Marathon Details - Columbia Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > SC > Columbia > Columbia Marathon

Run Hard Columbia Marathon & Half Marathon, Relay, 5K

Columbia, SC USA

March 7, 2020

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Results:	2020 \| 2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 Top 3 Finishers by Year

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Reviews

Course 4.1

Organization 4.2

Spectators 3.2

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Number of comments: 35 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

A. H. from Wisconsin (3/14/2018) "Would be a good half - Not a good full" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The full course is a double loop of the half course. There are very few full marathon runners so there is a lot of running in solitude. I finished the full in under 4 hours and it seemed like the event was over by the time I crossed the finish line. There were people handing out medals, but any post-race food or anything else was gone or packed up already. I think they had a good attempt at the full marathon and the people were nice, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are wishing for a great marathon experience. They might just want to limit it to a half marathon experience, which would likely be a good one for those participants.
K. H. from SC (3/6/2017) "OK" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is an OK race to run if you're local, but there is zero reason to travel for it. It's a nice little 2 loop course that's moderately hilly and takes you through some nice areas. Running down the middle of the big Saturday market on Main St is great. It features a nice finish at the SC State House. There were also plenty of aid stations throughout the course. It's the little things that can make or break a race and this one had some issues... The website and registration page claimed runners would receive a 'high quality running shirt' but we got a cotton t-shirt that said half marathon and marathon relay on it. There were 8 portajohns at the starting line. That's 8 toilets for 856 full, half, and 5K finishers. I assume that the long bathroom lines are why the race didn't start on time. If they fix the starting issues and provide what they say they're going to provide, this could be a really nice race.
Robert S. from Houston, Tx (3/5/2017) "Beautiful town with small hills" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The pros: -Staffed by runners, the start and finish were very well-organized. -The directors communicated very well with us via pre-race emails. -Two loops, meaning you can wear your gloves/longsleeves for the first loop, discard near the finish, then retrieve later. -The race finishes with a dash through a fenced-in lane of the weekly outdoor market. We runners typically have spectators on the sides of the roads but in this instance we ran through a 5' corridor of spectators. A truly cool and unique experience. -A very inexpensive entry fee. -Very pretty course with (mostly) small hills through quiet residential streets. Cons: -Very few residents actually came out of their homes to view the race. Maybe they were all at the aforementioned market? -No post-race snacks, not even bananas. They had bottled water, however. I enjoyed the race and would recommend it to anyone. Smaller races in smaller cities (such as this) have incredible charm and offer a chance to speak to fellow runners, whereas - paradoxically - people aren't as chatty in the larger races. Be sure to pack a $5 bill for a post-race treat at the nearby market and you'll be just fine.
J. E. from KC MO (3/10/2015) "Nice race!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 What a pleasure to run this marathon! I echo the other positive comments and would add that there are plenty of hotels within blocks of the start and finish line. Well organized, friendly volunteers and awesome course protection. Served up a really nice weather day too which always helps! Nice job!!
K. Z. from NC (3/9/2015) "Well-organized race with awesome medal!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For the low entry fee this race really provides it all. In addition to an all day expo the day before they offer morning of packet pick-up with tons of free, convenient parking near start. Water stations and portajons every 2-3 miles and fruit, GU, gatorade provided. Columbia police did a fantastic job of traffic control and double loop course was extremely well marked. Volunteers were cheering and encouraging. Pace groups offered with multiple runners in each. The shirt and medal are fantastic and results were posted online within hours. Will run this one again- train for the hills but it's nothing you can't handle if you do some hill work.
