In an effort to inspire runners and walkers of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon and the Central Ohio community to raise funds, we ask our real champions – our patients – to share their stories. As a Mile Champion, you will share your (child’s) story, giving runners and walkers motivation and a connection to how their fundraising dollars are making a difference in the lives of our patients.
Requirements and expectations to be considered for the Mile Champion program:
- Children must be over the age of 6 to become a Mile Champion
- Children/families must be available to join us on race day (Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024)
- Nearly 15,000 athletes are expected to run or walk the 2024 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Marathon or 1/2 Marathon. We ask that our Mile Champions are present for the race at their designated mile along the course, as they are an important part of the race day experience!
- Patient Families must have access to a personal computer. Almost 100% of communication leading up to the Marathon is via email. Additionally, parents/guardians are expected to be responsive to all communications leading up to race day
- Must be available to attend one of the designated professional photo sessions (May 31, 2024 or June 1, 2024)
- Must be available to attend the Breakfast of Champions Event on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Additional Information
Health and Special Needs Information
- Patient Families must notify Nationwide Children’s Hospital of any special needs including transportation restrictions, medical devices, allergies, etc. We want to ensure that we are able to make appropriate accommodations for race day
- We will contact your Nationwide Children’s Hospital clinical provided for clearance. We require this clearance because the Marathon is an outdoor event that typically lasts for several hours.
Mile Champion Fundraising Pages
When we share each Mile Champion story, we also link to the Mile Champion’s fundraising page so that community members, friends and family are able to make a gift in the Champion’s honor. You are not required to fundraise, but strongly encouraged to share the page with your network, as the community may feel compelled to donate in your child’s honor.
How are Mile Champions selected?
We receive many nomination applications for this event. Each application is reviewed by a selection committee made up of Nationwide Children's Hospital staff. We make every attempt to ensure that all diagnoses are represented along the miles as we are made up of many wonderful and diverse hospital departments.
Mile Champion Nominations are now closed for 2024. Stay tuned for selection results!
