Darris Blackford has been the race director of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon for a couple of years. In that short time, there have been many changes/improvements in the race making the entire atmosphere more fun and inclusive – especially for walkers.

In this episode of the WALK Podcast, Darris and I talk about what it is like to be director of one of the largest races in Ohio. Here are some highlights:

• The idea for the firework display at the start of the race was to make the early morning darkness a positive.
• Would you believe he received about 1,000 comments from just one after-race survey question? Yes, he did read every single response.
• When he took over as race director, Darris focused a lot of his attention on the athletes at the back of the pack, trying to make the race as enjoyable for them as for those in the front.
• Food after the race is always an issue, but it is more equitable now.
• Shirts will always be loved and hated.
• Walkers make up nearly 40% of all registrants! He also explains the competitive walking division.
• Darris ran the Boston Marathon in 2013 and so did his wife.
• There were new security measures in Columbus for the 2013 race.
• Did you know there is a detailed storm plan for race day?
• He talks about Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the great work they do, the Miracle Mile patients along the race course and the parents at the Angel Mile.
• Every year there are lessons to be learned.
• Every year the race can be better.

The 2014 marathon is scheduled for October 19 in Downtown Columbus. Check the website at http://www.columbusmarathon.com/ for registration information.

This episode is a little longer than typical and includes the Walk With Me theme song in its entirety following the interview.

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