If you’re looking for upcoming races in Charleston, SC for the spring and summer of 2023, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide you with a list of running races in Charleston, SC that you can participate in during the first half of the year. Keep in mind that there will be fall and winter races later in the year, so stay tuned for those as well.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, there’s a race for everyone in Charleston, SC. From 5Ks to half marathons, these races will challenge you and give you the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Charleston. So, get your running shoes ready and check out the list of upcoming races in Charleston, SC for the spring and summer of 2023.

Running Races in Charleston, SC – Spring 2023

If you are a runner in Charleston, you are in luck! Spring is one of the best times to run in the Lowcountry, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there are plenty of races to choose from in the spring of 2023. Here are 20 road and trail races that you can participate in from March through June.

1. Palmetto Relay (March 24, 2023)

The Palmetto Relay is a unique relay race adventure where you and your friends can run 200 or 70 scenic miles through the Midlands of South Carolina, finishing in the Lowcountry just outside of Charleston at the Firefly Distillery. The 200-mile race starts in Lexington, while the 70-mile race starts in Moncks Corner. Team sizes can vary, and participants can choose between running several miles and running ultra-marathon distances.

2. Run Cane Bay Half Marathon (March 25, 2023)

The Run Cane Bay Half Marathon takes place in Summerville, South Carolina. The race also includes 10k and 5k distances. Cane Bay Plantation is a well-established and growing community nestled in the heart of South Carolina’s Berkeley County, known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks. The site also notes that Cane Bay has miles of meandering trails.

3. Beaufort Twilight Run (March 25, 2023)

The Beaufort Twilight Run offers 10 mile, 8k, and 5k distances, as well as a 1 mile youth run and quarter-mile kids’ fun run. The races take place in the coastal community of Habersham, just minutes from historic downtown Beaufort. The Lowcountry’s Running Festival courses are truly one of a kind, winding through charming neighborhood streets canopied with Spanish moss and among waterfront parks highlighted by majestic hundred year old oak trees.

4. Cooper River Bridge Run (April 1, 2023)

The Cooper River Bridge Run is the largest running race in Charleston and is one of the largest 10k races in the United States. Each year, more than 40,000 runners sign up for this race from Mt. Pleasant to downtown Charleston across the Ravenel Bridge. The race includes an elite wave which starts first, and the current record of 27:40 was set in 2000.

5. Race the Landing 5k (April 13, 2023)

Race the Landing is a three-race series that takes place at Charles Towne Landing in West Ashley. In 2023, the first race takes place on April 13. The official race website says that each race includes giveaways, dinner, finisher medals, and five-deep awards in Overall, Masters, and age group categories. These are popular running races in Charleston as well.

6. Beat Beethoven 5k (April 15, 2023)

The Beat Beethoven 5k takes place in Summerville on April 15 and is run put on by the Summerville Orchestra in conjunction with its Concert in the Park. According to the official race website, the Beat Beethoven 5k is a nature trail run/walk, and there is a kids’ fun run as well.

7. Mullet Haul Trail Run (April 22, 2023)

The Mullet Haul Trail Run is one of several running races put on by the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) throughout the year. The race takes place on the trails at Johns Island County Park, and there are 10k and 5k options. Preregistration is required and ends Monday, April 17. Space is limited, and the event is expected to sell out.

8. Cooter Creek 50 Mile Trail Run (April 22, 2023)

The Cooter Creek 50 Mile Trail Run is one of several ultra-marathons in the Charleston area organized by Eagle Endurance. Participants can run the entire 50-mile distance or complete a four-person relay. The race takes place on the Palmetto Trail, Awendaw Passage, and Swamp Fox Passage. It starts at the Buck Hall Recreation Area and runs through Francis Marion National Forest.

9. iFiveK (April 27, 2023)

The iFiveK takes place on the Charleston Peninsula, starting at the intersection of Conroy Street and North Hanover Street. It is hosted by the Charleston Digital Corridor and, unlike most other running races in Charleston, takes place on a weekday evening (a Thursday in 2023). The Charleston Digital Corridor also hosts an afterparty with discounted food and drinks (for runners) from several nearby restaurants.

10. We Are Sharing Hope SC Race for Life (April 29, 2023)

The 18th annual We Are Sharing Hope SC Race for Life takes place on April 29, 2023, in West Ashley. There are 10k and 5k races, with age groups from 12 and under to 70 and up.

11. Lowcountry Emergency Services 5k (May 6, 2023)

The Lowcountry Emergency Services 5k is another Eagle Endurance event that takes place on May 6, 2023. According to the UltraSignup page, the race hopes to bring together various emergency service departments

Running Races in Charleston, SC – Summer 2023

Charleston, SC is known for its humid summers, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on running races. Here are nine races in Charleston, SC between June 21 and September 22, 2023, that you can participate in.

1. Bulldog Breakaway 5k Twilight Series (June 22, 2023)

The Bulldog Breakaway 5k Twilight Series is a summer race in Charleston, SC that takes place at the Citadel on the Charleston Peninsula. The first of the two summer races takes place on June 22 at 6:30 pm. Runners start with a loop around Wilson Field before hitting the streets and then returning to the field for the finish.

