Race Review: 2024 Columbus Promise 5K
Last spring, after finishing my second Capital City Quarter Marathon, my group of walking regulars decided that it was time to try a new spring race. It wasn’t that we didn’t love the event; there are just so many spring races out there, and they all seem to be right around the same time. But then the ladies in my group ran into health issues and job issues and other issues, and we just didn’t end up scheduling anything. So when a new friend discovered that I walk races and asked if I wanted to try out this fun 5K race that she’d heard was taking place downtown, I jumped at the chance to sign up for the event’s shorter option, the Columbus Promise 5K.
What’s So Great About This Race?
There’s a lot to love about this popular spring event. People love it so much, in fact, that the Capital City Half Marathon was recently named the second best in the country in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards. And for good reason. Everything about this M3S Sports-run event is well-managed—from the sign-up process to the packet pickup to the course to the after party. It’s the kind of event that makes every other race feel like a bit of a disappointment.
Before Race Day
While most races ignore participants between sign-up and race week, Cap City/Promise 5K participants receive regular emails with training tips and tricks, so they’ll be prepared for race day. These emails are especially helpful for first-timers, but even veterans will find interesting information on everything from stretching to nutrition.
In the days before the race, then, racers head into downtown Columbus—through the usual construction mess—to packet pickup at Vue Columbus. The hours are extensive, and everything here goes incredibly smoothly. Packet pickup itself takes just minutes—after which racers are left to wander the expo for themed apparel and sale-priced shoes and gear (for their post-race training, of course—because no one wants to wear new gear on race day!).
While I always love the race’s themed drawstring bag, I was admittedly a little disappointed by this year’s race shirt. Not only did it run incredibly small (which made me thankful that I always size up for women’s shirts, just in case), but it was a tri-blend t-shirt instead of the usual tech shirt. The design is nice, but these shirts turned anyone who opted to wear them on race day into a cotton-sweaty mess.
Race Day Experience
Well before race day, participants are encouraged to plan ahead and show up early—and there’s definitely a good reason for that. Not only are 11,000+ racers trying to find their way to parking spots, but they’re doing so while trying to navigate 13.1 miles of street closures. In short, it’s a mess.
Once we finally managed to park the car, we made our way up to the street and back to the back of the pack—past the half and quarter marathon racers, to the 5K corral. Participating in the Promise 5K made for a different experience. And though it was strange not to be lining up for the other races, I appreciated the laid-back feel in the back of the pack. Racers knew that they’d be starting a half hour later than the others (which is about how long it takes to reach the starting line), and the general vibe was pressure-free.
Once we finally reached the starting line, we were warmed up and ready to go. The Columbus Promise 5K may be a shorter race, but it still travels through many of the same downtown neighborhoods. Unlike a lot of 5Ks, this one has amazing spectator support—along with musicians and DJs on street corners—which makes it a completely different event.
As I mentioned before, everything about this event is remarkably well managed. The courses are clearly marked, making for an enjoyable Saturday morning walk through downtown Columbus. And while I was a little nervous about getting distracted and missing the 5K turnoffs, there were plenty of volunteers (including one in an inflatable unicorn costume) making sure that everyone knew where they were going. And while it may be a busy course, it’s a quick, easy, enjoyable one—and, as is the case with most 5Ks, the miles flew by. And before we knew it, we’d crossed the finish line and collected our medals.
The After Party
Though the race itself is a whole lot of fun, the post-race party makes this event one that’s not to be missed. It’s so much more than just a place to take selfies with your medals and polish off your water and a banana. Instead, the entire Columbus Commons is loaded with booths, and racers are treated to things like free pizza, wings, sparkling wine, and delicious margaritas (which, I admit, I dream about all year long) while a band plays on the stage.
My first two years, the weather wasn’t the best. So while my friends and I made a point of taking full advantage of the party, it wasn’t the fun spring Saturday event that it was this year. With temperatures already in the low 70s by the time we finished, it may have been a little warm for the race, but it was perfect for the party—and we enjoyed the time to relax on the Commons lawn while sipping our drinks before making our way home.
Should You Try It?
Absolutely. If you’re in the Columbus area (and even if you’re not), this is a must-do event. The experience is always remarkable—from the flawless execution to the scenic course to the crowd’s energy to the legendary post-race party, there’s just nothing quite like it. It’s also incredibly walker-friendly. In fact, my walking friend and I came in 42nd and 43rd out of 94 in our age group—which tells you that all paces are welcome here.
And no matter which distance you choose, you’re sure to have a great time.
Pros:
– Quick packet pickup and good specials at the expo
– Great swag and freebies
– Incredible crowd support
– Easy course through downtown Columbus
– An unbeatable after party
– Well run and managed—everything goes off without a hitch
Cons
– Parking can be a headache
– Unpredictable spring weather
For more information about this race, visit CapitalCityHalfMarathon.com.
