University of Charleston Marathon

Flat Roads, Fast Times, and Friendly Vibes – Run Charleston!

A fast and flat Boston qualifying course through the City of Charleston, West Virginia will take you 26.2 miles around our state capitol, on the historic streets of the city, across the Kanawha river, and through the University of Charleston campus! The University of Charleston Marathon intends to promote community, encourage health and wellness, and serve as a critical funding source for the University of Charleston Honors College students. We aim to provide a high-quality race experience for runners, volunteers, spectators and the surrounding community.

This USATF- Marathon Certified course is ideal for personal records or Boston qualifying times. (USATF-WV25002MS)

STAY AND PLAY - EXPLORE CHARLESTON

We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors.

Title Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Participant Dinner Sponsor

 

Platinum Sponsors

       

 

 

Preferred Hotel Sponsor

 

Silver Sponsor

Party at the Plaza Sponsor

Awards Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

   

 

Community Sponsors

 

 

 

Award Categories:

Overall winners for each race: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K (Based on Gun Time)

First, Second, Third – Female

First Second, Third – Male

 

Age group awards for each race: Marathon, Half marathon, 5K (Based on Net Time)
1st Place Male and 1st Place Female in the following:

18 and under
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80 and over

University of Charleston Marathon FAQ - Registration Policies

1. No refunds are permitted.

2. Limited time offers are only applicable to new registrants. No price adjustments or refunds will be granted to existing registrants.

3. Participants may switch race distances by logging on to their RunSignup account by 4/5/2027 at 11:59pm.

4. Participants may transfer their registration to someone else by logging on to their RunSignup account. The registrant may gift their registration to another user, and the recipient is able to register for free. Transfers must be completed by 4/5/2027 at 11:59pm.

5. Participants may elect to defer their registration for one year. The participant will not receive a refund for deferred registrations.

6. Deferred registrants will receive a unique coupon code for next year’s race via email. Deferrals must be initiated by 4/5/2027 at 11:59pm.

7. We do not offer race day packet pick-up and race packets cannot be mailed prior to the race.

8. Participants unable to pick up their own race packet may have someone else pick up their packet for them. The person picking up your packet must have a completed copy of the Packet Pickup Authorization Form and copy of your photo ID. A photo of your ID shown on a phone is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

5K – Where and when?

The 5K starts and finishes on the UC campus Riverbank, Pharmacy Parking are. Saturday, April 10th at 9AM

Nutrition – Will there be gel on the course?

The University of Charleston Marathon is BYOG (Bring Your Own Gel). There will be Gatorade available at all the water stations for the marathon and half marathon courses.

Medals – Who gets a medal?

Marathon and Half Marathon finishers will receive a medal!

Weather – What will the weather be like?

Because the race is an early spring race the weather is often hard to predict. Normally the temperature at the start is in the mid 40’s and highs near the mid 60’s in the afternoon.

Accommodations – Where should I stay?

There are several hotel options within walking distance of the start/finish line.

Awards – What are the categories?

Overall awards will be presented to the first, second, and third place female and male finishers for the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k. Age group awards go to the top finisher in each age group, female and male. Overall winners are not eligible for age group awards. Age categories are: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 and over.

Walking - Is walking allowed?

We love walkers! Our course is officially open for seven hours. Participants who remain on the course longer than the official time do so at their own risk.  

Marathon/Half Start - When time should I arrive to the start?

Please allow plenty of time to navigate road closures, park, and make your way to the start line for your pre-race routine. Parking is available in the City of Charleston parking garage located on Summers Street.

Shirts – Will I receive a participant shirt?

Yes! Marathon and Half Marathon participants will receive a full technical shirt and 5K participants will receive a cotton blend T-shirt (as supplies last)! 

Elevation – Are there hills?

The UC Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K courses are relatively flat. Check out our elevation profile on Strava.

Qualify – Can I qualify for Boston at the UC Marathon?

Yes, the marathon is a USATF certified course and a Boston qualifier.

Strollers and Pets – Can I push a stroller or bring my pet on the course?

Unfortunately, no. While we love little supporters and furry friends, strollers and pets are not permitted on the course.

Tracking – Will there be participant tracking?

Yes! We will offer participant tracking through a downloadable app - RTRT (Real-Time Race Tracking). We will provide QR codes for download at Packet Pickup, or search on your mobile App Store. University of Charleston Marathon will be available soon.

Porta-Potty – Where and how many?

Yes! We will have porta-potties on the course at each water/aid station. There will be two units at each of the stations that serve the Marathon and Half (1, 2, 3, and 8, 9, 10). And one unit at each station serving the marathon (4, 5, 6, 7).

 

CAN’T FIND YOUR QUESTION?

We’re sorry you can’t find the answer to your question in our FAQ. Please send your question to marathon@ucwv.edu and we'll get back to you with an answer shortly.

 

Marathon Weekend Schedule

Packet Pickup – Riggleman Hall Rotunda, UC Campus

Friday, April 9, 2027               5:00pm – 8:00pm

Saturday, April 11, 2027         8:00am – 7:00pm

 

Friday, April 9, 2027

5:00pm-8:00pm              Packet Pickup 

 

Saturday, April 10, 2027

8:00am                            Packet Pickup Opens

9:00am                            5K – University of Charleston Campus 

5:00pm-7:00pm              Pasta Dinner, UC Campus

5:00pm                            Registration Closes

7:00pm                            Packet Pickup Closes

 

Sunday, April 11, 2027

7:00am                            UC Marathon/Half Marathon Start

9:00am                            Party at the Plaza Opens

11:00am                          Awards, Slack Plaza

2:00pm                            Course Closes

Order Your Race Gear Now!

Race apparel and merchandise are available through our official store.

SHOP HERE

5K: Cotton-blend Crewneck T-Shirt

5K: Cotton blend T-Shirt

Half Marathon: Long-sleeve Tech Crewneck Shirt

Half Marathon: Long-sleeve Tech Shirt

Marathon: Long-sleeve Tech Crewneck Shirt

Marathon: Long-sleeve Tech Shirt