Start Location: Lincoln St. in front of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Finish Location: Intersections of Pendleton and Lincoln Streets in front of Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Marathon Course:

The Columbia region’s beautiful southern scenery serves as the backdrop for the inaugural 2012 Columbia SC Marathon. Famous for reaching tip top temperatures during the late summer months, springtime in Columbia proves to be the perfect, moderate temperature for runners to enjoy this all paved, road race.

Having not held a marathon since the Women’s US Olympic Team Trials in 2000, the City of Columbia is set to host its first marathon in 12 years.

The first leg of the race takes runners through the popular Congraee Vista district, rich with a variety of restaurants, art galleries and retailers. Located along the banks of the Congaree River, the Congaree Vista was once a vital warehouse district filled with textile mills and railroad stations. Today is once again a center of activity in the city.

The course continues through parts of South Carolina’s largest public university, The University of South Carolina. If runners glance to the right during their cross over Assembly Street, they will see where the Fighting Gamecocks play, Williams-Brice Stadium! The Columbia campus is the university’s flagship campus and boasts traditional southern architecture with beautiful landscaping. The ever-expanding campus has more than 350 programs of study for almost 30,000 students from all over the globe.

Continuing into Five Points, participants run through the historic neighborhoods of Shandon, Sherwood Forest, Heathwood and Lake Katherine, all showcasing homes and bungalows with Southern charm, class and character. The Five Points area has been a shopping and commercial district for more than 75 years. This charming City Village has remained a popular destination for all ages to shop and dine, and is also the heart of nightlife for area college students. Shandon is a vibrant, multi-generational community whose homes reflect one hundred years of architectural heritage. The wide, tree-lined streets are favorites of residents and others who stroll, walk, jog or run, while the neighborhood children and adults enjoy the pleasant parks spaced throughout the urban suburb.

After completing the portion of the course near gorgeous Lake Katherine, runners will make their way back toward downtown Columbia, running along popular Trenholm Road. This area is a diner’s dream, offering restaurants specializing in authentic Mexican, Italian, Asian and American cuisine.

Before heading back into the Congraee Vista area, where marathon runner’s will start their second loop, runners will continue on Gervais Street, running pass the South Carolina State House. Right in the hub of downtown Columbia, the copper domed South Carolina State House houses the government of South Carolina. Construction began on the structure in 1851, and damage to the building from General Sherman’s cannons is marked with bronze stars. The State House serves as an anchor facing the thriving Main Street corridor; a street filled with unique restaurants, retail shops, rooftop bars and Columbia’s Museum of Art.

The last mile of the course will take runners back through the University of South Carolina campus on Pickens Street, Greene Street and Sumter Street and past well-known campus landmarks including, The Russell House, Longstreet Theater and The Horseshoe. Part of USC’s original campus dates back to 1805 and is still the heart of the University. The 11 buildings that make up the tradition-rich Horseshoe frame a lush lawn that is an irresistible gathering place for students, faculty, local residences and alumni.

Making their way to toward the end, runners will turn left onto Pendleton Street where they will be able to start breathing a sigh of relief and enjoy a ½ mile, downhill, straight-away stretch to the ever important finish line!

Course Time Limit: 6 Hours (1:00 PM)

Packet Pick-Up: All participants must pick up their race packet on Friday at the Health & Fitness Expo or on Saturday prior to the run. (Give yourself plenty of time!)

Frequently Asked Questions: Click Here

Shirts & Awards: All runners receive a technical race shirt and all finishers receive a medal and finish line refreshments. Awards will be distributed as follows:

           Award Categories:
           Overall Winners (3-Deep) Male & Female
           Masters (3-Deep) Male & Female
           Grand Masters (3-Deep) Male & Female
           Senior Grand Masters (3-Deep) Male & Female

          
Age Group Awards: (3-Deep) Male & Female
19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over