Hello. I have run the Columbus Marathon for the past 5 years. I live about 55 miles away from Columbus so it is nice not to have the travel costs associated with races further away. I liked that I knew the course and what to expect. While I will not miss that long stretch up High and the hill around the corner (Ackerman?), it sure looks like the new section has a LOT of turns. Not sure how much I will like that. Any local people out there that know that area and can comment on this?

Edited Mon Aug 18th 2008 3:15 am by Suz1

Suz -

I'm a local and I've run this the past 4 years. I agree with you that there is some comfort w/ the familiarity of the course as it used to be. And also hate that 5m trip up High Street and the Dodridge/Ackerman hill afterwards! I don't know Grandview Heights very well (the new, later part of the course), but plan to drive that part of the course soon. Then I can give a report.

I really like a few more of the changes:: everyone starts at 7:30am (with the walkers in the back), the Halfs don't take that little cut-through in Bexley, we'll spend more time on the OSU campus (including the frat/sorority houses, where there is a big push to get students outside cheering).

Here's a link to an elevation map of the course:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/oh/columbus/513835291804 [mapmyrun.com]

I looked at the elevation of what looks to be the "steepest" part of the course: up Kinnear between the 17 and 18mm. It's only about a 100' elevation over one mile. The other "significant" uphill is on Buttles Avenue at the 25.5mm: about 50' over 0.33 miles.

So it seems that Columbus can continue to boast about its Fast and Flat course! It will be interesting to see if there is a higher percentage of Boston Qualifiers this year.

Suz1,
I live in Bexley and have run all of the new sections. To give you a brief background on myself so you know where I'm coming from, this will be my 23rd marathon. This will be my 7th time for Columbus.
Here are my thoughts on the new course:
The new leg in Bexley is nice as I think the fact that there will be one set of mile markers as opposed to two when the marathon and the half-marathon split last year will be welcome.
The new section that goes from Nelson Rd. up to Franklin Park S. and then to Franklin Park W. back to Broad St. up to Monroe and then over to Bryden is okay. There is a bit of a hill on Franklin Park S. I always enjoyed the crowds on Bryden and it seems like the new course will by pass most of the area where the majority of the spectators gathered. I will reserve judgement until race day but I don't think you'll see as many spectators on the new section. The course is pretty good here though. One note on this section, there are speed bumps (large, wide ones) on both Franklin Park S and Franklin Park W. so be aware of those.
The next new section is the right turn off of High St. at Chittenden (Right at Eddie George's #27 restaurant) to Indianola up to 15th and then back to High St. and then as it winds through campus. I think this will be a really great section as we will run right through the heart of Frat and Sorority row. If the students are out in force, this section will be a blast to run. When we turn right on 12th St. from High St. and then right on College Ave be aware there is some gravel here at the construction site of the new OSU student union. I'm sure it will be swept but just in case.
My only complaint with this new section is that there are many turns in this part. I love running through campus but the turns can be a bit tough at some corners. High and 12th is a bit rough. This new part that goes from College Ave. through campus is very nice. A decent amount of shade and some nice little down hill sections. Running past Ohio Stadium any time is inspirational and should be really fun on Sunday morning. Keep an eye peeled for President Gee as he has been sighted in this area in the past. Look for the iconoclastic bowtie and glasses. He is a great cheerleader.
This long ascent up to the Southern tip of Upper Arlington is nice and smooth. It's not steep but it is uphill. Most all of this part through Upper Arlington and Northern Grandview is residential and has nice shaded streets. The section down North Star to King is a wide 4 lane street that is nicely downhill (not steep at all but long).
When we turn right on Grandview Ave. and then run down Grandview through the downtown area of Grandview is very pretty and should have lots of spectators. I like the whole Grandview part except for the part where we go on Burrel up to Edgehill is odd. It is light industrial/warehouse on the right and the back fo apartments on the left. It is not much to look at and I think that Grandview has better views to offer in this area. While we aren't running the marathon for the views, a nice visual distraction at this point in the race is welcome. The right turn on 5th over to Neil is pleasant and offers nice shade closer to Neil.
The rest of the race is the same as last year. I always enjoy the section down Neil.
Sorry my reply is so long but I like to be thorough for those out of towners that can't pre-run the course.
Overall, I like the new course changes. I hope that spectators come out in Franklin Park and OSU campus and I hope the sections on campus near construction are well swept.
Good luck to all!

scalhoun -

Thank you for your incredible and detailed course information! I'm local and I've run Columbus 4 times before...but haven't had the opportunity to drive the new course yet. I'll take your tips with me when I drive it on Saturday and will share them with my running buddies.

Thanks again - hope you have a great race!

mum2girl,
You are most welcome and good luck to you as well.
One additional words of advise if you are driving the course on Saturday, when you go through campus after you turn right on 12th keep your eyes peeled for the blue marathon course arrows on the road. There are some tricky turns between College Ave. and North Star that could be easily missed and the blue arrows help greatly. The first two times I ran the part between campus and North Star in Upper Arlington I got a little lost. The last time I ran it I had it figured out and it makes perfect sense now.
Again, good luck to you and have a great race. It looks like the weather is going to be stellar.
Run On!