Kid-Friendly Fun Runs in Columbus

Katie G. said:  Celebrate America's independence at the Freedom 5K & Kids Fun Run. The course winds through the woods and practice fields of the cross-country course at Pickerington North High School.

For the kids fun run there will be two age groups: 5 and under, who will run a 100 yard dash and 6-9, who will run a 1/4 mile course. Hula hoops, jump ropes and chalk are available before the race along with special movie characters and high school mascots. All finishers in the Kids Fun Run will receive a ribbon.

Katie G. said:  The New Albany Independence Day Run and Walk is a great way to start off your 4th of July. This event is made for the whole family. The traditional 5K run/walk invites all runners and walkers to cruise the streets of New Albany. Strollers and pets are welcome on the 5K. There is also a 20 yard toddler crawl and 200 yard kids fun run. After the race there will be a pet parade for all to enjoy.

Katie G. said:  Help end childhood cancer with the St. Jude Walk/Run. Grab your friends and family and start a team or join a current team to raise funds for the kids of St. Jude. The 5K race begins and ends at MAPFRE Stadium while circling around the neighboring streets. The race is open to walkers and runners of all ages.

Cost: $10 - $20 per person, children 5 and under are free, and additional fundraising is encouraged but not required

Katie G. said:  The KidsLinked Columbus Foam Fun Run is an event you don't want to miss! Kids (and adults) will be drenched in sudsy, bubbly foam as they run from start to finish along the grounds of Westerville North High School. There are three distances: 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 2 miles. Participants will receive a free pancake breakfast to enjoy before or after the race, t-shirt, finishers medal, and more. You can stay after the race to enjoy the entire Columbus Children's Festival.

Hannah Scott said:  Most races for kids are simply running or walking, but the Kids-Try-Athlon takes things up a notch! The race combines a 100-meter swim, a one-mile bike ride (helmet required), and a quarter mile run. Parents are invited to participate in the parent/child division!

Kelly R said:  The Columbus Buddy Walk takes place around Mapfre stadium, with funds supporting the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio and NDSS. The event also includes a celebration with interactive exhibits and kid-friendly activities. All are welcome: those who are touched by Down syndrome and those who just want to show support.

Katie G. said:  St. Alban's Episcopal Church hosts the Pete Lowder Bexley Memorial Turkey Trot. Named in memory of a former member of the church who came up with the race, all proceeds will benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. There will be a 5K race and 2K family walk/run with the race beginning and ending at the church.

Katie G. said:  Get a healthy start to the New Year with a 5K Run/Walk with the family. The OhioHealth First On The First 5K will take place around the grounds of the Westerville Community Center. Participants will receive a finishers medal, blanket and post-race party sponsored by Yabo's Tacos. Please note, participants must be 6 and above and strollers or dogs are not permitted.

Kelly R said:  The Westerville Sunrise Rotary organizes this race each Memorial Day weekend as part of its Field of Heroes event, providing a unique way for the community to honor its heroes. Participants can run or walk the family friendly paved course, which goes through Fire Station 111 and passes through a field of thousands of full size American flags.

Hannah Scott said:  Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through involvement in a 10-week running program. Each 10-week session culminates in an official 5k race, in which the community is invited to take part! This event includes a Kiddie Fun Run and a traditional 5k.

Ages: 7 & under for the Fun Run

Cost: $30 - $35 for the 5K and $5 for the Fun Run

Katie G. said:  Now this is a race the whole family can enjoy that doesn't involve any running. At the Columbus Duck Race, rubber duckies will be the ones racing, not people. Purchase a duck and watch it race along the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place ducks. All proceeds from duck sales will benefit The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. There will be children's activities before the race during the day at the Columbus Food Truck Festival.

Cost: $5 - $500 for 1 - 130 Ducks

Kelly R said:  Dash for Donation promotes organ, eye, and tissue donation, and funds go toward programming for Lifeline of Ohio. The 5K route begins and ends at Genoa Park, with wonderful views of Columbus along the course. There is also a 1-mile Family Fun Walk, and a 100-meter Mascot Dash. Strollers are permitted.

Katie G. said:  If you're a Columbus Blue Jackets fan, you won't want to miss this race. Head through the streets of the Arena District in the 5th Line 5K presented by OhioHealth and finish on center ice at Nationwide Arena. Runners and walkers are welcome; however, strollers are not allowed. All race participants will receive a voucher good for two tickets to a select Blue Jackets game, long-sleeve Blue Jackets t-shirt, finishers medal and post-race party.

Cost: $60 - $70

Kelly R said:  This annual 5K run/walk is presented by The Wendy's Company, with the course beginning and ending at Huntington Park. Participants receive a race medal and enjoy a free Frosty at the finish line. Jogging strollers are permitted. The event supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in North America's foster care system.

Katie G. said:  Stroll through Polaris Fashion Place while helping to fight epilepsy in this family-friendly walk event. Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati and Columbus, walkers will stroll through both levels of the mall while answering questions at stations along the way. Complete the treasure hunt and be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize.

Cost: $30