Runners start the 2023 Mill Race Marathon in downtown Columbus. This year’s event takes place Sept. 28.
Entries for this month’s Mill Race Marathon events are projected to outpace the number of runners taking part in the years since the COVID pandemic, organizers said Wednesday.
Based on the number of early entries and the pace of signups organizers expect in the days leading up to the Sept. 28 event, an expected 3,092 runners will participate. In recent years since the pandemic, the number of entries has ranged from 2,249 in 2021 (when the full marathon was canceled) to 2,892 last year.
As of Wednesday, organizers said 2,373 people had registered for the event, which typically has a late burst of entrants in the final days leading up to the marathon. Of those:
- 993 people had registered for the 5K run;
- 1,152 people had registered for the 13.1-mile half-marathon, and;
- 228 people had registered for the 26.2-mile marathon.
Entries are at the highest level at this point before the marathon since 2019, organizers said. At this point last year, total entries stood at 2,209, and in 2022, entries at this point were at 2,009 runners.
The number of early registrations this year are “really strong” compared with prior years, said marathon planning committee director Laura Dudukovich.
Organizers say they believe participants are eager to participate in community events after the pandemic, and more people took advantage of reduced entry fees that were offered until Sept. 1. Fees incrementally rise as the events get closer.
Additionally, marathon organizers say booths at events such as the Columbus Farmers Market and other summer events built interest as did outreach in other ways.
“Our social media presence has been stronger than ever,” Dudukovich said.
This year will mark the 12th annual Mill Race Marathon, Columbus’ largest annual participant event. The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, September 27
10 a.m.-8 p.m.: Expo at The Commons, including packet pickup and registration for all events.
6 p.m.: Kids Fun Run at Mill Race Park.
Saturday, Sept. 28
5:30-6:30 a.m.: Late packet pickup for all races at The Commons.
6:45 a.m.: Gear bag check opens at The Commons.
7:10 a.m.: Opening ceremony and final instructions.
7:30 a.m.: Start of all races at the start/finish line, Sixth and Washington streets.
9 a.m.: Finish on Fourth After Party begins on Fourth Street downtown.
For more information or to register, visit millracemarathon.com.
