
From the Organizer
Race Beyond Limits is honored to continue the tradition of the Bird family and serve as the new hosts of the 18th Annual Veterans Marathon, a superb event honoring our nation’s Veterans. Located in the heart of northeast Indiana, Columbia City is a small-town community with true Hoosier values. It’s a community rooted in its agricultural heritage, strengthened by its commercial and residential development, and proud of its hometown heroes.
In honor of all of our Veterans this year the Veterans Marathon will be honoring the Army for its 18th running of the race. A portion of the profits from the event will be donated to local Veteran charities. The course will follow the same route it has over the last several years and it remains a Boston Qualifier!
Start time:
8:00 am EST for the Marathon
8:00 am EST for the Half Marathon
*Marathon runners will need to be able to complete the first course by 11:15 am. If they are not back to start the second loop by this time they will be dropped to the half marathon distance as our permits require a portion of the roads to reopen at that time.
End time:
Both the half and full marathon end at 2:00 pm EST.
Marathon ( 2 Loops) USATF Certification #:IN17015TDK.
Half Marathon USATF Certification #:IN17014TDK.
Post-Race:
Post Race festivities will include hot soups and other refreshments for runners and age group awards for the top 2 finishers in each age division.
Events
Weather
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
49°
Typical Low
32°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Columbia City, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
9,975
as of 2023
Elevation
830 ft
Nearest Airport
FWA
Fort Wayne International Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
IND
Indianapolis International Airport · 109 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
159
Days to train
Coming Up
Churubusco Turtle Days 5K
9 miles away
FREEDOM 5K
19 miles away
Loon Lake Run/Walk
Less than a mile away
Popeye and Olive Oil's 5K
17 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon
Nov 14, 2026