WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Competitive runners from across Ohio and beyond will make their way through northern Knox County this fall as a new Boston Marathon qualifying race debuts in central Ohio.
The inaugural Sunbury Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, featuring a certified marathon course that travels through portions of Centerburg before returning to Sunbury. Organizers say the event is expected to attract hundreds of runners hoping to earn qualifying times for the Boston Marathon while showcasing communities throughout southern Delaware and northern Knox counties.
In addition to the full marathon, the event will include a 20-mile race, half marathon, 10K and one-mile fun run, giving runners of all experience levels an opportunity to participate.
Race organizers say the marathon was created to fill a growing demand for certified distance races in central Ohio while introducing participants to scenic rural roads that are ideal for endurance running. Because the marathon is officially certified, qualifying times recorded during the race can be submitted for Boston Marathon consideration.
The event is also expected to provide an economic boost for the region, with participants and their families visiting local restaurants, hotels and businesses throughout the weekend.
Drivers should expect temporary traffic impacts along portions of the marathon route on race morning. Organizers say volunteers, law enforcement and race officials will be stationed throughout the course to help direct traffic and ensure participant safety.
Registration remains open, and organizers are continuing to recruit volunteers to assist with aid stations, course support and race-day operations.
The race is expected to become an annual event, bringing another major athletic competition to central Ohio while highlighting communities like Centerburg to visitors from across the region.
