Kid-Friendly Fun Runs in Columbus

Hannah Scott:  Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through involvement in a 10-week running program. Each 10-week session culminates in an official 5k race, in which the community is invited to take part! This event includes a Kiddie Fun Run and a traditional 5k.

Ages: 7 & under for the Fun Run

Cost: $30 - $35 for the 5K and $5 for the Fun Run

Kelly R.:  The Autism Speaks Walk is dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism, with funds raised going toward innovative research and lifelong support for people with autism. The event is non-competitive and family friendly, and includes sensory-friendly activities for children. There is access to quiet space for participants with sensory sensitivities who may become overwhelmed by the atmosphere. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

Cost: no mandatory registration fee, but participants are encouraged fundraise. If you raise at least $150 you will receive a t-shirt

Katie G.:  Now this is a race the whole family can enjoy that doesn't involve any running. At the Columbus Duck Race, rubber duckies will be the ones racing, not people. Purchase a duck and watch it race along the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place ducks. All proceeds from duck sales will benefit The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. There will be children's activities before the race during the day at the Columbus Food Truck Festival.

Cost: $5 - $500 for 1 - 130 Ducks

Kelly R.:  Dash for Donation promotes organ, eye, and tissue donation, and funds go toward programming for Lifeline of Ohio. The 5K route begins and ends at Genoa Park, with wonderful views of Columbus along the course. There is also a 1-mile Family Fun Walk, and a 100-meter Mascot Dash. Strollers are permitted.

Katie G.:  If you're a Columbus Blue Jackets fan, you won't want to miss this race. Head through the streets of the Arena District in the 5th Line 5K presented by OhioHealth and finish on center ice at Nationwide Arena. Runners and walkers are welcome; however, strollers are not allowed. All race participants will receive a voucher good for two tickets to a select Blue Jackets game, long-sleeve Blue Jackets t-shirt, finishers medal and post-race party.

Cost: $60 - $70

Kelly R.:  This annual 5K run/walk is presented by The Wendy's Company, with the course beginning and ending at Huntington Park. Participants receive a race medal and enjoy a free Frosty at the finish line. Jogging strollers are permitted. The event supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, dedicated to finding permanent homes for children in North America's foster care system.

Katie G.:  St. Alban's Episcopal Church hosts the Pete Lowder Bexley Memorial Turkey Trot. Named in memory of a former member of the church who came up with the race, all proceeds will benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. There will be a 5K race and 2K family walk/run with the race beginning and ending at the church.

Katie G.:  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!

Katie G.:  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.

Kelly R.:  The Columbus Buddy Walk takes place around Mapfre stadium, with funds supporting the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio and NDSS. The event also includes a celebration with interactive exhibits and kid-friendly activities. All are welcome: those who are touched by Down syndrome and those who just want to show support.

Katie G.:  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.

Katie G.:  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

Katie G.:  Help end childhood cancer with the St. Jude Walk/Run. Grab your friends and family and start a team or join a current team to raise funds for the kids of St. Jude. The 5K race begins and ends at MAPFRE Stadium while circling around the neighboring streets. The race is open to walkers and runners of all ages.

Cost: $10 - $20 per person, children 5 and under are free, and additional fundraising is encouraged but not required

Kelly R.:  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.

Hannah Scott:  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!