Marathon to require proof of shots, negative test
With COVID-19 cases at worrisome levels in Columbus and Ohio, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Marathon are making some changes in an effort to keep runners safe at its event next month, including requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for athletes.
The Columbus Marathon board of trustees announced Tuesday that all athletes, volunteers, event personnel and vendors in an “active athlete area” — such as the Health and Fitness Expo, start/finish areas and fluid stations — must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test prior to participation in the event Oct. 17.
The protocols also include those picking up a race number and t-shirt at the marathon’s Health & Fitness Expo Oct. 15 and 16 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which is also governed by Columbus’ citywide mask mandate.
According to the marathon website, athletes must show proof of full vaccination that was completed by 12 p.m. on Oct. 12, or proof of a negative test. The acceptable testing window for athletes begins at 6 p.m. on Oct. 13 and goes through the closing of the Health & Fitness Expo at 6 p.m. Oct. 16.
Race director Darris Blackford said the board made the decision based on protocols other marathons are implementing, such as the Akron Marathon, the Boston Marathon and the Chicago Marathon.
“It’s part of our goal to create the safest and healthiest environment to protect our athletes, our volunteers, the vendors at the Health and Fitness Expo and even spectators,” he said. “We owe it to the community to try to take as many steps as we can to create as safe an environment as possible.”
If a runner or other participant declines to take a test or show proof of vaccination, their registration will be deferred to next year’s event, Blackford said.
“We’re trying to create as fair an opportunity for people,” he said. “The easiest thing is, if you’re not vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated and don’t want to get vaccinated, show up with a negative test. We don’t anyone sick to show up either, so get a negative test and we’ll love to have you out there. At the same time, if you’re not comfortable with any of those options, we’ll be glad to have them join us next year.”
The Columbus Marathon will be held for the 41st time in 2021, with this year marking the 15th edition of the 1⁄2 Marathon.
Officials announced in May that with progress made in the battle against COVID-19, the marathon and half marathon would plan a return to an in-person race in October. The decision to hold the race in-person was made after race officials worked with local and state leaders and health officials for months.
Blackford said the reason why the board waited until September to make their decision was due to the low cases Ohio was experiencing in the beginning of the summer.
“We’re not trying to make a political statement,” he said. “What we’re trying to do is create a safe environment for people who want to take part in this activity.” mwalker@dispatch.com @micah_walker701