Streets in the capitol city will be closed Saturday and Sunday mornings for the return of a marathon to Charleston for the first time in more than 30 years.
The University of Charleston Marathon will draw around 700 runners to Charleston this weekend from 40 states and three countries so far.
There will actually be three races including a 5K, a half marathon, and the marathon. Racers will run the 5K on Saturday and both longer races Sunday.
A large group of volunteers, including UC student-athletes and Honors College students, will help runners along the course.
The marathon course will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The weekend schedule is as follows:
Friday, April 10
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Participants can pick up their race packets at the University of Charleston in the Riggleman Hall Rotunda.
Saturday, April 11
8:00 a.m. Runners can pick up their race packets at the University of Charleston in the Riggleman Hall Rotunda.
9:00 a.m. The UC 5K Run starts on the UC campus. The course runs through Kanawha City.
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pasta dinner for all runners, hosted by Spilman Thomas & Battle on the UC Campus
5:00 p.m. Registration for the marathon and half marathon closes
7:00 p.m. Packet pickup closes
Sunday, April 12, 2026
7:00 a.m. Marathon and half marathon start, Capitol Street, Downtown Charleston
9:00 a.m. Party at the Plaza Opens at Slack Plaza
11:00 a.m. Awards Presentation, Slack Plaza
2:00 p.m. Marathon/half marathon course closes
Register for the UC Marathon here.
From the City of Charleston:
What To Expect
Most roads will be rolling closures, meaning roads will temporarily close as runners pass and will reopen once runners and event vehicles have passed.
Crossing the race route will be permitted. Motorists should follow instructions from officers and volunteers stationed along the course.
Driving along the race route will not be permitted while runners are present.
Some roads will be closed or restricted during the race.
Motorists may experience delays. Plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
Timing
7 a.m. | Race begins
7 a.m. – 9 a.m. | Runners are expected to be on the West Side between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., with the course anticipated to clear the Patrick Street Bridge by approximately 9 a.m.
The northbound lanes (traveling toward Patrick Street Plaza) will be closed to traffic while runners are in the area.
8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Runners are expected to arrive at UC’s campus (mile marker 10).
Noon | Most runners are expected to be off the course
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | A smaller number of participants will remain on the race route
12:30 p.m. | MacCorkle Avenue is expected to fully re-open.
2 p.m.| Race is expected to conclude
Road Closures
Beginning Saturday, April 11 at 6 a.m. through Sunday, April 12 at 6 p.m.:
Capitol Street (Quarrier Street to Lee Street)
Lee Street Triangle
Sunday, April 12 (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.):
Summers Street (from the parking garage exit to Lee Street)
Sunday, April 12 (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.):
Kanawha Boulevard:
Eastbound (river side) lanes closed from Hale Street to Wertz Avenue
All lanes closed from Court Street to Hale Street
MacCorkle Avenue:
Closed from US Route 119 to Porter Road
Westbound traffic will be redirected at Porter Road
Eastbound traffic will not be permitted past US 119 toward Thayer Street
Porter Road will remain open with traffic routed eastbound onto MacCorkle Avenue
Thayer and Ferry Streets will be closed to traffic during the affected times.
Southside Bridge:
Restricted from Bridge Road to Virginia Street
Traffic will be allowed until runners approach