South Carolina has a rather hot and humid subtropical climate. The Palmetto state is know to have average daytime temperatures that range between 86-93 degrees. South Carolina’s, John’s Island is also home to the “Angel Oak” which is a 500 year old oak tree thought to be the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi. It also happens to be a great place to run a marathon.
King’s Mountain Marathon – Clover
In 1780, the Patriot Militia defeated the Royal Loyalists during the Revolutionary War. Today, runners face King’s Mountain for their own, personal battles. In this case, the enemy is the course itself. This race usually takes place in late April so you hopefully won’t be battling high temperatures this day, but the frequent hills are sure to prove challenging. Check it out here.
The Course
The King’s Mountain Marathon is a loop course with a short out and back section. The course starts at 777 feet and reaches a max elevation of 1,020 feet around mile 21. The total elevation gain of this course is 1,628 feet. The steepest hill on this course happens between miles 19 and 21.5 and has an average grade of 2.1%. Although this is not the steepest hill, the hills are frequent and will have your legs screaming for surrender by the finish line.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“I was nervous about running this event because I knew it would be more challenging than any I had done to that point. Indeed it was! However, it quickly became my favorite. The course has low traffic, was well marked and had beautiful scenery. The Adventure Geeks team and organization was superb and the cost was low (with great t-shirts and medals). I plan to make this marathon an annual regular for me!” -Jim McAlhaney, Marathonguide.com
“This was my very first marathon, and it was quite the experience. My training consisted of incline levels between 2-4.5, and it definitely should have been much higher than that. This was a very organized marathon, and great views throughout the course. I would not recommend this for anybody doing their first marathon, or if you do then definitely train up and down steep hills. I was happy to finish the marathon with a decent time; I just thought the hills were much more than “rolling hills.” Great groups of people, and an excellent number of water stations.”-S.M., Marathonguide.com
Kiawah Island Marathon
The Kiawah Island Marathon is both USATF Certified and a Boston Qualifying race. This race is run on Kiawah Island where you can expect a good mix of maritime forest, marsh views, and large and beautiful homes. This marathon benefits the Kiawah Island Conservation in order to keep the island in its state of natural beauty while still allowing development to take place. Get registered here.
The Course
The Kiawah Island Marathon starts at 27 feet elevation and reaches a max elevation of 42 feet max elevation around 10 miles. The total elevation gain on this course is 87 feet–so, all in all a relatively flat course. If you are looking are looking to P.R., this race is a great option. Also be aware that this course is open to automotive traffic, so be extra careful.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“Course was super flat and beautiful, winding around the island, under beautiful oak and maple and pine trees, and passing by wide open marsh vistas or little brackish ponds. It did double back on itself several times (it’s a relatively small island), and there were a couple of tight turn-arounds, but overall those weren’t a big deal (I ran a 3:05:59, a PR by over 5 mins), and the beauty of the course was well worth it (even parts of the course that ran through neighberhoods were beautiful relative to your typical race). And the weather was great (if a tiny bit on the humid side).”-P.A., Marathonguide.com
“I picked this race looking for a BQ and to play some golf with my dad. Talking with a local, this was the best weather we could hope for (54, no wind, 95% hum). They’ve had really high winds in previous years. Humidity wasn’t a factor with the lower temps. The only small hills were on the 1st and last miles. I actually liked having all the turnarounds, because otherwise I never saw anyone. The island seemed empty, so don’t expect throngs of cheering people. Post race was the best experience I’ve had at a race.”-D.A., Marathonguide.com
Run Hard Marathon – Columbia
The Run Hard Marathon takes place in Columbia, South Carolina. This course if fully USATF Certified and a Boston Qualifying event. The course takes runners past the South Carolina State Building and Lake Katharine. Water and aid shops are abundant and should keep you hydrated in the South Carolina heat. As an added bonus, cash prizes will be awarded to the winners starting in 2017 Register here.
The Course
The Run Hard Marathon is a double loop track that starts at 324 feet of elevation. The course reaches a max elevation of 373 feet around mile 10. The total course elevation gain is 544 feet. Some runners mentioned the challenge that the hills at miles 11 and 23 offered. If you plan to run this race, train on a few hills and make sure you are prepared to “run hard.”
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“This was my 11th marathon and by far my favorite so far! This race was so well organized. The race director did a fantastic job. There were plenty of water stops with water and gatorade, and every other water stop also had bananas and gu. They had several different kinds of gatorade and gu’s. Even with a very hilly course, the perfect weather and shaded course helped me to get my PR. After finishing, I walked into the convention center. Someone stopped me immediately and asked if I would like to have a yoga instructor help me stretch. That was an amazing experience. I was not sore after this marathon or the 9 hour drive home the next day. The stretching made all the difference. I am so impressed with this race. I may come back to do it again someday after I finish the 50 states.”- S.H., Marathonguide.com
“For the low entry fee this race really provides it all. In addition to an all day expo the day before they offer morning of packet pick-up with tons of free, convenient parking near start. Water stations and portajons every 2-3 miles and fruit, GU, gatorade provided. Columbia police did a fantastic job of traffic control and double loop course was extremely well marked. Volunteers were cheering and encouraging. Pace groups offered with multiple runners in each. The shirt and medal are fantastic and results were posted online within hours. Will run this one again- train for the hills but it’s nothing you can’t handle if you do some hill work.”-K.Z.
Myrtle Beach Marathon-Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach Marathon supports multiple charities including: Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training Program, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Carolina, the Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Horry County Schools. Over the last 17 years, the Myrtle Beach Marathon has donated over $3 million to these charities. In way of post race festivities, the course has beer, Krispy Kreme, live music,and even more! Check it out here.
The Course
The course starts at 10 feet elevation and reaches a max elevation of 31 feet around mile 18. The total gain for this course is 133 feet. This course is fast and flat and a great choice if you are trying to set an new P.R. or qualify for the Boston Marathon. Water stations and aid stops are plentiful and well stocked. At the end of the race, you can expect some good food like muffins, bagels, chips, soup, drinks, and energy bars.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“I really liked this course. There were a couple of minor inclines but otherwise very flat. The large loop, beginning and ending at a great location was very appreciated. Decent spectator support but not a lot along the entire course. The layout of the course allowed my supporters to see me a couple of times during the race which was nice. The weather couldn’t have been better. Set a new PR on this course. Great communication and overall organization from the event. Would recommend this to anyone!”-K.C., Marathonguide.com
“About the course: This is a great course for running a fast race. A long oval with few turns, no hills (just a few very slight inclines), and no overpasses. Interesting scenery of the Myrtle Beach strip, shopping areas, beach and recreational views, and a brief run on a bike path. The volunteer support was wonderful. Water tables, mile markers, and medical tents were all well marked. Only a few concentrated areas of crowd support. In the Non-race areas: Several hotels offered shuttle service to the start and offered very reasonable rates. The expo was small but everyone was helpful and friendly. Bag drop was well marked but a little chaotic and unorganized (however, I easily claimed my bag at the finish). Finish line was well organized and there was plenty of drinks, fruit, beer, and chicken noodle soup for the runners.”-M.M., Marathonguide.com