OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon Welcomes Back First Responders Heroes Challenge

COLUMBUS, Ohio (February, 2026) – The OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon is proud to welcome back the First Responders Heroes Challenge as part of the 2026 OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and Columbus Promise 5K, taking place on Saturday, April 25 in downtown Columbus.  

Now in its second year, the First Responders Heroes Challenge invites police officers, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers and all first responders to come together across divisions and departments to celebrate service, wellness and community. The challenge is not about competition — it’s about participation, camaraderie and community.

The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon has a longstanding partnership with the City of Columbus Department of Public Safety to produce one of the safest road races in the country.  The Heroes Challenge builds on that foundation by creating an experience centered on physical and mental wellness within the first responder community.

“We see first hand how much first responders do for our city,”  said David Babner, Race Director and Owner of M3S Sports. “We’re grateful for their continued support of our events and our community, and we’re proud to celebrate and engage first responders in an elevated way through the Heroes Challenge.”

First responders are invited to run or walk the Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon or 5K and can request a 20% registration discount code prior to registering by verifying their first responder status.

“The well-being of our First Responders - police, fire, and 911 - is always at the forefront as they tirelessly serve our community,” said Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti. “We are grateful to Cap City for once again recognizing their service with the Heroes Challenge and encouraging them to embrace healthy lifestyles.”

Registration is currently open for the Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5K at CapitalCityHalfMarathon.com. 

For more information on the First Responder Heroes Challenge, visit: capitalcityhalfmarathon.com/registration/heroes-challenge/

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About the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon:
Founded in 2004, the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon is one of the premier road race events in the Midwest. The event features the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and Columbus Promise 5K and is produced by M3S Sports. Voted the #2 Half Marathon in the Country by USA Today, the event features a one-of-a-kind tour of Columbus and a post-race party and concert to celebrate runners and walkers living a healthy, active lifestyle.