HalfRuns
Charleston Half Marathon

Charleston Half Marathon

Charleston Half Marathon: a fast, flat point-to-point through historic streets and coastal charm.

Race Date

Jan 30, 2027

Location

Charleston, SC

Runner Favorite88

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Location
Charleston, South Carolina
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
33,777

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBQ Relevant

Course

Fast FlatNet Downhill

The Experience

The Charleston Half Marathon, held on a crisp January morning, has become a destination race for runners from across the country. With field sizes around 3,677 finishers and participants coming from 47 states, it's a gathering of the running community in the historic Lowcountry. Now in its 15th edition, the race has built a loyal following—about 8% of runners return year after year.

The course is a standout for speed. USATF certified and nearly flat, it features a net downhill profile that helps runners chase personal bests. The point-to-point route starts at Burke High School and winds through Charleston's streets, with the city's historic architecture and waterfront providing constant visual interest. Though the course is exposed in sections, the cool January temperatures (averaging 44–58°F) are ideal for racing.

At the finish line on President Street, runners collect their medals and enjoy the post-race atmosphere. The event also includes a 5K, making it accessible for families and first-timers. With a growing field and strong organization, the Charleston Half Marathon is a polished, well-supported race that delivers on its promise of fast times and Southern charm.

Race-provided description

Charleston Half Marathon & 5K Burke High School, President Street, Charleston, SC - Charleston Half Marathon & 5K - January 31, 2026

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, January 30, 2027

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Charleston, SC

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal, Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

-0.07 m

Separation

3.8%

Also Offers

5K run

USATF Certified Course

SC26001JK · PNC Bank Charleston Half Marathon 2026

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Runner Favorite88
Methodology
Heritage20/20

15 years running

Size15/15

~3,510 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty8/20

8% returning runners

Course & details15/15

USATF certified · 3 timing sources · 3 photos

National draw10/10

runners from 47 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:12:06

Weather10/10

typical high 58°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

58°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.1"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

74%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 33,777 finishers actually crossed the line across 15 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

33,777

Median time

2:04:06

Latest turnout

3,677

States

51

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:105:35

Turnout by year

20172026

'17'18'19'20'21'23'24'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Charleston Half Marathon?

The Charleston Half Marathon is held on Saturday, January 30, 2027.

Where does the Charleston Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Charleston, South Carolina.

What distances does the Charleston Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run.

Is the Charleston Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Charleston Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Charleston Half Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 33,777 runners who have completed the Charleston Half Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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