Kiawah Island Marathon
Kiawah Island Marathon offers a flat, scenic escape with strong community support and a festive finish.
Race Date
Dec 11, 2026
Location
Kiawah Island, SC
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, December 11, 2026
- Location
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 61,877
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Kiawah Island Marathon, first run in 2000 and now in its 25th year, draws runners from approximately 44 states, with about a third returning each year. This popular event typically sees around 5,737 finishers, offering a fast, certified course that's a magnet for personal bests.
Runners can expect a largely flat, paved route winding through the island's natural beauty, featuring towering live oaks and sweeping salt marshes. The course is noted for its gentle terrain, with no significant camber, making it kind to the knees and hips. Aid stations are well-placed, providing essential hydration and support throughout the race.
The atmosphere is enhanced by spectator support and local community engagement, culminating in a festive post-race celebration. The event is praised for its excellent communication, well-organized packet pickup, and quality swag, making it a destination-worthy race for many.
Race-provided description
Join us in celebrating the 48th annual Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon. Whether you’re running 13.1 or 26.2 miles, experience the natural beauty of Kiawah Island with our towering live oaks and sweeping salt marshes as you race towards the finish. Then, cross the finish line to the cheers of friends and family and enjoy our post-race celebration.
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, December 11, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Official Kiawah Island Race Shirt
Start Location
2 Shipwatch Road, Kiawah Island, SC, 29455
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
SC21006JK · Kiawah Island Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9525 years running
~5,737 finishers a year
shrinking
33% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 44 states
winner 1:09:54
typical high 62°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
62°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 61,877 finishers actually crossed the line across 25 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
61,877
Median time
2:12:26
Latest turnout
2,903
States
51
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Kiawah Island Marathon?
The Kiawah Island Marathon is held on Friday, December 11, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Kiawah Island Marathon take place?
It takes place in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
What distances does the Kiawah Island Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Kiawah Island Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Kiawah Island Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Kiawah Island Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 61,877 runners who have completed the Kiawah Island Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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