2. Bulldog Breakaway 5k Twilight Series (June 29, 2023)

The final race in the Bulldog Breakaway 5k Twilight Series takes place on June 29 at 6:30 pm. The series is open to runners of all ages and includes a Masters’ Division. The races in the Bulldog Breakaway 5k Twilight Series are among the relatively few running races in Charleston, SC that take place downtown on the peninsula.

3. Firecracker 4 Miler (July 4, 2023)

The Firecracker 4 Miler is a Mount Pleasant race that takes place on July 4, 2023. The event also offers a “1 Mile…ish Kids Run.” This Charleston, SC race is run at Laurel Hill County Park, and is back for the first time since 2020 after a two-year hiatus. The Firecracker 4 Miler takes place on the shaded trails of Laurel Hill County Park, and music, hotdogs, and cold beverages are available to runners and their friends and family after the event.

4. Dog Days of Summer 5k (July 22, 2023)

The Dog Days of Summer 5k is another summer running race in Charleston, SC that takes place at the Citadel. This race starts at 8:00 am at the Citadel Track before taking runners through scenic Hampton Park.

5. IOP Beach Run (July 29, 2023)

The 2023 IOP Beach Run is scheduled for 8:00 am on July 29, 2023. This popular Charleston, SC 5k and 10k race takes place on the beach at Isle of Palms, with runners lining up on the sand in front of the Windjammer hotel. The races are scheduled to coincide with low tide, and all three races take place on flat, hard-packed sand below the high tide line.

6. Race for the ARK (August 26, 2023)

The Race for the ARK is an annual 5k sponsored by The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services in Summerville, SC. Summerville is just a short drive from downtown Charleston, and with an 8:45 am start time, you can cool off after the race and then enjoy lunch in historic downtown Summerville before heading back home (or back to your hotel room or beach rental). There is a one-mile fun run option as well. Both races begin and end at 206 Central Avenue and take runners on a scenic tour of Summerville’s historic downtown area.

7. Salkehatchie Shuffle (September 9, 2023)

The Salkehatchie Shuffle is the only summer 2023 ultramarathon currently scheduled in the Charleston area. With 50k, half marathon, 10k, and 5k options, the event takes place on the trails of Broxton Bridge Plantation. Broxton Bridge Plantation is a bit of a drive from Charleston (a little over an hour and a half from downtown), but the drive is well worth it for the scenery—and it is the only local opportunity to run a 50k during the summer months.

8. The Dirt Dash (September 16, 2023)

The Dirt Dash is an annual Charleston, SC running race that takes place on the trails of Johns Island County Park. There are marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 5k race options, with runners in the longer distances completing a multi-loop course. All runners have the option to camp in the park the night before the event; and, while this is a great option, it isn’t difficult to get to Johns Island County Park the morning of the race from anywhere in the Charleston area.

9. Run Like a Pirate 5k (September 19, 2023)

The Run Like a Pirate 5k is a virtual race event scheduled for September 19, 2023. According to the race organizer, Eagle Endurance, LLC, the rules for the race are as follows:

  • Find the oldest pub in your town.
  • Gather up your friends.
  • Dress up like a pirate. (I’d say leave the flintlock pistols at home…)
  • Drink your preferred beverage
  • Run at least a 5k in ANY direction (that’s safe)
  • Return to the pub!

September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day; and, while Charleston residents and visitors are encouraged to participate responsibly, Eagle Endurance, LLC hopes to have runners from all over the world sign up for this virtual event.

There you have it, nine running races in Charleston, SC between June 21 and September 22, 2023, that you can participate in. Whether you’re looking for a race during your summer vacation or you are a local looking for some tune-up races heading into the fall season, there’s something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated running races in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC is a great city for running races. Some of the top-rated races include the Cooper River Bridge Run, the Charleston Marathon, the Charlie Post Classic, the James Island Connector Run, and the Floppin’ Flounder 5K.

When is the next Charleston Half Marathon scheduled?

The next Charleston Half Marathon is scheduled for January 2025. The exact date has not been announced yet, but it usually takes place on a Saturday in mid to late January.

How can I register for the Cooper River Bridge Run?

You can register for the Cooper River Bridge Run on their website. Registration usually opens in early December and closes in late March. There is no race day packet pickup, so be sure to pick up your packet at the Expo the day before the race.

What are the dates for Charleston Race Week 2024?

Charleston Race Week is usually held in April. The exact dates for 2024 have not been announced yet, but it usually takes place over a weekend.

Are there any 5K races in Charleston, SC, in the near future?

Yes, there are several 5K races coming up in Charleston, SC. Some of the upcoming races include the Floppin’ Flounder 5K in July, the Race for the Ark 5K in September, and the James Island Connector Run 5K in November.

What is the course like for the Charleston Marathon?

The Charleston Marathon course is a flat and fast course that takes runners through historic downtown Charleston, past scenic views of the Ashley River, and through beautiful residential areas. The course is USATF certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.