09/01/2021 | Press release | Archived content
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon is pleased to announce the 2021 "Patient Champions" who will represent 24 of the 26 miles on the course. The other two miles, the Encore Mile, will honor former Marathon Patient Champions, and the Angel Mile, will celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us.
A committee of hospital staff selected the Marathon Patient Champions after a review of inspiring patient stories submitted via the hospital's social networking sites and nationwidechildrens.org. Patient Champions, current or former patients of Nationwide Children's, were chosen based on various criteria, including diversity of diagnosis, age and enthusiasm to cheer on race participants at their mile. A full list of the Patient Champions is below. Originally selected for the 2020 edition of the Marathon that was cancelled because of safety concerns related to COVID-19, the selection committee decided to bring back the 2020 Patient Champions so they could experience the 2021 race.
To help fund the lifesaving research and care taking place at Nationwide Children's, marathon and ½ marathon participants are encouraged to fundraise as "Children's Champions." Since 2012, the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon has raised more than $10 million for life saving care and research.
Corporate or community organizations interested in becoming a partner in 2021 may contact Cindy Laux with the Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation at (614) 355-5413 or [email protected] . To read more about the marathon Patient Champions and to support Nationwide Children's, please visit nationwidechildrens.org/marathon-patient-champions.
The 41st Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon is Sunday, October 17th at 7:30 a.m. at North Bank Park. It is one of the Top 20 marathons in the United States. For more information, visit www.columbusmarathon.com.
The 2021 Patient Champions:
Note: Age on race day is reflected