent growth in participation, welcoming runners, walkers, lifters and ruck athletes from across the country to downtown Columbus for a celebration of strength, fitness and community.
The 2026 event also introduced a new Ruck division, created in partnership with GORUCK, which invited participants to complete the 5K while wearing or carrying a weighted vest or rucksack. The addition brought a new challenge and a new community of athletes to the event.
National partners also helped elevate the event experience. Red Bull joined the event to energize participants and spectators throughout the morning, including the inaugural Red Bull stage.
Participants started the race with a memorable sendoff from Arnold Sports Festival Founder, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who shared a message about the power of movement and staying active.
“This is all about motivating people — getting out there and moving because movement is life,” Schwarzenegger told the crowd before the start.
The event featured three distinct competitions. The Arnold Pump & Run challenged athletes to bench press before running the 5K, with heavier lifts translating into time deductions from their final race time. The traditional Arnold 5K welcomed runners and walkers of all experience levels. The new Arnold Ruck division tested endurance as participants carried weighted packs along the course.
Race Director David Babner said the growth and excitement surrounding the event reflect the continued momentum of the Arnold Sports Festival and the community’s passion for fitness.
“We were honored to produce this event for the first time and the response from athletes exceeded expectations,” said Babner. “Seeing over 50 percent growth, launching the new Ruck division and partnering with incredible national brands like GORUCK and Red Bull helped create an unforgettable experience. Most importantly, it brought thousands of people together to celebrate movement and strength, which is exactly what this event is all about.”
Athletes of all ages and abilities filled the streets surrounding the Greater Columbus Convention Center early Saturday morning, reinforcing the festival’s mission of promoting health, fitness and personal challenge.
With strong growth and new partnerships in place, organizers expect the event to continue expanding in the years ahead as one of the signature participatory events of the Arnold Sports Festival.
For more information about the Arnold 5K event, please visit Arnold5K.com. For the latest news and updates on social media, follow the M3S Sports on Twitter and Instagram at @M3SSports and on Facebook at Facebook.com/M3SSports.
About M3S Sports
Based in Columbus, OH, M3S Sports is a premier sports event production company specializing in world-class fitness and community experiences. Their mission is to create remarkable celebrations of an active, healthy lifestyle and deliver an exceptional participant experience. For more information, please visit M3SSports.com.