Heroes of America Marathon/Half Marathon/5K

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The Heroes of America Marathon and Half Marathon Saturday, March 21, 2026 race starts and finishes at the intersection of West 10th St and Bay Ave in front of Woodruff Park, Columbus, GA two blocks north of the Columbus Marriott.

• Course: The full marathon runs both north and south of Woodruff Park utilizing some streets including the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge onto the beautiful Riverwalk and looping inside Fort Moore (AKA Benning).
• Exiting Fort Moore: The course exits Fort Moore at mile 17 and returns passing the Iron Works Convention Center to Bay Ave and W. 9th.
• Terrain: The course is reasonably flat with some smaller inclines.
• Participants: The Heroes of America Marathon does not allow participants who use hand-cranks due to the width of the Riverwalk.

📅 Event Details and Schedule

Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Columbus Marriott 800 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

• Packet Pickup: Noon to 1:30 pm, Then again at 4:30-6:30 pm
• Saturday, March 21, 2026: at the Columbus Marriott
• Start Time Marathon & Half Marathon: 8:00 am
• Start Time 5K: 8:10 am

🏆 Marathon Details

The Heroes of America Marathon course is a 26.2 mile course that starts and finishes at the intersection of West 10th St and Bay Ave in front of Woodruff Park, Columbus, GA.

• Minimum Age: The minimum age to register is 16 years old.
• Start Time: 8:00 am EST
• End Time: 3:00 pm EST
• Certification: This marathon course is certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier.

🏅 Half Marathon Details

The Heroes of America Half Marathon course is a 13.1 mile course that starts and finishes at the same location as the marathon.

• Minimum Age: The minimum age to register is 10 years old.
• Start Time: 8:00 am EST
• End Time: 12:00 pm EST

🤝 Ranger Challenge Relay Marathon

Each team will consist of no more than 2 runners starting at the same line as the other runners.

• Relay Details: One exchange point on the course at 13.1.
• Chip Timing: The lead runner receives the chip start time.
• Exchange Point: Located inside Ft Benning, accessible by car with military clearance.
• Transportation: Not provided by the event team: ensure to get your badge before race day.

🏃‍♀️ 5K Details

The 5K race starts right after the marathon and half marathon races.

• Course: The 5K course is 3.1 miles, starting and finishing at the same location.
• Minimum Age: The minimum age to register is 6 years old.
• Start Time: 8:10 am EST
• End Time: 9:30 am EST

🏨 Host Hotel

Host Hotel will be provided at a later date.

🎖️ Awards

Race finishers will receive a race t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

• Overall Winners: Male and Female awards for overall winners and masters.
• Age Group Awards: Available for various age brackets.
• Relay Team Awards: Each member will receive a finisher’s t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

📦 Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be at the Columbus Marriott, 800 Front Avenue, Columbus GA 31901, on:

• Friday: Noon-1:30 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
• Saturday: 6:00 am to 7:45 am.
• Team Pickup: A team representative may pick up the packet for relay members.

🚗 Parking

Parking is available at:

• Location 1: 801 Front Avenue deck garage across from W. 8th street.
• Location 2: Lots at Bay Avenue and Dillingham Street at 901 Bay Avenue, Columbus, GA (arrive early as this lot fills quickly).

🔗 More Information

For further details and updates regarding the race, please visit here.