
Here Are Some of the Roads That Will Be Closed for Columbus Marathon 2025 this Weekend
Thousands of runners are expected to fill the streets of Columbus, Ohio this weekend for the 2025 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon, leading to several road closures and traffic changes across the city.
The marathon will run from October 17 through October 19, impacting major roads in downtown Columbus, the Arena District, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Road Closures to Expect in Columbus
According to the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), several roads will be closed or have limited access during the marathon as the race route passes through downtown Columbus, German Village, Bexley, Short North, Victorian Village, Ohio State University, Grandview Heights, and Upper Arlington.
October 17 Closures
- 9 a.m. – Long Street will close from Hocking Street to Neil Avenue until 6 p.m. on Oct. 19, except for a brief reopening from 5–7 p.m. on Oct. 18 for Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew events.
- 11:59 p.m. – Spring Street (West Street to Neil Avenue), Hanover Street, Cozzins Street, West Street (Nationwide Blvd to Marconi Blvd), and John McConnell Blvd will close until 6 p.m. on Oct. 19, with limited access for local traffic.
October 18 Closures
- 11:59 p.m. – Spring Street (Neil Avenue to Hocking Street) will remain closed until 6 p.m. Oct. 19.
- 11:59 p.m. – Neil Avenue south from Nationwide Boulevard will be reduced to one lane for condominium residents until 6 p.m. Oct. 19.
October 19 Closures
- 7:30 a.m. – Rolling closures will occur along the 26.2-mile marathon route and the 13.1-mile half marathon route, reopening gradually as the final runners pass.
- 6 p.m. – All major roads, including Spring Street, Long Street, and Neil Avenue, are expected to reopen.
COTA Route Changes and Transit Alerts
COTA will reroute 17 bus lines on Sunday, October 19, during the marathon, causing delays throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Affected routes include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 22, 31, 102, CMAX, and the Zoo Bus.
Nearly all downtown bus stops will close beginning 4 a.m. on October 19, and over 800 stops across Columbus will be affected.
Temporary transfer points will be located at Spring Street and Long Street near Fourth Street.
COTA expects all reroutes and delays to end by mid-afternoon on October 19, once the marathon concludes.
Residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead, expect delays, and use alternate routes during marathon weekend.