Kiawah Marathon FAQ

Where can I register?

Registration for the 2023 Marathon and Half Marathon is closed, the race is full! Waitlist is available here.

Can I cancel my race registration and get a refund?

Race registration is non-refundable and race bibs may not be transferred to another runner. We do, however, offer the option of deferment (transferring your race entry to the following year’s race). Visit our race registration page for details on deferring.

Can I change races?

Once registered, based on availability, you have the option to change from one race to another. Changes can be made until 6am race morning. Once your bib is picked-up, changes cannot be made.

Race changes can be done directly through your Runsignup account, click “Manage Registration” under our “Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon” event name. At the very top of the next page, select “Transfer Event,” then select “start transfer” to complete the race distance change.

Changing races rate (*includes processing fee).
Half Marathon to Full Marathon: ~$45
Full Marathon to Half Marathon: ~ $35

What if there is inclement weather?

Temperatures vary greatly this time of year, averaging from 40 to 60 degrees. The event is held rain or shine. We do not provide refunds for weather-dependent incidents. The action of race cancellation will only occur if there are conditions presented that may cause a risk to the safety of runners.

What is the course limit?

The course limit is 6.5 hours for both the Full and Half Marathon. The course officially closes at 2:30pm.

Are the courses certified?

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

I have questions about my timing

All questions regarding race timing should be directed to RunSignup.

Can you mail my race packet?

We are unfortunately unable to mail race packets.

Where and when do I pick up my packet?

We are offering 3 remote and 3 on-island packet pick-up options. Stop by any of the listed times with a valid photo ID to grab your packet. Runners must pick up their own packet. Please note, race distance changes can not be made once you have picked up your bib.

Athletes must pick up their own bib. Athletes are not permitted to pick up anyone’s bib but their own.

Can a friend or family member pick up my bib?

All runners must pick up their own race bib. A valid photo ID is needed for bib pick-up for all bib pick up locations.

If I am staying off island, where do I park for the race?

Runners and spectators staying off-island will park in the fields adjacent to Freshfields Village. Personnel will be present race morning to direct off-island participants and their families. Note: Runners are urged to arrive at parking fields no later than 6am to avoid missing the 8am race start. Shuttle busses begin at 5am.

What roads will be affected by the race?

On Race Day please avoid the following roads:

Shipwatch Drive | 7:30 – 8:30am and 9:30am – 1:30pm
Kiawah Beach Drive | 7:40 – 8:45am
Greenward Road | 7:40 -8:45am
Kiawah Island Parkway | 7:50 – 9am
Governors Drive (Vanderhorst Gate to 1st Flyaway Drive) | 8:15 – 9:15am
Governors Drive (1st Flyaway to Ocean Course Drive) | 8:20 – 9:45am
Ocean Course Drive | 8:30am – 10am

To view information on our race day shuttle services, click here.

Where will the awards ceremony and post-race celebration take place?

The awards ceremony will be held outside under the white celebration tent located at the race finish line next to the West Beach Conference Center for the Full and Half Marathon.

Are strollers allowed?

Jogging strollers are not permitted in the Full or Half Marathon, for the safety of other runners.

Is my dog allowed to run with me?

No, for the safety of our runners, dogs are not permitted on the Full or Half Marathon course.

Will there be pace runners?

There will be 15 pace groups:
• Nine pacers will lead the full marathon with finish goals from 3:25 to 5:00 hours.
• Six pacers will lead the half marathon with finish goals from 1:45 to 3:00 hours.

Beginning at 7:30am, pacers will line up at the starting line holding their pace sign. Even if you are not running with a pacer, we ask that everyone line up according to their pace.

Half Marathon Pacers: 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00

Marathon Pacers: 3:25, 3:35, 3:45, 3:55, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00

Can I wear headphones during any of the events?

Yes. However, we ask that you wear your earphones in one ear only so that you can hear directions from our course monitors, race officials, and sheriff’s deputies.

Are awards based on gun time or chip time?

In accordance with USA Track and Field official rules and regulations (USATF Rule 165.16), the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon’s overall winners will be decided by gun time. However, all age group division awards will be awarded by chip time. The chip is affixed to your bib. To make certain your chip is read, it must be worn on the outer layer of clothing for the entire race and you must run over every timing mat.

I didn’t pick up my t-shirt or stay for the awards ceremony – can you send it to me?

If you are present and run on race day but were unable to pick up your shirt we can ship it to you. There is a $15 shipping fee. (Note: if you deferred your race entry to the following year, we cannot ship you your shirt since you will be eligible for the following year’s race shirt.) If you are a winner, but could not pick up your award post-race, we can ship it to you. There is a $20 shipping fee. Shirts and award shipments are not automatic; please email kiawah_marathon@kiawahresort.com to request any type of shipping arrangement post-marathon.

Award pick-up is also available Sunday December 12th at the West Beach Conference Center from 8:30 – 11:30am.