05/13/2026
Columbus Educators Receive Free Entries to Hilltop USA 5K Through Wellness Partnership
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Westside Running Club (CWRC) is partnering with the Columbus City Schools (CCS) Staff Wellness Initiative to provide 100 free entries to this year’s Hilltop USA 5K for local educators and district staff.
The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to promoting active lifestyles and community wellness across the West Side. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, residents in some West Side neighborhoods have life expectancies that are 16 years lower than the statewide average. Health experts say regular physical activity, including walking and running, can improve both physical and mental health. Through the Hilltop USA 5K and CWRC's weekly programming, the club is working to build a healthier, more active West Side community.
The Hilltop USA 5K will be held July 4 at 8 a.m., coinciding with America’s 250th birthday celebration. The race begins at Glenwood United Methodist Church, 2833 Valleyview Drive.
The event is open to participants of all skill levels, including runners and walkers.
Proceeds from the race benefit both the Columbus Westside Running Club and American Legion Post 532. In keeping with the race’s tradition of honoring military service members and veterans, the Hilltop USA 5K also includes a ruck division, in which participants complete the course while carrying a weighted rucksack.
Numerous members of the Columbus Westside Running Club are educators and staff members within Columbus City Schools. One member, Steve Andrews, finished the 2026 Boston Marathon after qualifying at the 2024 Detroit Marathon.
"I joined the Columbus Westside Running Club. I participated at the three weekly club events, and added camaraderie, friendship, and community action to my running. I am grateful for the important opportunity to be healthy physically and mentally. I invite other staff to join us July 4th at the Hilltop 5k."
CWRC meets three times each week — Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings — and welcomes runners and walkers of all paces and experience levels. The club is free to join and provides coaching, encouragement and support for participants.
In addition to hosting the Hilltop USA 5K, CWRC promotes health and wellness across Columbus’ West Side through community events and monthly litter cleanups.
The 2026 race marks the ninth year the Columbus Westside Running Club has hosted the Hilltop USA 5K.
The Columbus City Schools Staff Wellness Initiative takes a whole-person approach to well-being, supporting CCS staff across the 10 dimensions of wellness: physical, spiritual, intellectual, financial, emotional, career, cultural, creative, social, and environmental. Through programming, resources, and partnerships, the initiative empowers employees to build healthy habits, stay connected, and feel supported both at work and beyond. Through its ongoing commitment to building a culture of care, the CCS Staff Wellness Initiative continues to strengthen the foundation on which thriving schools are built— affirming that healthy staff lead to healthy learners, and together, they create a stronger Columbus City Schools community.
Registration and additional details are available at www.hilltopusa5k.com.
