53rd Charleston Distance Run Kicks Off Saturday

Hundreds of runners – and walkers – are in the capitol city for Saturday’s 53^rd annual Charleston Distance Run. More than 800 participants are signed up for America’s 15-miler, as it’s known.  

“Fifteen miles is a unique length for a race. Most are 5K, 10K, half marathon, which is 13.1 miles or a marathon, and our race is 15 miles,” Charleston Distance Run secretary Victoria Barksdale said.  

It’s a scenic but hilly and challenging 15-mile road race with a 5K run-walk and a three-person relay that kicks off Saturday morning. 

This year’s race theme is Take Me Home. 

“That theme we feel really plays off of the fact that a lot of native West Virginians return to Charleston specifically for this race on Labor Day weekend,” Barksdale said. “And then we know that other folks are coming to really experience the challenge and the beauty and the community of our country roads.” 

Pre-race activities get underway at the Haddad Riverfront Park Friday: 

•    Packet Pickup (3–8 p.m.): Participants check in and receive their race bibs, swag bags, and CDR souvenirs.  

•    Pasta Party (4:30–7 p.m.): A chance to carb-load, reconnect with fellow runners, and share CDR memories.  

•    Awards Ceremony (6 p.m.): The CDR Committee will recognize some of the outstanding volunteers who help the CDR run smoothly. 

•    FREE Children’s Fun Run (6:30 p.m.): Future CDR participants race in three age groups on Kanawha Blvd. in this event sponsored by the City of Charleston Department of Parks and Recreation. Registration begins at 3 p.m. and is open to all children ages 4-12. 

•    Cheering and Sign-Making Station: The community is invited to make race-day signs and grab a free cowbell to cheer runners on Saturday. 

All races begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the Capitol. Click here to view the race map. Visit the Charleston Distance Run website for more information.