South Carolina in late fall and winter is a quietly perfect place to chase a half marathon. The summer heat has finally let go, the mornings come in crisp and clear, and the coast stays mild enough that you're not layering up like you're headed to the Arctic. Whether this is your first half or one of many, the next few months here offer a genuinely appealing spread: a small-town sweet tea celebration, a barrier-island run with salt air, a late-November race just across the river from Georgia, and a January classic in one of the South's best cities. There are 10 upcoming half marathons in the window from November 2026 through January 2027. Here are four worth putting on your calendar now — and yes, now is the time to register, not later.
Summerville Sweet Tea Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K — Saturday, November 7, 2026
Summerville kicks off the stretch with a race that leans into a very South Carolina idea: sweet tea. The half marathon shares the morning with a 10K and 5K, so it's an easy one to bring a friend or family member along to, even if they're not ready for 13.1 yet. Early November in the Lowcountry usually means comfortable running weather, and a smaller-town race like this is a warm, low-pressure way to start the season — or to knock out your first half. It scores 76 out of 100, a solid pick for anyone easing into the distance.
Bohicket 5k and Half at Seabrook Island — Saturday, November 21, 2026
Two weeks later, the scene shifts to Seabrook Island, where the Bohicket 5k and Half offers something a little different: a barrier-island race with coastal air and a quieter, more adventurous feel. If you like your half marathons with a side of scenery and a smaller field, this is the one to circle. The 5K option makes it a good weekend for mixed-ability groups. With a score of 81 out of 100, it lands in Runner Favorite territory — a strong signal that people who run it come away happy.
2026 Palmetto Peach Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K — Saturday, November 28, 2026
Thanksgiving weekend brings the Palmetto Peach to North Augusta, right along the South Carolina–Georgia line. A holiday-weekend half is its own kind of fun: you've got family in town, a little extra time, and a good excuse to earn the pie. The half shares the day with a 10K and 5K, and at 85 out of 100 it's a standout pick — the kind of race that's worth planning the weekend around rather than squeezing in.
Charleston Half Marathon — Saturday, January 30, 2027
The stretch closes with the biggest draw of the bunch. The Charleston Half Marathon lands in one of the South's most walkable, most enjoyable cities, and January is a smart time to run there — cool enough to work hard, mild enough to enjoy the finish. At 88 out of 100, it's the highest-scoring race in this group and a genuine Runner Favorite. If you've been looking for a reason to plan a winter running weekend, this is a very good one.
Pick your race and start planning
Four races, four different flavors: small-town charm, island air, holiday weekend energy, and a January city classic. Register early while spots are open, sort out your travel, and give yourself a training block you can actually look forward to.
When you're ready to see everything else on the calendar, browse the full list of half marathons in South Carolina to find the race that fits your goals, your schedule, and your sense of adventure. From your first 13.1 to your fiftieth state, there's a start line here with your name on it.