Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register by mail?

In our effort to be green, the Charleston Marathon prefers internet registration. It is simple, fast and secure. However, you can download/ print our pdf application and waiver and mail them with your race fee(s). Please add a $5 processing fee for mail registrations.

Can I do a walk-up registration?

The Charleston Marathon strongly suggests pre-registration as there is a participant limit and walk-up slots may not be available. Walk-up registration for all races will be available on Friday, January 13 from 11am-8pm at the Vendor Expo/Packet Pick-up at the Navy Yard in North Charleston. On Saturday, January 14, walk-up registration for the 5k will be at the same location again in North Charleston from 7:30am-8:30am and walk-up registration for the marathon and half-marathon will be from 6:15-7:15 in downtown Charleston at 75 Calhoun St.

I want to change from the Marathon to the Half Marathon; will I be refunded the difference?

The Charleston Marathon does not offer refunds. If you wish to change distances, you may do so, but no refunds will be given if you change to a shorter distance, and you will be required to pay the difference if you change to a longer distance. You can log into your RaceIt account here at any time to change distances until December 23, 2011.

My plans have changed. Can I cancel and get a refund?

The Charleston Marathon does not offer refunds. We will allow you to transfer to another individual until December 1, 2011 for a fee of $10. Please log into your RaceIt account to request a transfer. If you need help finding someone to take over your spot, try our Facebook page.

We ask you to let us know about transfers because to ensure fairness in awards based on age group and ages. Please DO NOT give your race registration to another person! Please help us keep the race and the awards fair by communicating with us if you wish to transfer your bib number. IDs will be checked at packet-pick up and the Charleston Marathon reserves the right to decline any registrant without proper identification.

What if it rains?

The Charleston Marathon is rain or shine. Again, there will be no refunds. Should we have weather conditions that make the course unsafe, like ice, we will postponed to later in the morning or the next day. We have a plan for the worst and hope for the best. Our events will occur!

Are you allowing walkers for the Half Marathon?

Yes, walkers are welcome to participate in the half marathon and 5k. However, there will be time limitations on both courses per the City of North Charleston and City of Charleston Police Departments, as roads will need to be reopened in a timely manner. We will have course time schedules posted to our website as we get closer to the event.

I see that there is no 10k race in 2012 – why?

Due to logistical reasons, the Charleston Marathon decided to cancel the 10k for the 2012 Race. We are re-evaluating the course, and may reinstate the 10k in future years.

Are t-shirts included in the registration fee?

Yes, one race specific t-shirt is included with your registration. If you would like to purchase additional t-shirts, they are available for $20. You will be prompted when you register to add extra t-shirts or you can log on to your RaceIt account before January 11, 2012 to add on extra t-shirts.

I forgot to get a bus ticket, extra shirt or pre-race meal tickets when I registered. How can I order them without re-registering for a race?

You can log into your RaceIt account before January 11, 2012 to order bus tickets, t-shirts and pre-race meals. Click Here to log on, you will need your confirmation number and your birthdate. Walk-up pre-race meals ($9) and bus tickets ($5) will be available to on a limited, first-come basis.

Is the course certified?

Yes.

Is this a USATF sanctioned event?  Boston Qualifier?

Yes, it's a USATF-sanctioned event and Boston qualifier (BQ).

Is there a course map available?

You can see any of the course maps by visiting Race Info > Race Courses.

The marathon and half marathon will start together and run together, then the marathon continues on and comes back to end where the half marathon ended. This end is also the start/finish for the 5K.

Can you mail me my race packet?

We are unable to mail race packets. They will be available to be picked up on Friday, January 13, the day before race day, at the Vendor Expo or on Saturday, January 14 before the race.

Where and when do I pick up my packet? What is the address for the Expo?

You'll be picking up your packets on Friday, January 13, 2012 between 11am and 8:00 pm in North Charleston at the large tent across from 1500 Cosgrove Ave. Extension, North Charleston, SC 29405-2035. This is also near the location for the finish line. We will also be serving a Pre-Race Dinner in the tent from 5pm-8pm.

You can also pick-up your packet on Saturday, January 14, 2012. For the 5k, it will be at the same location in the Expo Tent in North Charleston from 7:30am-8:30am and for the marathon and half-marathon will be from 6:15am-7:15am in downtown Charleston at 75 Calhoun St.

Can I get directions for the Expo, Pre-Race Dinner and Parking?

Directions to Expo/Pre-Race Dinner/Parking: From I-26 take exit 216B, Cosgrove Ave. Follow Cosgrove for three lights. Once you pass over Spruill you will hit a dead end and you will see the large tent about 300 yards ahead. Park and walk to the tent, please.

This is also where you can park Saturday and catch the bus to the start.

See a map with all locations (including parking, start & finish).

