OA grad, coach wins half marathon in Columbus, Ohio
- Steven Harmeyer
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read

(COLUMBUS, OH.) – Oldenburg Academy graduate Curtis Eckstein left his mark at the 2025 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon on Sunday.
Eckstein finished in first place to win the men’s half marathon this morning.
He was among the runners who battled rain and winds during the race. Eckstein was interviewed by ABC 6 News in Columbus after winning the half marathon.
"I felt smooth, but definitely when it was time to pick it up, I was like, 'Yeah, the rain, the wind, the wind's taking its toll on me,'" Eckstein told ABC 6.
The Columbus Marathon raises funds for Nationwide Children's Hospital. Patients and families line the route to cheer on the runners.
Eckstein was a state champion in cross country and track while at Oldenburg. He ran collegiately at Purdue where he was All American, 1st team All Big Ten in cross country, and is the school’s 3k record holder.
Eckstein returned to OA to become the cross country coach earlier this year. On Saturday, he helped lead 5 Oldenburg cross country athletes to a sectional championship.