South Carolina may not have any major professional sports teams, but it is a top destination for various outdoor activities, such as golf, surfing, kayaking, and running. SC easily checks all the boxes as a good running location: great climate, incredible nature, lots of flat surfaces, and legendary southern hospitality.
Whether you’re going for a personal record or just a nice jog along the coastline, this list of South Carolina events has you covered.
Top Marathons in South Carolina
Editor’s Choice: Myrtle Beach Marathon
Where: Myrtle Beach, SC
When: March 4, 2023
Track Difficulty: Easy
Let’s start our countdown in true SC fashion and go straight to the ocean! The Myrtle Beach Marathon is the largest endurance race in the Palmetto State, and it’s the perfect place to celebrate the end of winter and enter the spring season at full speed.
And when we say “full speed,” we mean it because the Myrtle Beach course is as flat as a pancake, allowing over 15% of the participants to meet the requirements for the Boston Marathon each year.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle on your way to the finish is an occasional gust of ocean wind that may push you to the side of the road, but 90% of the time, you’ll be accompanied by a cool gentle breeze.
Besides the 26-miler, the weekend at the beach includes a half marathon, a 5K run, a fun run for the whole family, and at the end, there are two afterparties with live music, beer, snacks, and massage stations to help you relax after the race.
Runner-up: Kiawah Island Marathon
Where: Kiawah Island, SC
When: December 10, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy
Keeping up with the trend of fast South Carolina marathons, this December gathering on Kiawah Island gives runners a chance to end the year on a high note and beat their PR. Like Myrtle Beach, the course elevation is pretty much non-existent, and the weather is perfect for a high-speed run.
In 2023, the Kiawah Marathon celebrates its 45th anniversary. Such organizational experience can be seen everywhere: from frequent route markers and strategically placed aid stations to convenient shuttles and a broad selection of after-race food.
The island is beautiful, but there’s not much to do there after you reach the finish and enjoy a few beers with fellow marathoners. Luckily, Kiawah is only half an hour from Charleston, where you can spend the rest of the weekend.
Honorable Mentions:
- Hilton Head Island Marathon (Hilton Head, SC);
- Spinx Run Fest Marathon (Greenville, SC).
Top Half Marathons in South Carolina
Editor’s Choice: Charleston Half Marathon
Where: Charleston, SC
When: January 14, 2023
Track Difficulty: Easy
For many years, Charleston has been headlining the charts of the most attractive small towns in the US. And in 2011, the capital of South Carolina added another reason for a visit: the half marathon & 5K event.
You’ll have a blast running through the historic streets filled with classic architecture and trademark palmetto trees. The second part of the 13-mile course gets a bit boring, but the race ends with a bang by placing the finish line next to the old distillery, where you can enjoy a fresh bowl of shrimp and grits and a good drink.
As for the running conditions, Charleston Half Marathon is one of the fastest road races in South Carolina due to the nice paved streets, lack of hills, and pleasant January air. Additionally, you’ll get a comfortable tech shirt for enhanced performance, so don’t be surprised if your time in Charleston is one of your best results of the year.
Runner-up: Daufuskie Island Marathon & Half Marathon
Where: Daufuskie Island, SC
When: January 14, 2023
Track Difficulty: Easy
South Carolina has over 100 sea islands, and it seems as if every one of them has its own racing event. All jokes aside, the state does a great job capitalizing on its natural beauty and utilizing as many locations as possible. Daufuskie Island sits pretty at the top of this list by being one of the most unique places you’ll ever run.
Once you’ve taken a ferry and had a free cup of fresh morning coffee, you’re off on a fast-paced journey through Daufuskie’s fascinating subtropical flora. The finisher’s medal keeps the theme of nature going by featuring a gorgeous hand-crafted turtle on an azure background.
Fun fact: the 2023 Daufuskie Half Marathon is scheduled for January 14, the same day as the 13-miler in Charleston. It’s almost a crime to force people to choose between the two, so no matter which race you run first, make sure to sign up for the other one the year after.
Honorable Mentions:
- Summerville Sweet Tea Half Marathon & 10K (Summerville, SC);
- Sadlers Creek Stumble (Anderson, SC).
