The Cause
WHAT YOUR FUNDRAISING SUPPORTS
Nationwide Children’s Hospital has been the title beneficiary of the Columbus Marathon since 2012. Now entering our fourteenth year, the partnership has raised more than $14 million to advance pediatric research, expand access to life-saving care, and improve health outcomes for children everywhere.
WATCH WHAT YOUR SUPPORT FUELS
Our Values
Do the Right Thing
• We are committed to health equity
for all children
Prioritize Quality and Safety
• We put patients and families at the
center of every decision
Are Agile and Innovative
• We embrace and lead
positive change
Get Results
• We’re accountable (we do what we
say we’ll do)
• We’re committed to best outcomes
and constant improvement
Points of Pride
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is ranked among the top 10 NIH-funded freestanding pediatric research facilities in the U.S.
- Five-time Magnet designation for nursing excellence
- Nationwide Children’s has been named by U.S. News as tied for the number one pediatric hospital in Ohio and the Midwest.
- America's third largest children's hospital
- America's largest neonatal network and provider of inpatient pediatric surgeries
- More than 1.9 million patient visits in 2024
- Provided more than $277 million in charity care and community benefit services
Our Mission
We are committed to best outcomes and health equity for all children, ensuring every child has access to the best care regardless of their ability to pay.
Upon this fundamental belief, Nationwide Children's is committed to providing the highest quality:
- Care for patients and whole child wellness
- Advocacy for children and families
- Research discoveries
- Education of patients, families, team members and the community
What Makes Our Race the Most Meaningful Marathon in the Country?
Our Mile Champions: 24 patients treated at Nationwide Children's are selected to line each mile of the race. Each Mile Champion chooses a theme for their mile and is celebrated for their strength and bravery. Race Day is certainly a memory they will never forget.
The Remembrance Mile: Formerly known as The Angel Mile, Mile 11 is dedicated to remembering and honoring those special children who are no longer here with us. Learn more about the Angel Mile here.
The Encore Mile: Mile 10 celebrates each and every child who has lined the course since 2012.
Our Community: 15,000 runners, 3,000 volunteers and 100,000 spectators join together every October to find cures and create best outcomes for kids everywhere.
Our Children's Champions Fundraisers: Our Children’s Champions community raised over $470,000 in 2024. This group of extraordinary people run with their hearts and their WHY and are committed to our mission to care For Every Child, For Every Reason.
You control the impact you make: Through our fundraising program, you can choose where your donations go. Whether you want to help find cures for pediatric cancer, support our patients' emotional needs through art therapy, or give to the area of greatest need... You control how you support Nationwide Children's.
We do this for our kids because there is nothing more important. Every child should have the right to a bright and healthy future. We do this because children need hope, and hope needs a champion.
Embark on a transformative journey with us: Discover our mission, vision, and unwavering commitment to health equity. Explore our annual report and learn how you can be a vital partner in leading the journey to best outcomes for children everywhere.
