COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 9th, 2023) – The OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon will rename its popular 5K running and walking event the Columbus Promise 5K during its 20th Anniversary celebration this year as part of a unique partnership between M3S Sports and the Columbus Promise program that provides free tuition to new Columbus City Schools (CCS) graduates attending Columbus State Community College (CSCC).
The OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon will now be known as the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and Columbus Promise 5K and be held on Saturday, April 29 in downtown Columbus and surrounding neighborhoods. The Columbus Promise 5K will be open to the public as usual and all Columbus Promise scholars.
“This new partnership with M3S sports is a tremendous way to amplify awareness and opportunity for Columbus kids,” said Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “The Columbus Promise’s simple guarantee doubled new CCS enrollment at CSCC, allowing more than 600 students to attend college with free tuition, support services, and a stipend. We’re excited to serve even more families through the Columbus Promise 5K.”
The Columbus Promise was announced in November 2021 and provides tuition-free education at Columbus State Community College for new Columbus City School graduates. The City of Columbus, Columbus State Community College, I Know I Can and Columbus City Schools developed the program based on the national College Promise model used in other cities and states.
“We are thrilled to work with Council President Shannon Hardin, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus State, I Know I Can, and Columbus City Schools to support the Columbus Promise program and help guarantee that every high-school graduate in our city can go to college,” Race Director David Babner said. “M3S Sports and the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon prides itself in supporting our community over the past two decades and there is no better way to do that than to send high school graduates to Columbus State.”
As part of the partnership, the Columbus Promise 5K will be open to all Columbus Promise scholars thanks to the support of the Columbus State Foundation. M3S Sports will donate a portion of the proceeds from the 5K to The Columbus Promise Fund.
“This is an awesome opportunity for central Ohio to celebrate and support Columbus Promise alongside some of the students benefitting from the program,” said Columbus State President Dr. David Harrison. “Thanks to everyone running, walking and otherwise supporting opportunities for students to earn their college degrees.”
The City of Columbus serves as the overall program champion and invested the initial $4 million to seed The Columbus Promise Fund. The remaining $5.5 million for phase one of the program is split between public and private funders, including OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon Official Partners OhioHealth and PNC.
“Our children are our city’s future, and we owe them every opportunity to succeed from their earliest years through high school graduation and beyond,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “I am grateful to our partners at I Know I Can, Columbus State and Columbus City Schools for helping to realize this ambitious and innovative undertaking, and for contributing so significantly to this collective community lift.”
The OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon and Columbus Promise 5K will be held on Saturday, April 29 in downtown Columbus and surrounding neighborhoods. An estimated 12,000 runners and walkers will participate. Afterward they will celebrate at the Byers Xtra Mile Finish Line Party and PNC Post-Race Concert Featuring North to Nashville at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons.
“The renaming of the OhioHealth Capital City Half & Quarter Marathon 5k event to the Columbus Promise 5K will benefit students by raising awareness and funds for the Columbus Promise program,” said Columbus City Schools Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman. “This will help reduce financial barriers to college education and provide students with the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals. By partnering with the Columbus Promise program, M3S Sports is not only promoting physical activity and healthy living, but also making a positive impact on the lives of students in the Columbus community.”
“I Know I Can is proud to be a key partner in the Columbus Promise program, helping to ensure more hardworking CCS students have an opportunity to pursue postsecondary education,” said Katina Fullen, Executive Director of I Know I Can. “The Columbus Promise 5K is an exciting extension of the program that will generate resources and build awareness to the general public and potential participants.”
About The Columbus Promise
The Columbus Promise covers tuition and fees to Columbus State Community College for new Columbus City School graduates. An additional $500 per semester for educational expenses, up to six semesters, is also included. Furthermore, Columbus Promise Scholars receive advising and support to develop skills, behaviors, and habits that contribute to success in and beyond college. www.cbuspromise.com
About the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon
The OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon was founded in 2004 and is produced by M3S Sports, a sports marketing firm based in Columbus, Ohio dedicated to celebrating a healthy active lifestyle. M3S Sports produces up to 12 running and walking events each year including The Ohio State 4 Miler, the Columbus Blue Jackets 5th Line 5K, the Memorial Tournament FORE! Miler, the OhioHealth Grandview Half & Quarter Marathon and the Flying Feather Four Miler. www.capitalcityhalfmarathon.com
