IT'S ANOTHER FANTASTIC FINISH ON THE 50 IN OHIO STADIUM AT 2014 OHIO STATE 4 MILER

In football terms, the 2014 Ohio State 4 Miler scored another running touchdown.

It's 2 for 2.

Undefeated and pretty likely to stay that way.

In fact, the only thing that likely will slow its growth is the number of participants that can safely run in the event. Moving from a cap of 10,000 in 2013 to 12,000 this year, the sold out sign went on weeks before the September 21 race date.

At four miles, it's an approachable and doable distance for runners and walkers of practically every ability. Best yet, it's a 10 a.m. Sunday start that allows for a solid Saturday night without facing a penalty flag.

Buckeye Nation makes up most of the participants. So, it's a trip to Mecca along side OSU sports legends, fellow fans and a finish on the 50 yard line of Ohio Stadium that you can watch on the Jumbotron.

It's the ultimate selfie on a course filled with scores of shareable photo moments throughout the Ohio State campus, which doesn't have many hills but plenty of steeper-than-they-appear inclines to climb.

Last year's keepsake medal was a replica of Ohio Stadium, this year a football helmet. Buckeye lore leaves plenty of future options - a buckeye, Block O, Woody, Archie, gold pants. The opportunities are as numerous as there are ways to score on Michigan.

Scheduled around the Buckeye football bye week, last year's event came in cool November and this year in hotter September. In 2015, look for a Sunday, November 1 date.

If Carmen Ohio makes you teary, this is your kind of off-week tailgate.

The Race Day Soundtrack

(A Return to 2013 Columbus Marathon Playlist)

1. Merry Go Round from Kacey Musgraves Same Trailer Different Park
2. Sheena's In A Goth Gang from The Cramps Big Beat From Badsville
3. Matchbox from Willie Nelson And Family Let's Face The Music And Dance
4. Old White Boots from Sarah Gayle Meech One Good Thing
5. Customer from The Replacements Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash
6. Hold On Hope from Glen Campbell Ghost On The Canvas
7. More Than A Feeling from Boston Boston
8. Dancing In The Light from Rolling Stones Exile On Main Street Bonus Disc
9. Man Out Of Time from Elvis Costello & The Attractions Imperial Bedroom
10. Manifesto No.1 from Shooter Jennings Put The O Back In Country
11. Zip City from Drive-By Truckers Southern Rock Opera Disc I

2014 Ohio State 4 Miler Statistics

(Sunday, September 21, 2014)

Finish Time: 38:29

Final Pace: 9:38 Per Mile

Overall Finish: 2562/10904

Men's Group: 1498/4134

50-54 Men's Age Group: 113/303

Watch Splits Mile 1: 9:17

Watch Splits Mile 2: 9:35

Watch Splits Mile 3: 9:55

Watch Splits Mile 4: 9:44