19-05-2025
Columbus Marathon 5K, 1 Mile races renamed to recognize Jesse Owens
The Columbus Marathon 5K and 1 Mile will no longer exist. But don't panic — it's only because of a name change.
Previously known as the Columbus Marathon 5K and 1 Mile honoring Jesse Owens, the races have been rechristened the Jesse Owens 5K and 1 Mile, according to a press release.
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The name was changed to better recognize the Ohio State legend, who made history at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin by becoming the first person to win four gold medals in a single Olympics.
The former Columbus Marathon 5K and 1 Mile honoring Jesse Owens, now called the Jesse Owens 5K and 1 Mile, will kick off the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon weekend in October.
The 5K and 1 Mile are the kickoff to the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & Half Marathon weekend, which will take place Oct. 18-19.
Other changes for 2025 include upgrading the 5K to a USA Track & Field-certified event and holding it entirely on downtown Columbus streets.
The changes came at the recommendation of Owens' family to improve the race experience and broaden the event's appeal, Columbus Marathon race director Darris Blackford said in the release.
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Entertainment and Things to Do reporter Belinda M. Paschal can be reached at bpaschal@
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Marathon 5K, 1 Mile races renamed to honor Jesse Owens
