Race Weekend Events
Saturday, December 13th
The main event awaits! Join us for the 47th Annual Kiawah Island Marathan & Half Marathon, where the miles breeze by beneath whispering oaks, sparkling marshes, and coastal breezes. Stay, run, recover, and turn your race weekend into an unforgettable escape.
Event Highlights:
- Packet Pick Up | 6:15 – 7:45am | West Beach Conference Center
- Marathon & Half Marathon Race Start | 8am | West Beach Conference Center
- Half Marathon Award Ceremony | Approximately 11:30am | Celebration Tent at West Beach Conference Center
- Marathon Award Ceremony | Approximately 1pm | Celebration Tent at West Beach Conference Center
Friday, December 12th | 3pm Race Start
Sanctuary Beach Access
Celebrate the season with Kiawah’s Jingle Shells 5K—a festive 1-mile and 5K beach run filled with holiday cheer, music, playful elves, snow flurries, and Santa to cheer you on at the finish line.
All runners receive a bib, medal, and souvenir. The 5K is officially timed and results are live on RunSignup; the 1-mile is untimed. Course closes at 4pm. Registration is required for all participants; children under 8 must run with a registered parent.
Before the race begins, enjoy a complimentary holiday celebration on the Sanctuary Grand Lawn with story time, carols, games, and photos with Santa! More details to follow.
Bib Pickup:
- Thursday | 3 – 6pm | West Beach Conference Center
- Friday | 10am – 1pm | West Beach Conference Center
- Friday | 12 – 2:30pm | Sanctuary Grand Lawn
T H U R S D A Y, December 11th
10am – 12pm | Sanctuary Bike Pavilion
While on island, fall in love with the natural splendor that makes our island unique. Join Lee Bundrick, Senior Ecological Health and Conservation Coordinator at the Kiawah Conservancy to explore the untamed beauty of our island!
Lee will guide a 2.5-mile bike ride to Marsh Island Park. Once there, you’ll explore the park’s trails, learning about land conservation efforts and the ecological significance of maritime forest, saltmarsh, and hummock island habitats. Climb a lookout tower where you’ll have a chance to take pictures of the beautiful marsh and vast extent of the Kiawah Conservancy’s protected lands before biking back to The Sanctuary.
This tour is complimentary. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Race Expo and Holiday Market
3 – 6:30pm | West Beach Conference Center
Discover a selection of vendors showcasing sportswear, wellness essentials, and performance-enhancing services for your Marathon weekend. Whether you’re in need of last-minute race-day must haves or simply browsing, be sure to explore the exclusive offerings.
Can’t make the expo? Shop select Marathon gear here.
Packet Pick Up
3 – 6:30pm | West Beach Conference Center
3 – 4pm | The Preserve on Kiawah Island
We are thrilled to invite you to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Kiawah Island with us! Join Adam Wolf of the Kiawah Conservancy for a thoughtfully guided 5.5-mile group run through the island’s stunning landscape. This unique experience offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and witness Kiawah’s wild side firsthand.
This event is fully committed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email Katie@KiawahConservancy.org
F R I D A Y, December 12th
9:30am Run Start | Start at The Nest Market and Cafe at Night Heron Park
Join Blue Sky Endurance for a 3.5-mile warm up run. It’s a fantastic chance to get your body moving, ease any pre-race jitters, and familiarize yourself with the course.
This event is complimentary, no reservations required.
Race Expo and Holiday Market
9:30am – 8pm | West Beach Conference Center
Discover a selection of vendors showcasing sportswear, wellness essentials, and performance-enhancing services for your Marathon weekend. Whether you’re in need of last-minute race-day must haves or simply browsing, be sure to explore the exclusive offerings.
Can’t make the expo? Shop select Marathon gear here.
Packet Pick Up
10am – 8:30pm | West Beach Conference Center
Santa’s Shell-ebration
12 – 2:30pm | The Sanctuary Grand Lawn
Join us for a holiday Shell-ebration! Bring your friends and family to enjoy festive story time and magic, live holiday music, photos with Santa, entertaining elves, and fun lawn games. This event is complimentary and everyone is welcome! If you’re joining us for the Jingle Shells 5k or 1 mile fun run, you can pick up your packet right at the event! Grand Lawn Schedule of Events:
- 12 – 12:30pm | Story Time with Santa
- 12 – 2:30pm | Jingle Shells 5k and 1 mile Fun Run Packet Pick-up
- 12 – 3pm | Live music, featuring holiday favorites, by High Tide; Entertaining Elves and Variety Acts
- 12:45 -1:15pm | Photos with Santa
- 1:30 – 2pm | Story Time with Santa
- 3pm | Jingle Shells 5K and 1 mile fun run race start | Sanctuary Front Beach (bib athletes only, pre-registration required)
Pre-Race Grab and Go Dinner (pre-ordering recommended)
12 – 8pm | West Beach Conference Center
After picking up your race packet and browsing the race expo, pick up a container filled with any of the following options: Grilled Chicken Breast with Cavatappi Alfredo, Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo, Gluten Free Pasta with Roasted Mushrooms, Broiled Cherry Tomato Pomodoro Sauce & Soybean Protein, and Baked Penne with Marinara, Meatballs and Mozzarella.
