The Kiawah Marathon Course

Both races are run on scenic Kiawah Island. Enjoy maritime forest, marsh views and grand homes as you run through the island community. Be aware that during the race, roads are open to automobile traffic. Strollers are not permitted on the course.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon (SC16048DW) and Half Marathon (SC16049DW) courses are Certified and Sanctioned by the USA Track & Field Organization and the Marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

RACE ROUTES
Half Marathon Race Route | Marathon Race Route

Race Start

Race start will be located at the West Beach Conference Center. ALL RUNNERS BE READY FOR THE 8AM START! This race is not seeded, however we do ask late arrivals to join the group at the end of the line. Pace signs will be throughout the starting line to organize runners. Please respect faster runners and line up accordingly. Runners interested in being a part of our elite corral can find more information here.

Pacers

There will be 15 pace groups. Nine pacers will lead the full marathon with finish goals ranging from 3:25 to 5:00 hours. Six pacers will lead the half marathon with finish goals ranging from 1:45 to 3:00 hours. Beginning at 7:30am, Pacers will be lined up holding their pace sign. Even if you are not running with a pacer, we ask that everyone line up according to their PACE.

Beast Pacing is our pacing partner. Beast Pacing provides pacers for events across the United States and abroad. Their pacers are professional, and have FUN helping other runners reach their goals.

Whether it is a Boston Qualifying Time you are looking for, a P.R., or just someone to run with, Beast Pacing is there to help. Their pacers are chosen for their ability to successfully lead a group while keeping them motivated all the way to the finish. Pacers are assigned to Full Marathon times 20 minutes slower than they typically run (Half Marathon times 10 minutes slower) and are required to finish the race within 1 minute of goal time, but never over.

If you would like the opportunity to meet pacers in person or ask questions about the groups, Pacers will be at the West Beach Conference Center on Friday evening of Race Weekend during the race expo.

Course Restrictions

The course time limit is 6.5 hours. The course will officially close at 2:30pm.
All runners must have a Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon bib.
Participants are not permitted on the race course with animals, bicycles, baby joggers or strollers.
Runners are encouraged not to use earphones or earbuds for portable devices. If ear buds or phones are used, the runner may only use one earbud or earphone.
Spectators on bikes may not pace runners.
The majority of the course lies within a private community and is not accessible to the general public.
Runners must run the course that is assigned to the bib they are wearing. Switching race distance mid race results in a disqualification.

Runner Tracking

Runner tracking is available through the download of the RaceJoy app. The participant must be carrying their phone during the race. There is no information to enter during the registration process to participate in this method of runner tracking. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon sponsors RaceJoy to provide participants and spectators the following complimentary features:

• Receive GPS-based progress alerts at mile points on the course for current pace and estimated finish time
• Post to your Facebook and Twitter walls
• Supporting spectators can track your blue dot moving along the course from home or at the race site
• NearMe proximity alerts notify spectators when you are drawing near
• Find each other using RaceJoy’s MeetUp tool
• Receive fun, motivational audio cheers from your supporting fans through the “Send-a-cheer feature”

Aid Stations

Aid stations are placed approximately every two miles and are supplied with Appalachian Spring Water and Gatorade. Volunteers will present water first and Gatorade second, and lastly a water refill station. The volunteers distributing Gatorade will be wearing yellow jerseys.

Full Marathon Aid Stations

Mile 3: Water, Gatorade
Mile 5: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 7: Water, Gatorade, Twizzlers
Mile 8.5: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 10.5: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 12: Water, Gatorade, Twizzlers
Mile 14: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 16: Water, Gatorade, Pretzels
Mile 18 : Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas,
Mile 20: Water, Gatorade, Pretzels
Mile 21.5: Water, Gatorade, Coke, Doughnut Holes
Mile 22.5: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 24.5: Water, Gatorade, Jelly Beans, Oranges
Mile 25.5: Water, Gatorade

Half Marathon Aid Stations

Mile 3: Water, Gatorade
Mile 5: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 7.5: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 9.5: Water, Gatorade, Oranges, Bananas
Mile 11.5: Water, Gatorade, Jelly Beans, Oranges
Mile 12.5: Water, Gatorade

Drop Zones

In an effort to continue being environmentally responsible and reduce trash in our marshes, drop zones will be the located on the course of the Full Marathon and the Half Marathon. You will find these drop zones after each water station. Trash, recyclables (plastic water bottles, water station cups), and any clothing items should be dropped within the drop zone.

First Aid

Medical personnel from Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Charleston County EMS will be located at the finish line medical tent and on the course to assist any runner in case of an emergency. Over the counter medication will not be available on the course.

Restrooms

Port-a-lets will be available in front of and behind the start / finish line, and placed approximately every two miles along the course.

Race Day Road Closures

Kiawah Island Parkway | 8 – 9am
Governors Drive (Vanderhorst Gate to 1st Flyaway Drive) | 8:15 – 9:15am
Governors Drive (1st Flyaway to Ocean Course Drive) | 8:30 – 9:45am