First on the First 5k

The Ohio Health 2025 First on the First 5k takes place on January 1, 2025 in Westerville, Ohio at 11:00am. The race kicks off a brand new year of running with a fun 5k run or walk on New Year’s Day.

Note: We are waiting on official event information from the race organizer. We will update the race information for 2025 as soon as we receive it. The following information is from the 2024 event:

The race starts at 11:00 a.m.  in Westerville, Ohio at Otterbein University.  It is a great way to celebrate those New Year fitness goals, or to start a new family tradition focused on family and health. If three, or more register to participate, you get an additional $15 off your race fees.

Each race finisher will receive an official race shirt, which is a beautiful, long sleeve technical running shirt with bold letters “New Year. New Goals” posted vertically on the shirt.  You will also receive free race photos and an official finisher’s medal.

After the race, celebrate with your family and fiends with a post-race party with Yabo’s Tacos.

First on the First 5k Race Map

This year’s course starts at the Clements Recreation Center and travels South along Center street, before turning West onto Cochran Alley.

The race then heads North up N. West Street to Africa Road. Here you will hit the 1 mile marker and then head West on County Line Road for approximately 1/2 mile. This is a downhill run through this part, so feel free to take advantage of it here.  Afterwards, you will turn left to head South down Cleveland Avenue where you hit the two mile mark near the entrance to Heritage Park. This part of the course is flat.

The course remains flat as the race cuts through the edge of the park, and South through Lindimore Way.

At this point, you will turn left and head East up W. Main Street. Yes, I said up, as there is an uphill part of the course for approximately 1/3 to 1/2 mile before turning back on to N. West Street and back to the finish at Clements Recreation Center.

Map photo credit: M3S Sports