Columbus is preparing for the Nationwide Children's Marathon weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon, the biggest race weekend of the year, begins Saturday in downtown.

The event is expected to attract 100,000 spectators cheering on the athletes throughout the weekend.

Nationwide is hosting a series of races on Saturday at 11 a.m., including a half marathon, a 5K and a 1-mile run, followed by a children's run at 1 p.m. The marathon and half marathon take place on Sunday and the races start at 7:30 a.m

Given the rush, drivers should expect road closures and diversions into the city center. At least 17 COTA buses will be rerouted between morning and early afternoon on Sunday. Nearly all downtown public transit stops will close starting at 4 a.m. Sunday, affecting more than 800 public transit stops in surrounding areas, including Short North, Upper Arlington, OSU and Grandview.

The marathon involves 3,000 volunteers, 15,000 athletes from across the country and 100 bands and entertainers.

The race course includes nearly 4 miles of fencing, a 201,600-watt sound system at the start line and 27 permits in five police districts to close 26.2 miles of roads.

To keep participants hydrated, 200,000 cups of White Castle water, an additional 200,000 cups of lemon-lime Gatorade, 16,000 bananas and 600 portable toilets will be available.