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Kicks for Kids 5K

Sun April 19, 2026
Columbus, OH 43210 US Directions

Events

5K Race

Price: $20
Time: 10:00AM EDT
Registration ends April 19, 2026 at 12:00pm EDT

1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Price: $15
Time: 10:05AM EDT
Registration ends April 19, 2026 at 12:00pm EDT

Place

337 Annie and John Glenn Ave
Columbus, OH US 43210

Description

Get ready for the 3rd Annual Kicks for Kids 5K presented by The Running Outreach Initiative and Buckeyes for Public Health! Taking place at The Ohio State University's Recreational and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), the Kicks for Kids 5K will take you up and around the university's beautiful Oval, finishing in the shadow of historic Ohio Stadium. The races will take place on Sunday, April 19th near OSU's Bike Hub next to the tennis courts (find parking info below). The 5K will begin at 10 am sharp, with the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk starting just a couple minutes behind. The sign-in table will open at 9:15 am, and refreshments will be provided. Even more, Brutus Buckeye will start the races!

As part of The Running Outreach Initiative's mission to increase the accessibility of running, registration prices for this race have been set as low as possible. Additionally, we have plenty of free stuff to offer you!

Registration includes:

  • Entry to the 5K or 1-mile fun run/walk
  • ***Free race T-shirt (sign up before they sell out!)
  • 1 free raffle ticket
  • Race bib with chip timing
  • Photo opportunity with Brutus Buckeye
  • Finisher's medal
  • Snacks & refreshments

Prizes are up for grabs! Top male and female age group finishers will each receive a gift card to a local business, with age groups being 11 & under, 12 to 14, and 15 & up. Additionally, each participant will be granted a free raffle ticket to apply for a range of prizes, with further raffle tickets costing $2 each. 

Lace up for change! Revenue from race entry fees and raffle tickets will support The Running Outreach Initiative's cause:

  • The Running Outreach Initiative is an OSU student-led nonprofit whose mission is to enrich the lives of elementary and middle school students through the power of running. This accessible sport provides health benefits and social opportunities, though many of our coaches have also experienced the role that running has played in developing their character, including their self-motivation, grit, and confidence. TROI wants to remove the financial barriers to participation in this incredible sport, therefore all revenue generated from the Kicks for Kids 5K will be used to purchase brand-new injury-preventing running shoes for the ~100 youth athletes whom TROI coaches in the Columbus area across its programs at Graham Elementary & Middle School, North Columbus Preparatory Academy, South Columbus Preparatory Academy at Southfield, and A+ Children's Academy. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/runningoutreachosu/. 
  • Buckeyes for Public Health is an OSU student organization partnering with TROI to organize this event and raise funds in support of TROI's contributions to youth public health in the Columbus community. Learn more at https://org.osu.edu/buckeyesforpublichealth/

5K Race Route

Click "5K Race Route" to play the route from start to finish (note that the South loop is run twice!).

1 Mile Race/Walk Route

Click "1 Mile Race/Walk Route" to play the route from start to finish.

Parking

Parking outside the Ohio Stadium is readily available for approximately $10/hr (rates vary by parking zone; see pay station at your zone). Additionally, the Neil Avenue, 12th Avenue, and Tuttle Park garages are all a short distance from the start of the race, with rates around $2.50/hr. For a more in-depth look at the available parking around campus, take a look at the map here.

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Directions

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