February 23, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBUS, Ohio (February 23, 2026) – The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon has once again been nominated as one of the top half marathons in the country by USA TODAY 10Best, marking the third consecutive year the event has received this national nomination. Previously voted the #2 Half Marathon in the country in both 2024 and 2025, the event continues to solidify its place among the nation’s elite races.
Each year, USA TODAY 10Best editors and a panel of expert runners select their top 20 half marathons in the United States. From there, the public is invited to vote to determine the top 10 races in the country.
“We are incredibly honored to be nominated once again for this award,” said David Babner, Race Director and founder of M3S Sports. “To be nominated for the third year in a row and previously voted the #2 Half Marathon in the country speaks volumes about our community, our partners, and the incredible energy runners and walkers bring to Columbus each spring.”
How You Can Vote:
The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon (13.1 miles) is the flagship event on the M3S Sports annual event schedule. The weekend also includes the OhioHealth Capital City Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) and the Columbus Promise 5K (3.1 miles).
Focused on creating a remarkable celebration of the healthy, active lifestyle, USA TODAY 10Best has credited the event’s scenic downtown course and one-of-a-kind post-race party—featuring complimentary food and beverages, along with a post-race concert—as standout elements of the experience.
“This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our event partners, City of Columbus officials, Medical Director Ben Bring and the OhioHealth medical team, and the running and walking community,” Babner added. “Our goal has always been to create the greatest celebration of the running and walking community, and this continued national recognition is something the whole city can be proud of.”
The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon, set for Saturday, April 25, will welcome more than
10,000 runners and walkers to downtown Columbus. Participants will experience a world-class
race atmosphere, premium race swag, and a vibrant post-race celebration at Columbus Commons.
Registration is open, and runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to join the
celebration. More information and registration details can be found at CapitalCityHalfMarathon.com.
About the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon:
Founded in 2004, the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon is one of the premier road race
events in the Midwest. Produced by M3S Sports, the event features the OhioHealth Capital City
Half & Quarter Marathon and the Columbus Promise 5K. A three-time USA TODAY 10Best
nominee and previously voted the #2 Half Marathon in the country, the event offers a one-of-a-
kind tour of Columbus and an unforgettable post-race party celebrating runners and walkers
living a healthy, active lifestyle.