Kiawah Island Marathon

Kiawah IslandSouth CarolinaUnited States

Next race

Saturday, 12 December 2026

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Resort island road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Kiawah Island Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each December on a resort island road in Kiawah Island, United States. Its quiet island setting feels markedly different from a big-city winter marathon. The course passes maritime forest roads, lagoons, golf fairways, and glimpses of boardwalks near the Atlantic. The course is very flat throughout.

Kiawah Island Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 1,400 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid winter
10–17°C · humidity 65–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Kiawah Island Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes on Kiawah Island near the resort village. The course passes maritime forest roads, lagoons, golf fairways, and glimpses of boardwalks near the Atlantic. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Kiawah Island Marathon entry requirements

The Kiawah Island Marathon uses open online registration at kiawahmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the December race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. The full marathon routinely sells out months before race day, so early sign-up is essential.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kiawah Island Marathon a Boston Qualifier?: The Kiawah Island Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Kiawah Island Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
What is the Kiawah Island Marathon elevation profile?: The Kiawah Island Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
How long is the Kiawah Island Marathon?: The Kiawah Island Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Resort island road starting and finishing on Kiawah Island near the resort village.
What time does the Kiawah Island Marathon start?: The 2026 Kiawah Island Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Saturday, 12 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Kiawah Island Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes on Kiawah Island near the resort village. Updated each year.
When is the Kiawah Island Marathon and how do I register?: Kiawah Island Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Kiawah Island Marathon course flat?: Yes. Kiawah Island Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Kiawah Island Marathon pass?: The course passes maritime forest roads, lagoons, golf fairways, and glimpses of boardwalks near the Atlantic.
What weather should runners expect at Kiawah Island Marathon?: Usually mild and humid with cool dawn temperatures and light coastal winds.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Kiawah Island Marathon

Overview

Kiawah Island Marathon course

Kiawah Island Marathon entry requirements

Kiawah Island Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Kiawah Island Marathon links

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