Hannah & Jeff
Nov 10, 2025
Episode 2 - Run clubs save lives
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Recorded live in person at the Columbus Marathon Expo Friday, October 17 at 3pm.
Darris Blackford is the longest-serving Race Director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon; he took the job in 2010 and is in his 16th year in the position.
Under his direction the race has realized numerous achievements, including: set registration records; helped raise $15 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital; launched a 5K & 1 Mile honoring Olympic great Jesse Owens; and established an athlete exchange with marathons in Germany, China and Brazil.
Darris ran his first marathon in Columbus in 1991 and finished the race 15 times before becoming Race Director. He has done more than 200 total marathons, as well as numerous 100 milers, plus the Badwater 135.
He has been married since 2004 to wife Star, a very accomplished marathon and ultramarathon runner, who oversees registration for the Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon.