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Veterans Marathon and Half Marathon

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

Standout76

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

BQ RelevantDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagGreat Post Race

Course

Fast Flat

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

Directions

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

26.2 Miles3.1 Miles

Course Map

Quality Score

Standout76
Methodology
Heritage20/20

17 years running

Size12/15

~291 finishers a year

Momentum1/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

25% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw4/10

runners from 5 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:16:09

Weather10/10

typical high 57°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 2:054:30

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

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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