Kid-Friendly Fun Runs in Columbus

Kelly R said:  The whole family is invited to participate in this celebration of motherhood, including a 5K race and 1 mile walk followed by a gathering with live music, a champagne toast, giveaways, and special discounts at Polaris Fashion Place. There are also activities and inflatables for the kids. Strollers are welcome. This event benefits national and local Ronald McDonald House charities.

8 AM

Katie G. said:  The Thanksgiving Wattle is a 5K run/walk event. The race raises funds and collects food donations for the Grove City Food Pantry. Race participants in the 5K will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt, finishers medal (first 2,000 finishers), chip timing and music along the course. Top male and female finishers in each age group will take home pumpkin pies. There is also a 200-yard Children's Primrose Race for kids. Kids will be chasing mascots as they run.

8:30 AM

Katie G. said:  Based on the hit TV show, The Amazing Race, contestants will "run" through challenging obstacle courses while solving clues and puzzles and trying to be the first to cross the finish line. Teams of two will assemble and compete against similar teams (adult-adult, adult-kid, kid-kid) in this fun 1.5 mile race. Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age group.

4 PM

Katie G. said:  Take part in this family tradition for over 30 years at the Columbus Turkey Trot. This truly is a family event as there are four events at this year's race which benefits the Easterseals of Central Ohio. The race begins at the Shops on Lane Avenue and runs around The Ohio State University campus. There is a 5-mile run/walk, the "Walk & Talk 2-Miler" and the "Tot Trot Kids Race." All race finishers receive a medal and pumpkin pie to take home!

8:30 AM

Katie G. said:  The Delaware Turkey Trot is a 5-mile run/walk and Little Gobbler Run for kids under 8 held on Thanksgiving Day. The event is hosted by New Beginnings Church and will benefit the Autism Society of Central Ohio. If registered in advance participants will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt and finishers medal.

8:30 AM

Kelly R said:  This annual Thanksgiving race through Powell has separate courses for adults and kids. All participants in the 4-miler will receive a large craft beer or a pair of custom socks, depending on age. There is a $1,450 prize purse divided among the top 8 male and female finishers. Strollers are welcome. Kids who complete the Wobble 'Till You Gobble Fun Run will receive an award created by local elementary students. This event supports A Kid Again.

8 AM

Katie G. said:  The Dash & Dine 5K or 10K run/walk will take place in Prairie Township where participants will dash through the streets of Lincoln Village North then enjoy a community style dinner on N. Murray Hill. There will also be a 200 meter kids dash, music, family games and activities. All participants will receive a token to be used at one of the food trucks for dinner. All participants will receive a finishers medal and t-shirt (adults only).

Cost: adults are $30 - $55 and kids (3-12) are $5 - $15

6 PM

Kelly R said:  The annual Dublin Irish Festival kicks off with this family-friendly 5K and 1/4 mile Kids Dash. Strollers are permitted at the back of the 5K start. After the race, stick around to enjoy entertainment and special promotions at the Dub Crawl. All 5K participants receive a complimentary one-day admission ticket to the Dublin Irish Festival.

6:30 PM

Katie G. said:  Now in its 10th year, the St. Patrick's Day 4 Miler at Kinsale is a fun way to keep your family active and get them moving. As the name suggests, the run/walk course is 4-miles and winds through the beautiful golf course neighborhood surrounding Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Powell. There is a post race party and concert for individuals over 18. Don't want to run and just want to party? You can do that! Party only tickets are $15.

Cost: $40 - $50 for adults and $30 - $40 for kids under 18

6 pm

Katie G. said:  Grab the family and head to the zoo for a fun-filled day at the Safari 5K + Frog Jog. Choose to run or walk the 3.1 mile course in and around the grounds of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Or come and cheer on the kids as they jog the 1/3 mile Frog Jog race around Discovery Lake. All participants will receive a custom medal, post-race celebration at the Tiger Shelter and admission all day to the zoo. Register online.

Ages: All

Cost: $30 - $35/5K, $15/Frog Jog

Frog Jog: 8 AM

5K: 8:30 AM

Katie G. said:  Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with the Patriots 5k on the 4th run in downtown Powell. The flat, family-friendly course is open to runner, joggers, walkers and strollers. There is also a 2-mile fun run. Participants can donate new or used shoes to be given to the Souls 4 Soles organization that collects shoes for people in need.

Katie G. said:   Kick off the running season with a brisk 5K through the streets of Dublin for the It's Not Valentine's Day 5K. Sponsored by the Dublin Recreation Center, all participants will receive a colorful sweat shirt, custom coffee mug and electronic chip timing. Jets pizza and hot chocolate will be served after the race.

Cost: $38 per person, additional $5 if you register day-of.

10 AM

Hannah Scott said:  Support the Hilliard Davidson Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams by participating in the annual 5K Run/Walk Nite Classic. Even young kids are encouraged to join in the festivities by registering for a (free) untimed Fun Run or a timed 1 Mile Fun Run. Collection bins will be set up for you to bring your retired running shoes, which will be donated to charity. Note: Be sure to look carefully at the date. Most races take place on the weekend, but this is scheduled for a Thursday evening!

6:40 PM

Katie G. said:  As the annual kick off for the PGA Memorial Tournament, the FORE! Miler Presented by Ohio Health is a 4-mile run/walk race held in Dublin. The race starts and ends at Muirfield Village Golf Club along the residential streets of Dublin. Participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, complimentary practice round ticket and enjoy a free post-race party at the Golden Bear Club. This charitable event raises money for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

7 pm

Katie G. said:  The 2nd Annual Red Tail Run Flyway 5K and Walk for Wildlife is a family-fun race that benefits native wild animals and the Ohio Wildlife Center. The run/walk event takes place around the 20-acre Ohio Wildlife Center and neighborhood of Shawnee Hills. Animal ambassadors will be on hand and all participants will receive a custom wooden medal.

Cost: $15 - $35

8 - 10 AM