Top 10K Races in South Carolina
Editor’s Choice: Cooper River Bridge Run
Where: Charleston & Mount Pleasant, SC
When: April 1, 2023
Track Difficulty: Medium
If you think that only marathons and half marathons get all the love, the Cooper River Bridge Run would like to have a word. Although only 10 kilometers long, CRBR is a top 15 US race by participation. At the peak of its popularity in 2016, it topped none other than the mighty Boston Marathon itself.
The event dates all the way back to 1978, and it’s regularly recognized by world-class runners as well as American celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey and Bill Murray. The main highlight of the race is the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge which provides the best view of both Charleston and Mount Pleasant and serves as the biggest challenge of the otherwise flat course.
You can join the fun for as low as $45 if you register a year in advance or even for free if you’re an elite athlete with a stacked international resume. Either way, the Cooper River Bridge Run should be on every runner’s bucket list.
Runner-up: Palmetto Peach Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Where: North Augusta, SC
When: November 26, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
A running event rarely includes two states, but the Palmetto Peach Half Marathon, 10K & 5K easily achieves this feat. It starts in North Augusta, SC, and finishes in Augusta, GA. You’ll have nothing but a good time at any of the three distances.
There are a couple of hills to make you sweat and occasional rain to wash it all away, but the end result is well worth it. You’ll be going home with a cool medal, a branded beer glass, and a desire to come back for more next year.
Honorable Mentions:
- Dirt Dash Marathon & Half (Johns Island, SC);
- Run Hard Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (Lexington, SC).
Top 5K Races in South Carolina
Editor’s Choice: Bonicket Half Marathon & 5K
Where: Johns Island, SC
When: November 19, 2022
Track Difficulty: Medium
Most runs in South Carolina are hosted on public roads and trails, but the Bonicket Half Marathon & 5K gives you an exclusive opportunity to visit Seabrook, the most beautiful part of Johns Island reserved only for a limited batch of people.
You’ll be invited for smooth sailing along the breathtaking ocean course bursting with various wildlife. The culmination of the event is a chill afterparty at the Bonicket Marina, where you’ll get lots of Southern food and an eco-friendly canvas bag stuffed with goodies. All proceeds go to the Kiawah community and also help to preserve the animals in Charleston County.
Runner-up: Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon
Where: Myrtle Beach, SC
When: October 16, 2022
Track Difficulty: Easy/Hard
We’re back to Myrtle Beach for some more coastal action at the Mini Marathon & 5K event. But this time, we’d like to up the ante and turn this flat course into a real test of might and endurance.
How? Well, both distances include a GoRuck option, which is a military-inspired challenge designed to build your muscles and improve stamina. All you need to do is bring a heavy backpack and carry it for the entire race. You only have 1 hour to complete the 5K race, and it’s not as easy as it may seem.
Casual runners can skip this part altogether and just enjoy a cheerful atmosphere and some ocean views at the finish. Overall, it’s hard to find a better race in South Carolina in mid-October.
Honorable Mentions:
- Brookgreen Gardens Labor Day 5K (Murrells Inlet, SC);
- Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child (Isle of Palms, SC).
Top Ultra Events and Obstacle Races in South Carolina
Editor’s Choice: South Carolina Rugged Maniac
Where: Ravenel, SC
When: March 18, 2023
Track Difficulty: Hard
At this point, you probably think that the South Carolina running calendar only contains fast road races along scenic landscapes. Got you! The Rugged Maniac Obstacle Race Series is coming at you with tons of mud, water, and even a little bit of fire!
Run, jump, climb, crawl, roll, and slide your way to the end of the epic 3-mile course specifically designed to make your go crazy! But even if you don’t feel like getting dirty, you can go straight to the Rugged Maniac festival, which features DJs, unlimited beer, and free interactive games to keep you busy until midnight.
Runner-up: Eagle Endurance Trail Events
Where: Charleston, SC
When: 2022/2023
Track Difficulty: Hard
Eagle Endurance is a company that specializes in ultrarunning events in the Charleston area. 24-hour marathons, 420-milers, winter runs, night races, swamps, forests, mountains, you name it – there’s no distance or location that has not been covered by EE.
It’s hard to pick one particular event, and there’s really no need to – they’re all equally good. If you’re up for the challenge, then Eagle Endurance is your new best friend.
