SC has one of the 12 best marathons in the world worth traveling for, Forbes says. Here’s why
A South Carolina marathon made Forbes’ list of 12 marathons worth traveling for In 2025.
The Kiawah Island Marathon was one of four races in the United States to be included.
Race day is Dec. 14, the last of the year among the events chosen.
“For the past 46 years, runners have navigated the scenic Lowcountry of Kiawah Island, a barrier island near Charleston that has an average elevation of only 6 feet above sea level,” the magazine said.
The race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 in West Beach Village and circles back to the starting point. The course runs along maritime forests, marshes, and the oceanfront. The halfway point is Ibis Pond Overlook, known for its wealth of wildlife.
On event weekends, there are no shortages of activities beginning on Friday, including tours, a holiday market, group runs, dinner, yoga and caroling.
Beach cruiser rentals are available for spectators.
The course closes after 6.5 hours, although several people have finished in more than 7 hours. The previous winner finished in just over 2-and-a half hours.
Bibbed runners get complimentary food, including white bean soup, organic pasta salad with grilled chicken and corn bread muffins.
And of course there are beers or seltzers at the end of the race: Estuary Cabrinha Drifter Lager, Michelob Ultra and Very Berry Hard Seltzer. Limit three.
The race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, which also was on Forbes list.
Forbes suggested The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort as a place to stay.
The other races on the Forbes list are Malta Marathon Feb. 23; Run Rome The Marathon March 16; Boston Marathon April 21; Vancouver Marathon May 4; Aruba Marathon June 8; Marathon du Médoc Sept. 6; Budapest Marathon Oct. 12; Chicago Marathon Oct. 12; Lisbon Marathon Oct. 25; New York City Marathon Nov. 2 and Singapore Marathon Dec. 7.
The Lotte World Tower Sky Run in Seoul was listed as a bonus marathon. The date has not been set but it is in April, the magazine said.
This race involves running inside one of the world’s tallest buildings — 2,917 stairs and 123 floors.