Columbus Marathon 2025: Road Closures and COTA Impacts This Weekend
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Expect notable traffic disruptions across columbus this weekend as thousands of runners participate in the 2025 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon. Road closures will be in effect from October 17th through October 19th, impacting travel throughout the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Marathon Route and Extensive Closures
The 2025 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon will bring a wave of rolling road closures beginning in the Arena District and extending through a wide swath of the city. The race course encompasses downtown Columbus, the German Village, Bexley, the North bank, the Short North, the Victorian Village, ohio State University, Grandview Heights, and Upper Arlington. According to reports, closures are designed to ensure runner safety and will be adjusted based on the pace of the race.
Pro tip: Consider option transportation options like biking or walking if your destination is near the marathon route.
Detailed Road Closure Schedule
Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated road closures, as outlined by the Columbus Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (COTA):
October 17th Road Closures:
- starting at 9:00 a.m., Long Street will be closed from Hocking Street to Neil Avenue, remaining closed until 6:00 p.m. on October 19th. an exception will be made from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on October 18th to accommodate fans attending events for the Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew.
- Beginning at 11:59 p.m.,Spring Street between West Street and Neil Avenue will be closed until 6:00 p.m. on October 19th.
- Also starting at 11:59 p.m.,Hanover Street and Cozzins street will be closed to all traffic except local residents until 6:00 p.m. on October 19th.
- at 11:59 p.m., West Street between Nationwide and marconi boulevards, and John McConnell Boulevard from New Public Way to Spring Street, will also close until 6:00 p.m. on October 19th.
October 18th Road closures:
- Spring Street, from Neil avenue to Hocking Street, will be closed starting at 11:59 p.m. and remain so until 6:00 p.m. on October 19th.
- Neil Avenue south of Nationwide Boulevard will be reduced to a single lane for condo resident access only, also from 11:59 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.on October 19th.
October 19th Road Closures:
- Starting at 7:30 a.m., roads along the 26.2-mile marathon course and the 13.1-mile half marathon course will experience partial or full closures. These closures will be implemented based on the anticipated arrival times of both the leading and trailing runners.
- Spring Street, Long Street, and Neil Avenue are scheduled to reopen to traffic at 6:00 p.m. on October 19th.
Did you know? The Columbus Marathon has been an annual event as 1981.
COTA Service Disruptions
The Columbus Marathon will substantially impact COTA bus service on October 19th.A senior official stated that 17 bus lines – including lines 1-12, 22, 31, 102, CMAX, and the zoo Bus – will be rerouted throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Nearly all downtown transit stops will be unavailable starting at 4:00 a.m.on October 19th, with over 800 stops affected at some point along the race route.Temporary transfer points will be established at Spring and Long streets near Fourth Street to facilitate continued service. COTA’s reroutes are expected to conclude by mid-afternoon as the marathon wraps up.
reader question: Where can I find the most up-to-date facts on COTA reroutes? Check the COTA website at https://www.cota.com/ for real-time updates and detailed route changes.
Motorists and public transit users are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time throughout the weekend.
