race weekend information

Packet pickup & expo

Start race weekend at the Mill Race Marathon Expo & Packet Pickup at The Commons (300 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201) on Friday from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Pick up your race packet, connect with fellow runners, and explore vendor booths featuring running gear, local businesses, and sponsor giveaways. 

At the Expo You Can:

  • Pick up your race packet (valid ID required for packet pickup)
  • Register for a race (late fees apply)
  • Visit running & fitness vendors

2026 Expo Layout coming Soon

gear check

Gear Check will be available at The Commons (4th & Washington Streets), one block south of the starting corrals. Gear Check opens at 6:45 AM on race morning.

Participants may drop off clothing and small personal items before the race and retrieve them afterward. Your race bib is required to claim your gear bag.

Please do not place valuables in your gear bag. The Mill Race Marathon organization is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

For security reasons, large items such as backpacks cannot be checked. Please limit gear check to items like sweats or extra clothing.

Bags not claimed by 2:30 PM on race day will be held for two weeks, after which any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Parking & shuttles

We have made arrangements for three parking garages and a number of surface lots, each located within 3 blocks of the race site. 

There is no charge for parking.

A free shuttle is also available with service running from the Walmart parking lot on race day from 6:30 AM until 1:00 PM.

Walmart is on State Road 46, just east of Interstate 65, Exit 68. Walmart address is 2025 Merchant Mile, Columbus, IN 47201.

⚠ Vehicles parked in “No Parking” zones will be towed

road closures

Downtown road closures begin early race morning and reopen progressively through the late morning.

  • Major closures start around 6:00 AM
  • Roads near the start/finish may be closed longest
  • Most streets begin reopening once runners clear
  • Parking garages remain accessible via posted detour routes

Arrive early and follow posted signs if you plan to drive in or out of town.

spectator info

Best Places to cheer on participants:
  • Downtown Finish Line: Most lively location, close to food + celebration
  • 3rd & Franklin: Great for seeing 5K split point

Tips for Spectators
  • Arrive early
  • Check shuttle schedules
  • Make signs for course fun
  • Enjoy the course entertainment and finish at fourth vendors experience
  • Stay for the awards and after party

⚠ Please do not cross streets in front of runners/walkers.

Awards

Overall Awards are determined by gun time. Age Group Awards are determined by chip time.

All cash prizes will be paid within two weeks of the event after all official results are confirmed and a review of the Road Race Management website “www.dopingsanctions.com” is made.

The Mill Race Marathon has a policy that prize money is only eligible to participants who are not currently serving a suspension for the use of a banned substance, nor have ever served a ban for the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Participants winning an Overall Award will not also be eligible for an Age Group award.

Please Note: Awards for athletes age 19 and under are a nominal value item to protect the future high school and collegiate eligibility of the athlete.

award eligibility

Mill Race Marathon - Anti-Doping policy (Adopted with permission from Monumental Marathon).

Consent to random drug testing according to the standards and procedures of USATF, USADA, and WADA

Provide proper documentation proving they are eligible for prize money (form W-9, W-8ECI or W-8BEN)

Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who have had 2 or more such suspensions by their athletes in the previous 4 years

Not be represented by coaches and/or agents who ever served a ban for the use of performance-enhancing drugs during their own athletic career

Not be currently serving a suspension for use of a banned substance

Not have ever served a ban for use of performance-enhancing drugs

To be eligible for the overall award an athlete must:

Award details

Overall Awards - Male and Female

Marathon

Half Marathon

Place

5th

$300

$300

4th

$400

$400

3rd

$450

$500

2nd

$550

$700

1st

$700

$1000

Overall Awards are determined by Gun Time in all races.

5K*

-

-

$30

$35

$40

*White River Running Company Gift Certificates.
Located at 3142 N National Road, Columbus, IN 47201

Age Group Awards - Male and Female

Marathon*

Half Marathon*

Place

3rd

$10

$10

2nd

$15

$15

1st

$20

$20

Age Group Awards are determined by Chip Time in all Races.

5K*

$10

$15

$20

*White River Running Company Gift Certificates.
Located at 3142 N National Road, Columbus, IN 47201

Marathon Age Group Divisions start at 19 & Under, then are in 5-year increments from 20-24 up to 80 & Over.

Half Marathon Age Group Divisions start with 15 & Under and 16-19, then are in 5-year increments from 20-24 up to 80 & Over.

5K Age Group Divisions start with 10 & Under, 11-12, 13-15, and 16-19, then are in 5-year increments from 20-24 up to 80 & Over.

Age Group division winners for all 19 & Under divisions will receive a merchandise prize of nominal value to protect the future high school and college eligibility of the athlete. 



after party

Race morning in downtown Columbus is more than just a finish line: it’s a celebration.

Head to 4th & Washington Streets to enjoy a lively After Party with food trucks, kids activities, music and so much more. Whether you're racing or cheering, come early, bring your energy, and soak in the excitement of race day.

Race app

Track the progress of any participant in the Mill Race Marathon with the Athlete Tracker App. When your participant crosses timing checkpoints along the course, receive an alert via email or text message.

Signing up for athlete tracking alerts is easy and free:
  • Find athletes to track
  • Choose how to track
  • Confirm your selections

Click below to download the app!

Track Your Participant

Lodging & Restaurants

Welcome to Columbus, Indiana!

Discover comfortable lodging, diverse dining, and plenty of activities to enjoy.

From boutique stays to trusted hotel brands, and local flavors to global cuisine, there’s something for every visitor.

Explore landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving arts scene; all in a welcoming community ready to make your stay memorable.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to Run?

Registration is now open for the Mill Race Marathon Weekend.

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