K. R. from Atlanta, GA (4/16/2014) "Fantatastic Race, Stellar organization." (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Small race, BIG amenities. PROS: " For 2014, the shady race director/organization from years past has been replaced by an entirely new team of hard working, knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals. " Beautiful, rolling double-loop course through historic downtown neighborhoods. " Water stops and course support in adundance. " Final mile travels straight through scenic Main street, finishing on the steps of the SC State house. " Enormous, nicely-designed finisher's medal. " Large, enthusiastic crowd at finish line. CONS: " Crowds along course were intermittent. " Significant uphill climbs at miles 11 and 23. I will definitely run this marathon again.
K. A. from Usa (3/14/2014) "Great comeback" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Run Hard took over this marathon after some issues with awards last year. I have to say, as someone with no chance of an award last year's issues had no impact on me. The race this year was small, but well organized and nicely done. There were plenty of aid stations and several were not only stocked with Gatorade and water but gels and bananas. I have been told that this course is considered hard because of the hills but this is my favorite course. The hills are rolling and your legs don't get into a rut. Well done!
K. Z. from NC (3/10/2014) "Great Race-Finish Line on steps of State House" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Weather was fantastic. Water stations with multiple porta jons at almost every mile. Miles were clearly marked and volunteers were friendly. Scenic course through pretty,hilly neighborhoods and Gu and bananas offered twice during the later miles. Fun finish going down Main St. toward capitol. Tech shirt and cool finisher medal. Plenty of post race food. Would run again.
M. C. from Buffalo, NY (3/10/2014) "Great double loop course with hills." (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 7th marathon and first in Columbia. Being a slower runner (5 hours is my race goal)I am always worried about being lost at the end. I knew that I would safely make the 6 hour cut off but still feared navigating the streets of Columbia alone. I contacted Jesse the race director about my concern prior to registering. He promptly returned my call and assured me that I would be fine. I am very glad that I participated. Not only did I not get lost, but I did a PR. The course was well marked and the Columbia Police Dept did a great job. The expo was small with the usual offerings. Packet picket up was easy and well organized. The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. By far the biggest disappointment was the lack of fan support. While I encountered no rudeness along the route, the residents were oblivious as to what was happening in their community. Hopefully those that live in the area will come out and support the event in future years. Along the same lines, a let down was I only recall seeing and hearing one band. It was at mile 5 and there were some young kids playing who sounded good. It is a 2 loop course so I was shocked on mile 15 when they had already stopped playing. Maybe in future years, little league coaches, churches, aspiring bands, could be out in an organized support group at each mile marker. Certainly Columbia can turn out and man 12 support stations. Maybe the Greek System of University of South Carolina could be involved? All in all a great race through beautiful neighborhoods with a great race director. The area residents just need to step up to the plate more.
E. I. from Central Pennsylvania (10/23/2013) "Award situation needs improvement" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I'd like to add to my comments below. Great race, NO follow through on awards though. After the race, the empty handed race director personally promised those waiting for awards they would be mailed in a few weeks. I've received nothing several months later. Phone calls and emails to Mr. Hartley (the race director) go unreturned. On one hand I feel selfish to complain, but I've never won my age group at a larger event like this, and I had trained hard and ran well. I guess it wouldn't rub me the wrong way either if the race director hadn't promised the awards in the mail in a few weeks. If he would have just said hey folks, we're broke, no awards, okay, I'm disappointed but understand. But to mislead those who competed is disrespectful.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

