Ugh... stupid planning getting complicated

I had planned to do the Columbus Nationwide Half in October. I've already registered and it was only $60. It seemed to work out because I had a work trip in Seattle the week before so I figured I could just stop in Ohio on the way back to Maryland. Well now, I finally looked at flights and it's all complicated. But it's essentially going to cost an extra $250 to get to Columbus, plus it will be like a 10 hour journey with stops.
Or I could say forget it and consider the $60 as donation to a good cause (the children's hospital). There is a Baltimore half that same weekend. Of course, it's $120. But that's still cheaper than the extra costs to get to Columbus plus it would save me that extra travel time as I could get a direct flight back to Baltimore.
Columbus is a flat race and Baltimore is a hilly race. I've done the Columbus race before and know it's a great race but I've heard good things about the Baltimore race too and it would be something new.
What would you guys do? I'm having a hard time deciding. I hate foregoing that race registration fee for Columbus but at least it's going to a good cause and I wouldn't have to spend extra travel money on top of it...