2026 Warm Up Columbus
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Warm Up Columbus event will take place in Dublin, Ohio, with the race headquarters located at the Metro Fitness parking lot, 655 Metro Place South. The event is scheduled for a winter day, with typical weather conditions expected to include temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, light winds, and potential for light snow or ice. Participants can expect a flat, fast course that has been a staple for winter runners since 2001. The race features multiple distances, including a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and relay formats, with a free kids race included. The course is structured around a 1-mile loop that allows for easy spectator viewing and is designed to provide a consistent and competitive environment for runners.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (USATF certified, Boston Qualifier eligible)
- →Half Marathon
- →10K
- →5K
- →Marathon Relay (team format)
- →Half Marathon Relay (team format)
- →FREE Kids 1/4 Mile Race
What is the course like?
The Warm Up Columbus course features a flat, fast 1-mile loop on paved roads through Dublin. The loop design allows for repeated viewing opportunities for spectators. For the marathon, participants complete 26.2 laps of the 1-mile loop, starting 0.2 miles before the lap/finish line. The half marathon requires 13.1 laps, the 10K is 6.2 laps, and the 5K is 3.1 laps. There are 26 fluid/support stations along the course, with restrooms available at every mile marker.
What are the start times for the event?
- →7:45 AM – Kids 1/4 Mile Race
- →8:00 AM – 5K, Half Marathon, and Half Marathon Relay
- →8:03 AM – 10K, Marathon, and Marathon Relay
What are the key features of the event?
- →Winter marathon option, established since 2001
- →Flat and fast course suitable for Boston Marathon tune-ups or early-season goal races
- →Marathon has a 1:00 PM course time limit (5-hour finish window)
- →Marathon participants must attend a mandatory 7:40 AM pre-race meeting
- →Runners are responsible for tracking their own laps (recommended to have a support person assist)
- →No refunds or bib transfers permitted
- →Typically sells out 2–3 weeks before race day
How much does registration cost?
- →Marathon: $85
- →Half Marathon: $65
- →5K/10K/Relay legs: $45 each
- →Kids race: FREE (includes finisher teddy bear)
What is included in registration?
- →Access to the race course and all support stations
- →Finisher medal for all participants
- →Free kids race with teddy bear for participants
- →Timekeeping for all distances
- →Mandatory pre-race meeting for marathon participants
What are the event rules and restrictions?
- →No refunds or bib transfers permitted
- →Marathon participants must attend a mandatory pre-race meeting
- →Runners are responsible for tracking their own laps
- →The marathon has a 5-hour finish window (course time limit of 1:00 PM)
- →The event is a certified marathon for Boston Qualifier eligibility
What is the weather like on the event date?
The event is scheduled for February 1, 2026, in Dublin, Ohio. Typical weather conditions for this date include temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with potential for light snow or ice. Participants should prepare for cold and potentially wet conditions, and dress appropriately for the weather.