Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

Sign up today and join us for the inaugural Make A Way 5K, hosted by the Waymakers Foundation at the Westerville Sports Complex (325 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082) on Nov. 1, 2026! The Waymakers Foundation exists to meet people in some of the hardest moments of their lives with dignity, compassion, and practical support. Through our community-driven free store, powered entirely by donated goods and financial contributions, we provide essential items at no cost to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. This includes those rebuilding after devastating loss, single parents working to make ends meet, domestic violence survivors starting over, veterans in transition, and neighbors navigating unexpected hardship. From clothing and shoes to kitchen supplies, bedroom furnishings, home décor, and everyday essentials, our goal is to restore a sense of stability and hope when it’s needed most. The store operates by appointment to ensure each person receives focused, respectful care. At our core, we strive to be what many of us once needed ourselves during challenging times needing a reliable, compassionate resource that reminds people they are not alone. Proceeds from our first Waymakers 5K will directly support our operations and help us continue serving the community with consistency and care. To learn more or get involved, visit www.waymakersfoundation.org.

Join us on Saturday, November 7th for the inaugural Race for Virtue 5K at the Westerville Sports Complex to benefit Columbus Classical Academy (CCA). CCA is a private classical school in central Ohio, serving grades K-11, adding a grade each year through grade twelve. CCA is a Hillsdale College Curriculum School, a distinction that offers our school access to a tried-and-true K-12 Curriculum from the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office. Do you have a little one aged 6 or under looking to participate in the day's festivities, but not interested in doing the full 5K? The Kids Run taking place before the 5K at 8:30AM is a great option for you! Starting and finishing at the arch, Kids Runners will run 100m out, turn around, and come on back to the finish, fully visible for the entirety of the race. Parents and guardians, feel free to join your kiddo as needed, but know that event registration is limited to kids age 6 and under. "Columbus Classical Academy inculcates in our students, through a genuine and rigorous classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, the knowledge and virtue upon which independent, responsible, and joyful lives are built, in the firm belief that such lives are the foundation of a free and flourishing republic." - CCA Mission Statement Your participation in the Race for Virtue 5K will serve to provide funds for a new gymnasium!

Join us Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Westerville Sports Complex for the Let Me Run Columbus FallFest 5K, a joyful community run/walk and season-ending celebration of boys, families, coaches, and supporters. The FallFest 5K welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Every step helps create an unforgettable finish-line experience for Let Me Run boys as they celebrate seven weeks of running, teamwork, confidence, and personal growth. Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. Trained volunteer coaches combine running, games, and meaningful lessons that encourage healthy habits, strengthen confidence, and foster respect for others. Let Me Run Program Participants Let Me Run will register program boys and coaches at no additional cost. After registrations are imported, families will receive instructions for accessing their existing registration and may optionally purchase a $10 race shirt. All shirt purchases must be completed by Sunday, October 18, at 11:59 p.m. Please do not create a separate Community Member registration for a Let Me Run program boy. Contact Shruti Gupta at shrutig@letmerun.org if you are unsure about your registration. RUN. CHEER. CELEBRATE. Come early for temporary tattoos, green hair spray, bib decorating, cheering signs, and more before the 9:30 a.m. start. FallFest is more than a 5K. It is a celebration of every boy’s season.

Join us for the Dash for Camp 5K Run/Walk annual fundraising event taking place on Saturday, November 14, at the Westerville Sports Complex (325 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082)! Proceeds from the event support Camp Hamwi, which serves children and teens who are living with diabetes. Camp Hamwi has allowed these campers to have an authentic camp experience while learning how to manage their diabetes. Come join in on the fun and enjoy refreshments, camp games, and socializing before the 5K kicks off! The Dash for Camp is a chance to make an impact! To learn more about LifeCare Alliance diabetes services and programs, including Camp Hamwi, please visit https://www.lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda/

The Westerville Lions Rudolph 5K Run/Walk and Winter Fest is a family-encouraged 5K event that will take place on December 6, 2026 at the Westerville Sports Complex (325 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082). We will have Santa, food trucks, and activities for families and spectators. The Rudolph Run/Walk 5K will generate funds to benefit Westerville area organizations. 5K registrants - Register prior to Nov. 1, and save $5! On Nov. 1, the price of the 5K will increase from $35 to $40. *Please note that this special early registration price for the 5K does not apply to the Elementary School Challenge, which is already discounted at $30.

We'll see you on the track!