What race distances can I run in Charleston?
Charleston has 5K (6). The 5K is usually the easiest entry point if you are new, and the links above jump straight to each distance.
West Virginia · Race calendar
Running Races in Charleston, West Virginia
Upcoming running races in and near Charleston, West Virginia - 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and more, with dates, pricing, finish-time stats, start-line maps, and local run clubs to train with.
8 upcoming races · 5 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Charleston races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
Sun, Aug 30, 2026Kick Off To Recovery Charleston, WVFrom $20Register Sat, Sep 5, 2026Charleston Distance Run Charleston, WVFrom $40Details Sun, Sep 13, 2026Leah's Legacy Charleston, WVFrom $35Details Sun, Oct 18, 2026Kanawha State Forest Half Marathon/7K Charleston, WVFrom $38Details Thu, Nov 26, 202615th Annual Drumstick Dash Charleston, WVFrom $35Details Sun, Dec 13, 2026The Charleston Winter Series Charleston, WVFrom $30Details Sat, Jan 9, 2027Frozen Sasquatch Trail 50k/25k Charleston, WVFrom $50Details Sat, Apr 10, 2027University of Charleston Marathon Charleston, WVFrom $35Details
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.
Common Questions About Racing in Charleston
When is race season in Charleston?
September is the busiest month for races in Charleston, with 2 of the 8. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
How early should I register for a race in Charleston?
5 of the 8 races in Charleston already have a price increase scheduled, so entry gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Race pricing almost always steps up as the date approaches, and signing up early is usually the cheapest option.
Are Charleston races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 5 races in Charleston with published results, the typical median finish is around 48:36, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Where can I train for a race in Charleston?
Browse Charleston run clubs on RunSesh to find a training group at your pace.
Are there trail races near Charleston?
Yes, 2 races around Charleston get you off the pavement: 2 are trail races. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.