BuckeyeThon 5K
BuckeyeThon 5K is a running race on September 6, 2026 in Columbus, OH, with entry fees from $5 to $45.
- Date
- September 6, 2026 (45 days to go)
- Price
- $5–$45
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Get ready to run, walk, and celebrate at the BuckeyeThon 5K, Ohio State’s most spirited race benefiting the kids at Nationwide Children's Hospital! This year’s event kicks off the 25th anniversary year of the BuckeyeThon Dance Marathon and celebrates 25 years of students, families, and supporters coming together to create miracles for pediatric patients and their families.
When you register, you’ll receive a FREE exclusive BuckeyeThon T-shirt and a commemorative finisher medal. Along the course, you’ll be surrounded by the energy that makes BuckeyeThon so special, with Champion Families cheering you on, upbeat music along the route, and some of Ohio State’s most iconic campus views.
After you cross the finish line, keep the celebration going at our Post Race Celebration presented by the Undergraduate Student Government, featuring FREE food, hydration stations, family-friendly activities, inflatables, and a live student band. You’ll also have the chance to meet our incredible Champion Kids and hear firsthand how your support makes a lasting impact at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
Whether you’re aiming for a personal best with our laser-timed course or simply coming out for the fun, the BuckeyeThon 5K promises unforgettable moments, genuine connections, and endless smiles. Lace up your running shoes, gather your friends and family, and join us as we honor 25 years of impact while kicking off another unforgettable year of making miracles.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
81°
Typical Low
58°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Columbus Wcmh, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Columbus, OH
Population
906,480
as of 2023
City Elevation
819 ft
Nearest Airport
CMH
John Glenn Columbus International Airport · 5 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at BuckeyeThon 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
45
Days to train
- Race
- BuckeyeThon 5K
- Date
- September 6, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Running races near Columbus, OH
Gumpathon 2026
10K · From $40 · 3055 Indianola Avenue
2 miles away
Columbus Run, Walk, and Roll for MPS
From $35 · 400 West Whittier Street
2 miles away
WALK WITH ME SUGAR 5K RUN/WALK AGAINST DIABETES presented by ELB Philanthropy
1 Mile · 5K · Genoa Park
3 miles away
Summer Sizzler- Columbus
1 Mile · 5K · 10K · 15K · From $17 · Genoa Park
3 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Columbus than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to ColumbusFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the BuckeyeThon 5K?+
When and where is the BuckeyeThon 5K?+
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BuckeyeThon 5K
Sep 6, 2026