
Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon
Columbia City's Veterans Marathon honors the Army with a fast, Boston-qualifying course.
Race Date
Nov 14, 2026
Location
Columbia City, IN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Location
- Columbia City, Indiana
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3,658
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Veterans Marathon in Columbia City, Indiana, honors the nation's service members with a race that has become a local institution. First run in 2009 and now in its 18th year, this event celebrates the heart of Hoosier values and agricultural heritage.
Runners can expect a fast, certified course that has been designated a Boston Qualifier. The half marathon is a single loop, while the full marathon completes two loops of the same route. With an average of around 280 finishers in recent years, the race draws participants from about five states, with a loyal 25% returning annually. The course is designed for speed, with minimal elevation changes.
The post-race celebration includes hot soups and refreshments, alongside age group awards for the top two finishers in each division. A portion of the event's profits are donated to local Veteran charities, adding a meaningful layer to the race day experience.
Race-provided description
Race Beyond Limits is honored to continue the tradition of the Bird family and serve as the new hosts of the 18th Annual Veterans Marathon, a superb event honoring our nation’s Veterans. Located in the heart of northeast Indiana, Columbia City is a small-town community with true Hoosier values. It’s a community rooted in its agricultural heritage, strengthened by its commercial and residential development, and proud of its hometown heroes. In honor of all of our Veterans this year the Veterans Marathon will be honoring the Army for its 18th running of the race. A portion of the profits from the event will be donated to local Veteran charities. The course will follow the same route it has over the last several years and it remains a Boston Qualifier! Start time: 8:00 am EST for the Marathon 8:00 am EST for the Half Marathon
*Marathon runners will need to be able to complete the first course by 11:15 am. If they are not back to start the second loop by this time they will be dropped to the half marathon distance as our permits require a portion of the roads to reopen at that time. End time: Both the half and full marathon end at 2:00 pm EST. Marathon ( 2 Loops) USATF Certification #:IN17015TDK. Half Marathon USATF Certification #:IN17014TDK. Post-Race: Post Race festivities will include hot soups and other refreshments for runners and age group awards for the top 2 finishers in each age division.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Unisex 1/4 Zip Performance Pull Over
Start Location
108 South Chauncey St, Columbia City, IN, 46725
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
Standout7617 years running
~291 finishers a year
shrinking
25% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 5 states
winner 1:16:09
typical high 57°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
40°
Afternoon (High)
57°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,658 finishers actually crossed the line across 17 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,658
Median time
2:10:09
Latest turnout
141
States
33
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon?
The Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon is held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Columbia City, Indiana.
What distances does the Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,658 runners who have completed the Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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