You’ve probably heard the rumors that running in the South is basically just a battle against humidity and gnat-filled air. While there is a grain of truth to that if you’re trying to clock miles in July, the reality of running races in South Carolina is way more diverse than people give it credit for. Most folks think of the beach or maybe a quick 5k around a park. Honestly, they’re missing the sheer variety of the terrain here.
From the salt marshes of the Lowcountry to the rugged, vertical climbs of the Upstate, the Palmetto State has a race calendar that would make even the most seasoned Boston qualifier sweat. We’re talking about massive bridge crossings with 30,000 of your closest friends and literal 100-mile slogs through swampy horse trails.
The Giants: Cooper River and Myrtle Beach
If we’re talking about running races in South Carolina, we have to start with the "Big Two."
First up is the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston. Mark your calendars for March 28, 2026. This isn't just a 10k; it’s a cultural event. You basically spend the first half of the race climbing the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It’s a 10k that feels like a half marathon because of that incline, but the view of the harbor from the top? Unbeatable.
Then there’s the Myrtle Beach Marathon, scheduled for March 7, 2026. People flock here because it is famously flat. If you’re looking to hit a personal record or snag a Boston qualifying time, this is where you go. The total elevation gain is only about 110 feet. Compare that to a hilly race in the mountains, and it’s basically a pancake. Roughly 16% of finishers in recent years have hit their BQ times here. That’s a huge number.
Why the Lowcountry Owns the Winter
South Carolina is one of the few places in the U.S. where race season actually peaks when it’s cold everywhere else. While runners in the Midwest are slipping on black ice, we’re hitting the Daufuskie Island Marathon on January 17, 2026.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Pick Em Week 8: The Strategy Most People Get Wrong
Daufuskie is sort of a "bucket list" race because you have to take a ferry to get there. There are no cars on the island, just golf carts and dirt roads. It’s quiet. It’s eerie. It’s beautiful.
If you want something a bit more upscale, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon on December 12, 2026, is the way to go. It’s a fast, certified course that winds through maritime forests and past massive oceanfront estates. Just a heads-up: it sells out fast. Like, "don't-wait-until-August" fast.
The Grit: Trails and Ultras
Not everyone wants a flat road. Some people want to suffer a little. For those folks, the Upstate is where the action is.
The Conquer the Rock ultra at Table Rock State Park (March 7, 2026) is no joke. You’ve got the 25k and 50k options, and both involve serious technical trails. You aren't just running; you’re navigating roots, rocks, and some pretty intense vertical gain.
Down toward the coast, the Hell Hole Hundred in Bethera (June 5, 2026) offers a different kind of pain. It’s held on the Jericho Horse Trail. It’s hot. It’s flat. It’s buggy. It’s called Hell Hole for a reason. You can choose 100 miles, 100k, or even a "simple" 16-miler, but don't expect a personal best in that heat.
Participation and the "Why"
South Carolina has an interesting relationship with fitness. Recent data from America’s Health Rankings shows that about 31.6% of adults in the state meet federal physical activity guidelines. That sounds low, but the running community is actually one of the fastest-growing segments.
The diversity in participation is also shifting. While older data suggested gaps in recreational exercise across different demographics, local groups like Black Men Run and various "She Runs" chapters in Columbia and Greenville are exploding. In fact, a 2022 state report noted that while Black/African American residents faced more systemic barriers to leisure time (with 32% reporting barriers like lack of facilities or time), the grassroots growth of inclusive run clubs is actively changing the face of local start lines.
How to Actually Plan Your 2026 Season
Don't just sign up for the first race you see on RunSignup. You’ve got to be strategic about the weather here.
- January/February: Stick to the coast. Charleston and Beaufort stay temperate.
- March/April: This is the sweet spot. Hit the Greenville Half Marathon (Feb 28) or the Reedy River Run (April 18).
- May–September: Unless you’re doing a night race or a "glow run," maybe stick to the gym. If you must run, look for trail races with heavy canopy cover like Harbison State Forest in Columbia.
- October–December: The "Second Season." The Spinx Run Fest in Greenville is a blast in October.
If you’re traveling from out of state, book your Charleston hotels early for the Bridge Run. Like, now. Prices triple race weekend. Also, keep an eye on the South Carolina State Park Service. Many parks like Paris Mountain or Croft State Park host smaller, "hidden gem" races that won't cost you $150 in registration fees.
The best way to get started? Join a local shop's group run. Fleet Feet in Greenville or Blue Sky Endurance in Mount Pleasant are great hubs. They know the routes that won't get you run over by a tourist in a rented Jeep.
Grab your shoes. Start slow. Hydrate more than you think you need to. South Carolina racing is waiting for you.
Next Steps for Your SC Race Season:
- Check the 2026 Calendar: Visit the Charleston Running Club or Greenville Track Club websites to see updated permit dates for smaller neighborhood races.
- Register for the Bridge Run: Registration usually opens months in advance; set an alert for June to snag the "Early Bird" pricing.
- Join a Training Group: If you're eyeing a marathon, local clubs often start 16-week training blocks in late summer for December races.