A: The Halfway to the Holidays race will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

A: The race takes place at the T.J. Evans Bike Path trailhead in Johnstown, Ohio.

A: The event offers a marathon, half marathon, quarter marathon, 5K, and a kids fun run.

A: Yes, a kids fun run is available and designed for younger participants.

A: Yes, beginners can participate in the 5K or kids run, which are great entry-level options.

A: Yes, a full marathon distance is available for experienced runners.

 A: The marathon begins at 6:30 AM.

A: The half marathon starts at 7:30 AM.

Q: What time do the quarter marathon and 5k begin?
A: The quarter marathon and 5K begin at approximately 8:30 AM.

A: The kids run starts at approximately 8:15 AM.

A: The course is a paved trail along the T.J. Evans Bike Path, offering a flat and fast running surface.

A: Yes, the course is relatively flat and ideal for runners seeking a personal best time.

A: All races start and finish at the same central location on the trail

A: Yes, water stations are available along the course depending on the race distance. Information as to where they are located can be found on the Course Maps page

As of early April 2026, this course is not USATF-certified. We do, however make certain the course covers the full 26.2 mile (or 13.1 mile) distance.

The course for all race distances does close at noon on race day, meaning that the marathon course is open for 5 1/2 hours.

A: Registration is available online through the official race page on RunSignup.

A: Yes, registration pricing increases as race day approaches. The pricing schedule can be found on the USA Race Timing website

Yes, there is a restroom at the start/finish line. A portable restroom will be placed at the Alexandria trailhead of the TJ Evans bike path near the half and full marathon turnaround.

A: Registration includes race entry, a festive swag item, bib, finisher medal, and a frozen treat at the finish line.

 A: Yes, all participants receive a finisher medal after completing their race and a race shirt at packet pickup

A: Participants can choose festive swag such as Santa hats, elf hats, tutus, or shirts.

A: Yes, all race distances except the Kids Fun Run are professionally chip timed with accurate results.

A: Yes, runners are both allowed encouraged to wear holiday-themed costumes. Please be smart in your choice though, as it is late July in Ohio, when it is guaranteed to be both hot and humid

A. Yes, dogs are welcome, and a dog water station is available at the finish.

A: Yes, strollers are permitted on the course.

Parking is available at the event location and if that parking lot fills up there are two adjacent parking lots.  More information can be found by scrolling down the USA Race Timing event page.

A: Yes, the event offers beginner-friendly distances and a supportive atmosphere, ESPECIALLY with members of RunColumbus being present at the race!

Yes! In just it's second year, this event has already seen runners from 14 different states as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico! 

Allowed but not recommended for safety (There are a few road crossings at this race) A good alternative is to use bone-conduction headphones (such as Shokz) so that you can jam to your tunes AND be aware of your surroundings!

Yes — referring registrants can lead to partial or full refunds

Your referral code should be located in the confirmation email that you received when you registered for the race. If it is not there, please reach out to events.usaracetiming@gmail.com for assistance.

Yes, for full marathon participants, there will be an area near the first-lap turnaround point where runners can access a drop bag containing personalized hydration, nutrition, and other supplies. 

As of early April, a gear check for participants is not within the race plans.