Keys To Enjoying Your Race Day Experience

How long is the race?
When is the race?
What are the qualifications to enter the Capital City Half Marathon?
And the 5K?
What's new for 2010?
What are “self–seeded corals”?
Who are the Balloon Cuties?
Where can I park?
What roads will be closed? When?
How do I get into the Arena District?
What do I get for my entry fee?
What's going to be on the course?
How do I prepare for the weather?
Will there be gear check?
Where is best place to watch?

How long is the race?

Half Marathon - 13 miles 192.5 yards
5K - 3.1 miles
Kids Mascot Chase - .3 mile

When is the race?

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Half Marathon & 5K - 8:00am
Kids Mascot Chase - 7:30am

What are the qualifications to enter the Capital City Half Marathon?

A time limit of 4 hours (18 min. 46 sec/mile) for half marathon is strictly enforced. The course will close according to the 4 hour pace (i.e. runners must be past the first mile mark by 18:46).

And the 5K?

The 5K course is open for 90 minutes (30 min./mile). The 5K and half marathon will start at the same time, sending an estimated 10,000 runners and walkers on their tour of Columbus.

What's new for 2010?

For starters, there is an all new start/finish line, runner recovery and post–race party area. The start/finish line is on Spring St. at the south end of McFerson Commons (on the north end of the park is the Union Station arch). This has led to a different, yet familiar, course for the half marathon and 5K. Please visit www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com/details.shtml#maps for a detailed view.

Runners and walkers will finish heading east on Spring St. and turn into the runner recovery area on West St., on the east side of McFerson Commons. After replenishing with fruit, bagels, water and PowerAde, there is fresh, hot Donatos Pizza and ice-cold Mich Ultra at the post-race party. The park area will be buzzing with music, sponsors and vendors with giveaways and all our charitable partners as well.

On race day, packet pick up and gear check will both be available on McFerson Commons. Both will be in well-marked tents staffed by our volunteers.

What are “self–seeded corals”?

There will be signs directing participants to their estimated finishing times, with the goal of putting the fastest runners at the front of the race. Be honest about your estimated overall and per mile times and line up accordingly. Remember, your time doesn't start until you (and your timing chip) cross the start line. There's no need to line up at a time that doesn't suit your pace.

Who are the Balloon Cuties?

Our Balloon Cuties are veteran runners with many marathons and half marathons to their credit. They are in our races to finish last. The Balloon Cuties are in constant contact with the race director and city officials to ensure that participants maintain the right pace. They can offer advice, chat and give encouragement but their main job is to make sure the proper pace is maintained. They are to be respected at all times.

Where can I park?

The Arena District in Columbus has several surface parking lots and garages within a short walk (a warm up jog, even) from the finish line. For a complete list of parking areas, please visit www.arenadistrict.com/directions-and-parking to download a printable map. Leave plenty of time to get to the event. We expect 10,000 participants and twice as many spectators coming into the Arena District on race day.

What roads will be closed? When?

Spring St. is the location of the start/finish line and will be closed on race morning between Cuzzins St. and Marconi Blvd. beginning at 4 a.m. You can access to the Arena District and its many parking areas from I-670/Vine St. (from the north), Neil Ave. (from the West) and Front Street (from the east).

How do I get into the Arena District?

Again, please consult www.arenadistrict.com/directions-and-parking. In general:

From the north: I-670 has three exits — exits 2, 3, 4a and 4b that all access the area
From the west: Neil Ave.
From the east: US 23/High St.

What do I get for my entry fee?

Finishers receive gender specific technical shirts, a finisher's medal, runner recovery food (apples, bananas, bagels, water, etc.), hot Donato's Pizza and a post–race party with entertainment. For more information on the upgrade and its benefits, please visit www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com/register.shtml.

What's going to be on the course?

There are 10 water and sports drink stations on the half marathon course and one on the 5K. There is also a station with energy gel around the 7–mile mark. Every water stop has an aid station, staffed by medical professionals from Ohio Health, and there are port–a–potties available as well.

How do I prepare for the weather?

The weather in Columbus, Ohio in May averages about 52 degrees but temperatures can be as high as 73 degrees. Because the race starts at 8 a.m., we anticipate a comfortable temperature at the start with everyone finishing by noon. As for inclement weather, pack a light layer in case of rain.

Will there be gear check?

…And if it doesn't rain, we provide gear check on race day. We will keep your articles of clothing secure during the race but we STRONGLY recommend that you do not include jewelry or other valuables with your checked gear.