Can a friend/family pick up my packet for me on Friday?

Yes, your friend/family can pick up your pack. You must print out this waiver form, fill it out, sign it and have them bring it to our Expo at the Navy Yard between 11am-7:30pm Friday, January 13, 2012.

Is parking at the finish line free?

YES, free surface parking is plentiful! The Charleston Marathon strongly suggests parking at the finish line and we will be providing discounted shuttles ($2) to registered Marathon and Half Marathon participants on the morning of the race, Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 5:30am-7:30am.

It looks like the start and finish are not at the same location. How does one get from the finish back to the start?

There are limited parking areas downtown, thus we encourage all participants to park in North Charleston at the finish line. If you choose to park at the start line downtown, we will be providing shuttle bus service back downtown after the race from the finish line every hour on the hour from 11am – 4pm. Registered participants can purchase one transfer for $2. Additional transfers are also available for $3 in advance. These shuttle bus tickets can be purchased when you register. Walk-ups will be very limited by space and will be $5. 

Is there a time limit for the marathon?

There is a six and a half (6.5) hour time limit to finish the marathon course and no required pace for the half marathon.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes, jogging strollers are allowed in the 5K and we ask that they start towards the rear of the pack in order to maximize safety.

Will there be pace runners?

There will be pacers running the marathon and half marathon. More information is on our training page.

Marathon time increments: 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, and 5:00

Half Marathon time increments: 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, and 2:30

Will there be a drop bag service at the start for my bag of warm clothes so it will be at the finish line for me?

Yes, a truck will be on hand to bring your stuff to the finish. However, you must label it clearly with your name and bib number and it must be closed securely.

Can I wear Headphones during any of the events?

Yes, you may rock your music throughout all of the races, but please be careful and be aware of your surroundings and any possible obstructions. We are going to mark all of the obstacles that we can but this is a road race so keep your eyes open!

What sports drink will be provided during the race?

The Charleston Marathon will provide water and old faithful GREEN Gatorade, mixed as the directions state. If you wish to make it weaker, there will be water at all aide stations. There will be ample cups, water, and Gatorade at all aide stations.

Will there be energy gels or fruit along the course?

YES! A map with water stations, fruit and gel locations will be available as we get closer to the race.

Are there hotels located near the finish line?

There are hotels less than five miles away and they offer special rates for our event.

If you choose, you can stay in historic downtown Charleston near the start of the marathon and half marathon. However, parking at the finish line is strongly suggested, as it is free and plentiful.

I didn’t pick up my t-shirt or stay for the awards ceremony – can you send it to me?

There will be a $15 shipping and handling charge for t-shirts and awards mailed after the race. Please e-mail info@charlestonmarathon.com if you need to have your t-shirt mailed.

How old does a child need to be to participate in this program?

The Charleston Youth Marathon is recommended for children 7 to 17 years of age, who are in good health.

How long is the Charleston Youth Marathon?

A marathon is 26.2 miles. The Charleston Youth Marathon is a modified marathon, which means your child can run or walk 25 miles prior to race day. Then on race day, your child completes the final 1.2 miles on the official Charleston Marathon course.

How does race day work?

Charleston Youth Marathon race officials will have a complete list of particpants on-line training logs at check-in in order to verify eligibility. If you have manually logged your miles,  you must bring your completed miles log to race officials by 3:00pm on January 13, 2012 in order to participate in the final leg of the Charleston Youth Marathon. Then at 4pm the kids will run/walk the last 1.2 miles of the course.

How long will it take to complete the Charleston Youth Marathon?

Depending on your child’s level of fitness and eagerness, he or she should be able to complete the mileage from the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, up to the date of the race.

What is the cost and what does each child receive?

There is no fee and every participant will receive an official Charleston Youth Marathon Medal. Every youth that registers online will have access to sponsor promotions and coupons that we will have online. Additionally, if your child completes their 25 miles prior to December 30, 2011, they will receive a Charleston Youth Marathon T-shirt.  

How does a child train for the Charleston Youth Marathon?

Training may be conducted at home on your time schedule or at your child’s school (if offered).

When does my child log miles, and how can I determine the distance he/she ran/walked?

If your child trains with an official group, the leader should help keep up with the mileage. If your child trains at home, an adult should accompany the child. You can measure the distance with your car, or take them to the local track or park. You can log on to your childs registration account and log the miles each time they run/walk by clicking here (you will need a confirmation number and birthdate).  Or you can print the 2012 Youth Marathon log document and log the miles manually. 

Who do I contact with questions about the Charleston Youth Marathon?

Please contact Mike Campbell at mike@charlestonmarathon.com with any questions that you may have about the Youth Marathon.

FAQ’s will be updated periodically. To keep up to date on all the details, please sign up for our newsletter updates (see top right) and be the first to know!