Kid-Friendly Fun Runs in Columbus

The Santa Race 5K and Little Reindeer Dash is a fun, family-friendly run /walk event in Gahanna, Ohio. Come, join us and bring your family and friends for a most festive experience. Enjoy festive music, themed shirts, hats, custom medals, snacks, and a fun course on the Big Walnut Trail.

Get ready to celebrate the annual Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and jingle all the way toward a cure!

Get ready to walk, run, or jog in Downtown Columbus along the Scioto Mile to support Ohio childhood cancer families!

Join hundreds of runners and walkers to fill the street with Santas on this flat 5K course. The start/finish will be in Crocker Parker.

Katie G.:  As the annual kick off for the PGA Memorial Tournament, the FORE! Miler Presented by Ohio Health is a 4-mile run/walk race held in Dublin. The race starts and ends at Muirfield Village Golf Club along the residential streets of Dublin. Participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, complimentary practice round ticket and enjoy a free post-race party at the Golden Bear Club. This charitable event raises money for the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Katie G.:  Participants in the All Ohio Balloon Fest 5K Run/Walk will receive a weekend pass to the Balloon Fest. The course starts and ends at Mill Valley Central Park.

Katie G.:  The KidsLinked Columbus Foam Fun Run is an event you don't want to miss! Kids (and adults) will be drenched in sudsy, bubbly foam as they run from start to finish along the grounds of Westerville North High School. There are three distances: 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 2 miles. Participants will receive a free pancake breakfast to enjoy before or after the race, t-shirt, finishers medal, and more. You can stay after the race to enjoy the entire Columbus Children's Festival.

Kelly R:  The Westerville Sunrise Rotary organizes this race each Memorial Day weekend as part of its Field of Heroes event, providing a unique way for the community to honor its heroes. Participants can run or walk the family friendly paved course, which goes through Fire Station 111 and passes through a field of thousands of full size American flags.

Katie G.:  Kick off your 4th of July celebrations with the Patriots 5k on the 4th run in downtown Powell. The flat, family-friendly course is open to runner, joggers, walkers and strollers. There is also a 2-mile fun run. Participants can donate new or used shoes to be given to the Souls 4 Soles organization that collects shoes for people in need.

Brigitte Nohra Miller:  This family friendly event offers a cool challenge to tackle with your family: cross obstacles (natural and manmade) through a mud trail while enjoying the beauty of nature. The run is family friendly and just under 2 miles. No strollers or pets allowed. Registration required.

Katie G.:  The 2nd Annual Red Tail Run Flyway 5K and Walk for Wildlife is a family-fun race that benefits native wild animals and the Ohio Wildlife Center. The run/walk event takes place around the 20-acre Ohio Wildlife Center and neighborhood of Shawnee Hills. Animal ambassadors will be on hand and all participants will receive a custom wooden medal.

Cost: $15 - $35

Katie G.:  Celebrate America's independence at the Freedom 5K & Kids Fun Run. The course winds through the woods and practice fields of the cross-country course at Pickerington North High School.

For the kids fun run there will be two age groups: 5 and under, who will run a 100 yard dash and 6-9, who will run a 1/4 mile course. Hula hoops, jump ropes and chalk are available before the race along with special movie characters and high school mascots. All finishers in the Kids Fun Run will receive a ribbon.

Kelly R:  The whole family is invited to participate in this celebration of motherhood, including a 5K race and 1 mile walk followed by a gathering with live music, a champagne toast, giveaways, and special discounts at Polaris Fashion Place. There are also activities and inflatables for the kids. Strollers are welcome. This event benefits national and local Ronald McDonald House charities.

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.

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.