Every December, a few thousand runners gather in Kiawah, South Carolina for a racing wintertime racing event. The Kiawah Island Marathon and Half Marathon are held in early December, giving runners a positive way to end their year and kick in a new year.
The weather can be as nice as sixty degrees or as chilly as forty degrees. Some years may get even warmer or a bit colder.
You just never know what you are getting yourself into when sign up for this marathon!
This is not one of the largest marathons in the country, but it typically draws a few thousand people between both racing events.
The cooler temperature may be attractive to those who cannot or do not enjoy racing in intense heat.
Marathon for Every Runner
The mid-sized race turnout is attractive to many first-time racers who want beautiful scenery and a challenge without the intimidation of twenty thousand racers or Boston Marathon qualifiers. This is also a good race for handicapped racers, including those in wheelchairs. The race prides itself on welcoming on all runners, whether they are fully able-bodied or not.
Elite athletes are still welcome at the marathon and there are specific guidelines that must be followed in order to qualify as elite and to be entered into the race under those terms. Race times on a recent event must be proven. Those who qualify are entered into the race free of charge. No money is given out for travel or hotel accommodations for this event.
Kiawah Marathon Package
There are some packages that can be purchased to combine the expense of accommodations and entry into the Kiawah Island Marathon. Some of these packages allow racers to share a room together on the golf course hosting the marathon. There are other packages that allow racers to stay on their own, but the bunking packages allow racers to enjoy great rooms with beautiful views without paying full price at the resort.
Villas and homes can also be rented out. They are a great value for those bringing their family, traveling to the race as a group, or considering an extended stay to include the race weekend.
Rental homes are perfect for turning the marathon into a short vacation to regroup and refocus for the new year coming.
Since it is held at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, there are many other things to do besides run the marathon. Fine dining is always available and the golf course is always ready to go.
Marathon Course
The atmosphere of the Kiawah Marathon is rather peaceful with great scenery all around. The weather is perfect for a long distance running event, since it isn’t overly hot or extremely cold most years. There are a large number of runners, but it isn’t overboard like some of the huge marathons that draw twenty thousand or more racers from around the world.
This makes the marathon a great experience for those running their very first long distance event as well as those with more experience.
The course travels by some of the finest homes of the area and treks through the forest with marshes in view. One thing to note is that vehicles are not blocked from the roads, so runners have to be alert and patient dealing with motorists passing by. Much of the course is in a private setting, so there is limited access for viewers to cheer on the racers. This takes away a lot of the festive environment of other marathons.
Kiawah Island Marathon Training Plan
When training for this event, keep in mind that there is a strict eight hour limit for finishing the marathon. Strollers and jogging strollers are not permitted on the course and there bikers cannot travel by the course to provide pacing for racers. Runners need to pace themselves to meet the time limit.
With the roads open, some extra time in maneuvering vehicles at times may be added into the Kiawah Island Marathon training schedule.
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