$22 per dinner, available to runners, family, and friends. Pre-order here.
4 – 7pm | West Beach Conference Center
Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply looking to complete the race, our friendly pacers are here to support you every step of the way! With a total of 15 pace groups, we have nine pacers leading the marathon (with finish goals from 3:25 to 5hrs) and six pacers leading the half marathon (with finish goals from 1:45 to 3hrs). Make sure to visit the Race Expo at the West Beach Conference Center, where a representative from Beast Pacing will be available to discuss your race goals. It’s the ideal opportunity to be paired with the right pacer who will support you in achieving a PR.
Caroling at The Sanctuary
5- 6pm | Sanctuary Lobby
Join us as The Charleston Caroling Company brings the sounds of the holidays to The Sanctuary. Complimentary, no reservations required.
Pre-Race Yoga
5 – 6pm | Sanctuary Hotel Ballroom
It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect with your body, and center your mind. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your yoga experience. Mats are provided. Just come with an open mind and a willingness to discover the many benefits of yoga.
$20 per person, limited availability. Book your reservation.
S A T U R D A Y, December 13th
West Beach Cantina Pool Bar
6:30 – 10am
The perfect option to fuel up before you begin your race, or as you cheer on your favorite runners! This dining option is open to all. Enjoy a heartier option with a Sausage Egg and Cheese Wrap, a Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit, or an Egg and Cheese Croissant. Or grab a quick bite with KIND and Nutri-Grain Bars. Beverages also available with your choice of Bottled Juice (Orange and Apple) or Coffee.
6am – 2pm | West Beach Conference Center
Discover a selection of vendors showcasing sportswear, wellness essentials, and performance-enhancing services for your Marathon weekend. Whether you’re in need of last-minute race-day must haves or simply browsing, be sure to explore the exclusive offerings.
Race Day Stretch
7 – 7:20am |Beach at Boardwalk 5
Rise and shine, and let your mind unwind. Join us race morning to breathe in the soul soothing salt air and exhale any pre-race jitters away. Take in the calming sounds of the waves crashing, the extraordinary beauty of the sun rising, and get your mind and body prepared with some yoga style stretching and breathing exercises. Sunrise is at 7:13am. Meet our instructor beachfront at Boardwalk 5, steps from the starting line. In the event of inclement weather, join us inside the West Beach Conference Center, Carolina 5 & 6.
All stretching will be done from a standing position; no mats or towels are needed. Complimentary, no reservations required.
Race Day Bike Rentals
7am – 3pm | Race Venue or Sanctuary Bike Pavilion
With 10 miles of uninterrupted terrain, Kiawah’s front beach offers a quick way to bike to key spectator locations without interfering with the racecourse or having to navigate traffic. Moreover, our rental bicycles are beach cruisers, providing an optimum beach riding experience on Kiawah’s hard-packed sand. Avoid the race day line by reserving your 26-inch bike online here.
For additional bike sizes or complimentary delivery for rentals of 2 or more days, please call 843.768.6001. Please note deliveries are not available on race day.
Spinning 13.1
9am, 10am and 11am | Race Venue
Excited about cardio but not ready for a full 13.1 mile run? Come join Ride & Roll Cycling at the race venue for an energizing, low-impact, and super fun 45-minute cycling class where we’ll pedal the distance of a half marathon together! ! Let’s pedal together and have a blast! Participants must be 5′ or taller. Reservations required.
Party on the Grand Lawn
10am – 2pm | The Sanctuary Hotel Grand Lawn
With our racecourses traversing the Sanctuary’s Terrace Lawn, Grand Lawn and Pool Deck, the hotel opens their venue to all as a prime spectator viewing spot with a touch of Southern hospitality. They will feature a Bloody Mary bar and beer. Their chefs will be on site grilling burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. To go options are available.
5pm | Sanctuary Lobby
Join us as The Charleston Caroling Company brings the sounds of the holidays to The Sanctuary.
Complimentary, no reservations required.
S U N D A Y, December 14th
Lost and Found, Award Pick-up, Marathon Merchandise
8:30 – 11am | West Beach Conference Center
Stretchlab Recovery Session
8:30 – 11am | West Beach Conference Center
Experience the ultimate post-race recovery with a 25-minute stretch sessions, expertly guided by Stretchlab’s Flexologists. Rejuvenate your muscles, recover faster and feel your best. Reserve your spot by filling out the form. Once you sign up, confirmation of your time slot and payment arrangements will be sent to you. Spots are limited, so don’t wait to book your recovery stretch.
Recovery Alignment Yoga
9:30 – 10:30am | West Beach Conference Center, Carolina 5 & 6
Join us for our highly beneficial Recovery Alignment Yoga session, designed to aid in your post-race body’s healing process. This mindful movement practice will greatly contribute to getting you back on your next starting line or reinvigorating your running stride. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your yoga experience. Mats are provided.
$20 per person, limited availability. Book your reservation.
