Join Us for the Kiawah Island Marathon

Writing for Self magazine, widely published fitness and running journalist Laurel Leicht ranked the Kiawah Island Marathon the best small marathon in the country. Although formally Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon, the race gets high marks from Leicht for its level terrain (care to log a personal record, anyone?), comfortable climate, breathtaking views, and relative overall ease not only of getting on and off the island, but also of getting to the starting gate. Leicht speaks from experience. At the time she wrote the article she had run the marathon twice and completed the triathlon four times.

Don’t get confused by the word small. The Kiawah Island Marathon course encompasses a full 26.2 miles (13.1 for the half marathon). Instead, small describes the number of entrants compared to major big-city races. While the field for the half marathon has expanded quite a bit over the past few years, the full marathon field remains constantly around 1,000 year to year. Compare that to the Boston Marathon, in which 30 thousand participants crowd the streets of Bean Town. You’re an experiential person? Then see for yourself by finishing the Kiawah Island Marathon, which qualifies you for Boston.

Sure running is fun, but after 26.2 (or even 13.1), you’re ready to celebrate, right? Take away the after party and you’d leave feeling a little short changed. Well, Kiawah Island is about racing a few days out of the year, but we’re about hospitality 365 days a year. So, as Leicht describes, we know how to throw an after party. In fact, high praise for the quality of our after party may be the leading comment we receive from runners. We won’t just send you packing with the T-shirt (as awesome as it is!). Expect to be plied with food, drink and entertainment during one of the best after parties you’ve ever experienced. No surprise runners tend to return to the Kiawah Island Marathon year after year.

Not a Runner? Not a Problem!

Kiawah has always been about family, and marathon weekend is no exception. Kids (or grandkids) can also get in on the action with our fun Glow in the Dark Color Run on the beach the evening before the marathon and half marathon. The fun run concludes with a DJ-hosted beach party. For those more competitive, the color run includes a timed 5K option. Even the day of the main event, cheer on your favorite runner by renting one of Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s iconic bikes. Then join in the fun and toast your runner at the Awards Ceremony and after party.

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