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.
Kiawah Island Marathon 2026 race day
The next Kiawah Island Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Kiawah Island Marathon course route
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. Resort-island miles stay gently rolling at most, with the warmest cheers near the village finish and ocean boardwalks.
Kiawah Island Marathon elevation profile
The Kiawah Island Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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 very 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 Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on kiawahmarathon.com/ 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 course maps are published at https://kiawahmarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Kiawah Island Marathon and how do I register?
- Kiawah Island Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://kiawahmarathon.com/ and 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 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
