Kiawah Island Marathon
The Lowdown
The Kiawah Island Marathon, officially the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon and Half Marathon, is a USATF-sanctioned, Boston Marathon-qualifying race held each December on Kiawah Island, a barrier island resort community near Charleston, South Carolina. Now in its 48th year, the flat, fast out-and-back course starts and finishes at West Beach Village and winds past towering live oaks, maritime forest, and sweeping salt marshes, with sections along the Atlantic coastline. Race weekend also includes the Jingle Shells 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Friday, plus virtual marathon and half marathon options. Entry includes a participant shirt, finisher medal, pace teams, and a post-race buffet. As of registration in mid-2026, both the in-person marathon and half marathon have reached capacity, with only a waitlist available; the 5K, Fun Run, and virtual distances remain open.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
West Beach Village start/finish
Maritime forest along the island's interior roads
Atlantic Ocean coastline views
Salt marsh causeways
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 for the full marathon
- Minimum age 14 for the half marathon
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID for packet pickup
Entry Methods
- Online registration via RunSignUp
- Waitlist entry once general registration fills
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable
USA Track & Field sanctioned with officially certified courses
48th annual running in 2026
Both the marathon and half marathon are Boston Marathon qualifiers
Training for this race?
Track your training, follow a plan, and prepare for race day with MarathonOS.
Scan to download
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.