Big Bad Wolfe Run

Whether you're getting ready for that Fall full or half marathon or looking to test your summer training in a 5K, the Big Bad Wolfe Run is for you. We have race options of 5K, 10 miles, and 20 miles. Join us on September 25th for the start of something great, the Big Bad Wolfe Run.  

We're going to deliver great swag, finisher medals for everyone, and a fun time. You're going to deliver the memories. Band together with the rest of the villagers and come run with us! 

As you take part in the Big Bad Wolfe Run, you'll be joining in the tradition of keeping the big bad wolf at bay. Just as the folks of Central Ohio have done for generations, kick off your Fall by wearing red and hitting the paths in memory of Little Red.

If you're looking for a group to train with in preparation for the event, the Columbus Running Company hosts free group runs every Saturday morning at all locations. Runs start at 8am, all abilities and paces are welcome.

The Historical Roots of the Big Bad Wolfe Run

Once upon a time, there lived a big bad wolf in a big bad forest. And in the village just outside of this big bad forest, lived a good little girl who went by the name ‘Little Red,’ so named for the red cape she kept tied around her neck at all times. 

Now I know what you’re thinking—big bad wolf, little girl, red cape—I’ve heard this story before. But quite the contrary, that other story has actually caused this one a lot of grief over the years, not to mention several lawsuits in both civil and criminal court. But I digress. 

Little Red was beloved by the little town because, despite her diminutive stature, she was thought to be one of the most feared big bad wolf hunters this side of the Mississip’. Thanks to her superior big game skill, she kept the big bad wolf and his big bad friends from leaving the big bad forest and terrorizing the peaceful, innocent village. 

But what Little Red knew that the rest of the village did not was that she had never hunted in her life. Not only did she not own a gun, she had never even seen one. Instead, she bolstered her fearsome reputation with the knowledge that this particular big bad wolf and his big bad friends were deathly afraid of the color red—like the cape she wore around her neck on the way to visit dear old granny. 

So long as Little Red wore her red cape, the village was safe. But one night, while Little Red was asleep, the big bad wolf made a deal with his undercover village informant* to steal the red cape and burn it. 

*It is believed that this informant was actually a wolf disguised at Little Red’s dear old granny. How this disguise went unnoticed in the village is still a point of contention, though it is clear the wolf had somehow developed some exceptional baking skills to fortify his ploy. 

When Little Red woke up, she could find the cape nowhere and was thus powerless to stop the big bad wolf and his big bad friends from causing a lot of big bad trouble in the village. But just before she was gobbled up by the big bad wolf himself, she shared the secret of his chromophobia with the rest of the village. 

Now, once a year, the whole village dons that fearsome color and travels through the forest to ward off the big bad wolf. And you have the chance to join them. Wear red before, during, or after the race (we’ll provide the red sweatshirt) and help keep the big bad forest at bay.

But run fast—the wolves are hungry.

Additional Race Information
The Big Bad Wolfe Run?

The Big Bad Wolfe Run pays tribute to one of the legends of central Ohio, Little Red.  For the full story, please be sure to read up on the legend of Little Red here.  

Early Packet Pickup

Race packets may be picked up early at Columbus Running Company's Dublin location (6465 Perimeter Dr) on Friday, September 23 (10AM-8PM) and Saturday, September 24 (10AM-6PM). You may also pick up your packets at the race beginning at 7:00am on September 25.

Parking

There is parking at Wolfe Park, and a bit south at Academy Park. We are working on additional parking locations and will have full details as race day nears.

Race Day Registration

Available at the Wolfe Park shelter building on race day beginning at 7:00am. We will accept cash, check (made payable to Columbus Running Company), or credit card on race day.

Awards

Both races will be chip timed, and all finishers will receive an awesome medal to honor their accomplishment. Top finishers and age group winners in each event will receive special awards and recognition.

Create a Team

Have fun with a group and participate as a team. Each team member must individually pre-register under their team name. The first person signing up for a team will create the team during the registration process and all others signing up for that team will select their team name during their registration. For help with team registration and/or creation, please view the help topic by clicking here.

Participant Guidelines

Running with a stroller is absolutely fine. At the race start, please line up at the back of the pack for safety reasons. Running with dogs is prohibited: as is bicycling, inline skating, skooters, hoverboards, etc. Walking and running only in this event. 

What time does the course close?

The course will remain open for all events for 4 hours and 35 minutes. Most notably, this means that participants in the 20-mile event must maintain a 13:45/mile pace.