Mill Race Marathon & Half Marathon
Columbus, IN
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Mill Race Marathon offers a flat, fast, scenic course throughout downtown neighborhoods of Columbus, IN, including shady people trails through parks. Great finishers medals, fabulous shirts and a fun After Party in downtown Columbus featuring live music, food and drinks and a kids fun zone!!
Local Historical Weather (Sep 26):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 79 | 80 | 81 | 68 | 77 |
| L (°F) | 54 | 57 | 60 | 52 | 46 |
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This is a good, well-run small city race
Logistics are great, there is a lot of community (and corp) support. Weather can range anywhere from stormy to perfect to hot. Really flat course, a lot of running through … MORE
Logistics are great, there is a lot of community (and corp) support. Weather can range anywhere from stormy to perfect to hot. Really flat course, a lot of running through parks as well as city streets. After the half/full split it gets pretty quiet (80% of runners are not marathoners and there is very little sideline support). I liked the race a lot.
Missed opportunity for a scenic route
Columbus, Indiana is famous for public art and stunning architecture. Unfortunately, this race showcases none of it. The course is mostly through neighborhoods and along a paved greenway. The marathon … MORE
Columbus, Indiana is famous for public art and stunning architecture. Unfortunately, this race showcases none of it. The course is mostly through neighborhoods and along a paved greenway. The marathon runners even have to repeat some sections of the course in the second half. A beautiful town like Columbus could make a much better route!
Everything else was good – great volunteers, plenty of course support, nice medals, and a great finish line party with bands and food. The shirt is pretty cheap, but I’ve gotten worse! One thing to know – the marathon is tiny compared to the other races. I was running alone most of the second half. There aren’t spectators except at the finish area. However, the course is flat, flat, flat. It would be a great BQ course if it stays cool (it hit 80 degrees at the finish for me).
Smooth, Flat, well organized
Columbus, IN is a cozy town with incredible architecture and friendly neighborhoods. The course is primarily flat. There's a large portion on a paved trail. Fun race all in all MORE
Columbus, IN is a cozy town with incredible architecture and friendly neighborhoods. The course is primarily flat. There’s a large portion on a paved trail. Fun race all in all
Pancake-Flat Course, Good Organization
If you're looking to set your pace on a flat course, this is your race. The course itself isn't the most scenic, but it is nice to be able to … MORE
If you’re looking to set your pace on a flat course, this is your race. The course itself isn’t the most scenic, but it is nice to be able to run through a cute little town, and the view running over the bridge is great! The race is very well-run and well-organized, with thoughtful communication and good course identification. It’s carefully thought-out and executed, with nice swag and the chance to compete for an additional medal if you’re a top 100 finisher.
The time of year makes this race a little dicey for me. This year, the heat was just a killer. There are several parts of the course that are running on blacktop or cement with zero shade, so some miles towards the middle of the race are more challenging than others. To combat the scorching heat, race organizers and local families set up a TON of water and aid stations, which were life savers. I will say, the food available at the finish line was minimal and the food/beverages and at the after party had limited options available.
All in all, I probably won’t do this race again solely due to the likelihood for high temperatures on race day. But the race itself was great!
Fastest course I have ever been on!
Only about 150 finishers every year but you do run with the half marathon for the 1st half. Bring a friend or you own motivation. A small crowd. The course … MORE
Only about 150 finishers every year but you do run with the half marathon for the 1st half. Bring a friend or you own motivation. A small crowd. The course is flat and fast and no traffic!
Good tune-up half marathon
I ran this half marathon as a tune-up for a full marathon later in the fall. Excellently served its purpose there. Smaller field on a flat/fast course through the town … MORE
I ran this half marathon as a tune-up for a full marathon later in the fall. Excellently served its purpose there. Smaller field on a flat/fast course through the town of Columbus, IN (easy access/short drive from Indianapolis). Fun bonus: Cummins is based in the town, and the race raffles off a free Ram truck to 1 lucky person who finishes the half or full marathon.
Flat
Super flat course. Watch the weather. In 2017 it was crazy hot! Cute little town. They raffle off a truck at the end of the race but you MUST be … MORE
Super flat course. Watch the weather. In 2017 it was crazy hot! Cute little town. They raffle off a truck at the end of the race but you MUST be present to claim the prize.
A fast, FUN race!!
I've participated in this race twice out of the 5(?) years. I would have to say, this is definitely one of my favorites. I've only been running for 4 years, … MORE
I’ve participated in this race twice out of the 5(?) years. I would have to say, this is definitely one of my favorites. I’ve only been running for 4 years, but every time I’ve done this race, I’ve come away with a PR.
– Expo – the expo is small, but makes for easy packet pick-up. It is held at the Commons in downtown Columbus.
– Swag – in the two times I’ve run the race, the medals have been the same. The shirts run HUGE!!!
– Course – the course runs through the city of Columbus, which is really a beautiful place. I’ve visited there many times, but the course takes you through some interesting parts you don’t normally see. It is BEYOND flat!!! I can’t remember even the slightest elevation, except for the slope that takes you up to the covered bridge in Mill Race Park. The volunteers are honestly the best I’ve ever encountered!! They are so supportive and always smiling.
– Post party – Bring some cash because the post race party is FUN. They have activities, food and beverages for participants and their families. The party lasts until they GIVE away the Dodge pick-up!
When looking at my schedule for 2017, I am planning my races around the Mill Race Half Marathon 🙂
Great Race. Level, pretty, Perfect Temp
Great first half. Cheap! You get entered to win a new truck just for finishing. Nice level course, very pretty. Great snacks at the end. The shirt was decent. I … MORE
Great first half. Cheap! You get entered to win a new truck just for finishing. Nice level course, very pretty. Great snacks at the end. The shirt was decent. I am considering returning to do the marathon.