race weekend information
Make Race Weekend Easy
Whether you’re a marathoner, first-timer, walker, spectator or volunteer, this page has everything you need for race weekend planning.
packet pickup
Track Participants
FAQs
Results
after party
awards
road closures
spectator info
parking & shuttles
gear check
award eligibility
lodging & Food
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, 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
sign up for a booth
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.
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
download info pdf
road closures
Downtown road closures begin early race morning and reopen progressively through the late morning.
Arrive early and follow posted signs if you plan to drive in or out of town.
- 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.
download info pdf
spectator info
Best Places to cheer on participants:
Tips for Spectators
- 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.
race day schedule
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.
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.
awards details
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.
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.
weekend schedule
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:
Click below to download the app!
Signing up for athlete tracking alerts is easy and free:
- Find athletes to track
- Choose how to track
- Confirm your selections
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.
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.
Learn MOre
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes! The marathon course is flat and fast, an ideal race for your Boston Qualifier!
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
You may switch events anytime before the Thursday prior to Race Day.
To switch events, visit the registration page, select the race you want, and complete the change online.
After the Thursday prior to Race Day, race changes must be made at the Help Table during packet pickup.
- Upgrade (to a longer race): Pay the difference in entry fees.
- Downgrade (to a shorter race): No fee, but no refund.
After the Thursday prior to Race Day, race changes must be made at the Help Table during packet pickup.
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
The 5K course splits off at 3rd and Franklin Streets just past 2 miles. The Marathon course splits off at Washington and 17th Streets just past 12.4 miles.
If participants of the Marathon do not reach this split by 10:44 a.m. (keeping a 15-minute/mile pace), they will be directed onto the Half Marathon course, and they will be official finishers of the Half Marathon being scored and timed accordingly.
(As an official finisher of the Half Marathon, the participant will still be eligible for the truck drawing.)
If participants of the Marathon do not reach this split by 10:44 a.m. (keeping a 15-minute/mile pace), they will be directed onto the Half Marathon course, and they will be official finishers of the Half Marathon being scored and timed accordingly.
(As an official finisher of the Half Marathon, the participant will still be eligible for the truck drawing.)
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
The following items will be available at the Finish Line:
- Water Bottles
- Powerade
- Bananas
- Granola Bars
- Salty Snack
- Sugary Snack
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
All water stations after the first one will have both water and Powerade. Water stations near miles 6.9, 12.4, 15.8, 19.4, and 23.3 will also have Gu gel packets. Special thanks to White River Running Company for supplying the gel packets for the Mill Race Marathon and Half Marathon.
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Portable restrooms are available along the courses as follows:
- Half Marathon – at each of the 8 water stations along the course.
- Marathon – at each of the 20 water stations along the course.
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
Yes, that is allowed. You or the person picking up yours will need to bring a copy of their photo ID and a note from them (i.e. a text or an email) that states that you have permission to pick up their packet. At Packet Pickup, you will also need to sign a form stating that you picked up their race packet.
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Race entries are non-refundable, but you may transfer your registration to another person using the transfer process in this FAQ.
Deferrals to the following year event are available only for pregnancy, injury, or military deployment with documentation. Email proof (doctor’s note or deployment notice) to info@millracemarathon.com
at least 3 weeks prior to Race Day.
Deferrals apply only to the registered participant and cannot be extended beyond the following year.
Deferrals to the following year event are available only for pregnancy, injury, or military deployment with documentation. Email proof (doctor’s note or deployment notice) to info@millracemarathon.com
at least 3 weeks prior to Race Day.
Deferrals apply only to the registered participant and cannot be extended beyond the following year.
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
Through Thursday Prior to Race Day:
Transfer your entry online through the registration page. Complete the transfer process and send the 7-digit code you receive to the person taking your entry. Both parties must complete the transfer by Thursday prior to Race Day at 11:59 PM.
Friday Prior to Race Day:
Transfers can be completed at the Help Table. Bring a text or email from the original participant confirming the transfer.
Transfer your entry online through the registration page. Complete the transfer process and send the 7-digit code you receive to the person taking your entry. Both parties must complete the transfer by Thursday prior to Race Day at 11:59 PM.
Friday Prior to Race Day:
Transfers can be completed at the Help Table. Bring a text or email from the original participant confirming the transfer.
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
The Pacing Group will provide pacers for the Marathon and Half Marathon.
The pace times are as follows:
The pace times are as follows:
- Marathon – 3:30, 3:35, 3:50, 4:00, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50, Sweeper (6:41)
- Half Marathon – 1:30, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, Sweeper (3:51)
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Yes – lost and found is located at Gear Check inside The Commons.
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Yes, all 5K participants run together.
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Parking passes will be handed out at the “Parking Pass” table located to the far right of the packet pickup tables at the Expo & Packet Pickup on Friday. Parking passes are only required for the 6th street parking garage (located between 6th and 7th Streets on the east side of Jackson Street).
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
Yes – click here to learn more about the participant tracker app.
Where can I get a parking pass?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
If extreme weather or an emergency arises, the Event Command Center will assess the situation and determine whether the event should be delayed, ended early, or canceled. Updates will be shared as quickly as possible via the Race app, Facebook, Instagram, local radio, email, and The Republic newspaper.
Please note: If the event is canceled, no refunds will be issued to participants or sponsors, and the random finisher truck giveaway will not take place. The race will not be rescheduled.
Please note: If the event is canceled, no refunds will be issued to participants or sponsors, and the random finisher truck giveaway will not take place. The race will not be rescheduled.
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Who benefits from the Mill Race Marathon?
The Mill Race Marathon benefits different initiatives with Healthy Communities and the Parks Foundation, all promoting healthy lifestyles. In our first thirteen years, we have donated over $1,000,000!
What happens if there is extreme weather or an emergency?
Is there a way to track runners as they make their way along the course?
Where can I get a parking pass?
Do the student 5K entrants run with the rest of the 5K?
Do you have a Lost and Found?
Does the Mill Race Marathon have a Pacer team?
Can I transfer my entry to another person?
I am unable to participate. Can I get a refund?
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Or can someone pick up my packet?
What food and drinks will be at the water stops?
Will there be restrooms along the courses?
Is this marathon a Boston Qualifier?
What if I sign up for one event and decide to switch?
Where do the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon courses split?
What food and drinks will be at the finish line?
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Run?
Registration is now open for the Mill Race Marathon Weekend.
volunteer
Register now
