The Warm up Columbus course consists of a flat 1 mile loop completed 26 times.
With average race day temperatures in the 30's, you may need to brave the cold, but these favorable marathon temperatures, coupled with a very flat course could help you achieve a PR or Boston Qualifier (BQ).
The Warm up Columbus was the 521st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 482nd largest in 2022.
This year 14.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 30.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Warm up Columbus the 17th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 25th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.10 ranks it as the 179th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in Ohio.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Warm up Columbus a PR Score of 99.10. This PR Score ranks it as the 130th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in Ohio.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Warm up Columbus Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 888 feet (270m) Min Elevation: 868 feet (264m)
This is a 1 mile loop that starts .2 miles from the finish line. The 5k and half marathoners start at 8:00 and the 10k and marathoners start at 8:03. I didn't mind the 1 mile loop since I knew my location at every point. This is my 4th marathon and shaved 14 minutes off my previous PR.
Race Tips
Water/Gatorade every loop with enthusiastic high school volunteers. The last 8 miles I walked through the water station but made the effort to complete the loop each mile.
Great restaurants in downtown Dublin. Definitely advise staying at host hotel. Not fancy but easy logistically
SR's review of 2016 Warm up Columbus.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
No pace groups faster than 3:25 - despite what was advertised.
Race Tips
The downhill in the first half of the course is severe. The cardio benefit is surpassed by the negative impact the downhill takes on the body. I slowed significantly from miles 14-20 and actually picked up the pace a bit once I hit the last couple of miles on the flat in Azusa.
I realize the organizers had no control of the weather, and all the more reason they should have cancelled. Exactly a mile of course to prepare and over a third of it was covered in ice and snow. No portalets. No promised timing displays. And if this is a race for people desperate to qualify for Boston, how could you possibly use gun time? If you can't get portalets on the course you have no business running a race or being sanctioned. Period.
Race Tips
Avoid this and take a serious look at any future Premier event.