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A. H. from Wisconsin (3/14/2018) "Would be a good half - Not a good full" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The full course is a double loop of the half course. There are very few full marathon runners so there is a lot of running in solitude. I finished the full in under 4 hours and it seemed like the event was over by the time I crossed the finish line. There were people handing out medals, but any post-race food or anything else was gone or packed up already. I think they had a good attempt at the full marathon and the people were nice, but I wouldn't recommend it if you are wishing for a great marathon experience. They might just want to limit it to a half marathon experience, which would likely be a good one for those participants.
K. H. from SC (3/6/2017) "OK" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is an OK race to run if you're local, but there is zero reason to travel for it. It's a nice little 2 loop course that's moderately hilly and takes you through some nice areas. Running down the middle of the big Saturday market on Main St is great. It features a nice finish at the SC State House. There were also plenty of aid stations throughout the course. It's the little things that can make or break a race and this one had some issues... The website and registration page claimed runners would receive a 'high quality running shirt' but we got a cotton t-shirt that said half marathon and marathon relay on it. There were 8 portajohns at the starting line. That's 8 toilets for 856 full, half, and 5K finishers. I assume that the long bathroom lines are why the race didn't start on time. If they fix the starting issues and provide what they say they're going to provide, this could be a really nice race.
Robert S. from Houston, Tx (3/5/2017) "Beautiful town with small hills" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The pros: -Staffed by runners, the start and finish were very well-organized. -The directors communicated very well with us via pre-race emails. -Two loops, meaning you can wear your gloves/longsleeves for the first loop, discard near the finish, then retrieve later. -The race finishes with a dash through a fenced-in lane of the weekly outdoor market. We runners typically have spectators on the sides of the roads but in this instance we ran through a 5' corridor of spectators. A truly cool and unique experience. -A very inexpensive entry fee. -Very pretty course with (mostly) small hills through quiet residential streets. Cons: -Very few residents actually came out of their homes to view the race. Maybe they were all at the aforementioned market? -No post-race snacks, not even bananas. They had bottled water, however. I enjoyed the race and would recommend it to anyone. Smaller races in smaller cities (such as this) have incredible charm and offer a chance to speak to fellow runners, whereas - paradoxically - people aren't as chatty in the larger races. Be sure to pack a $5 bill for a post-race treat at the nearby market and you'll be just fine.
J. E. from KC MO (3/10/2015) "Nice race!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 What a pleasure to run this marathon! I echo the other positive comments and would add that there are plenty of hotels within blocks of the start and finish line. Well organized, friendly volunteers and awesome course protection. Served up a really nice weather day too which always helps! Nice job!!
K. Z. from NC (3/9/2015) "Well-organized race with awesome medal!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 For the low entry fee this race really provides it all. In addition to an all day expo the day before they offer morning of packet pick-up with tons of free, convenient parking near start. Water stations and portajons every 2-3 miles and fruit, GU, gatorade provided. Columbia police did a fantastic job of traffic control and double loop course was extremely well marked. Volunteers were cheering and encouraging. Pace groups offered with multiple runners in each. The shirt and medal are fantastic and results were posted online within hours. Will run this one again- train for the hills but it's nothing you can't handle if you do some hill work.
K. R. from Atlanta, GA (4/16/2014) "Fantatastic Race, Stellar organization." (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Small race, BIG amenities. PROS: " For 2014, the shady race director/organization from years past has been replaced by an entirely new team of hard working, knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals. " Beautiful, rolling double-loop course through historic downtown neighborhoods. " Water stops and course support in adundance. " Final mile travels straight through scenic Main street, finishing on the steps of the SC State house. " Enormous, nicely-designed finisher's medal. " Large, enthusiastic crowd at finish line. CONS: " Crowds along course were intermittent. " Significant uphill climbs at miles 11 and 23. I will definitely run this marathon again.
K. A. from Usa (3/14/2014) "Great comeback" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Run Hard took over this marathon after some issues with awards last year. I have to say, as someone with no chance of an award last year's issues had no impact on me. The race this year was small, but well organized and nicely done. There were plenty of aid stations and several were not only stocked with Gatorade and water but gels and bananas. I have been told that this course is considered hard because of the hills but this is my favorite course. The hills are rolling and your legs don't get into a rut. Well done!
K. Z. from NC (3/10/2014) "Great Race-Finish Line on steps of State House" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Columbia Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Weather was fantastic. Water stations with multiple porta jons at almost every mile. Miles were clearly marked and volunteers were friendly. Scenic course through pretty,hilly neighborhoods and Gu and bananas offered twice during the later miles. Fun finish going down Main St. toward capitol. Tech shirt and cool finisher medal. Plenty of post race food. Would run again.
M. C. from Buffalo, NY (3/10/2014) "Great double loop course with hills." (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was my 7th marathon and first in Columbia. Being a slower runner (5 hours is my race goal)I am always worried about being lost at the end. I knew that I would safely make the 6 hour cut off but still feared navigating the streets of Columbia alone. I contacted Jesse the race director about my concern prior to registering. He promptly returned my call and assured me that I would be fine. I am very glad that I participated. Not only did I not get lost, but I did a PR. The course was well marked and the Columbia Police Dept did a great job. The expo was small with the usual offerings. Packet picket up was easy and well organized. The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. By far the biggest disappointment was the lack of fan support. While I encountered no rudeness along the route, the residents were oblivious as to what was happening in their community. Hopefully those that live in the area will come out and support the event in future years. Along the same lines, a let down was I only recall seeing and hearing one band. It was at mile 5 and there were some young kids playing who sounded good. It is a 2 loop course so I was shocked on mile 15 when they had already stopped playing. Maybe in future years, little league coaches, churches, aspiring bands, could be out in an organized support group at each mile marker. Certainly Columbia can turn out and man 12 support stations. Maybe the Greek System of University of South Carolina could be involved? All in all a great race through beautiful neighborhoods with a great race director. The area residents just need to step up to the plate more.
E. I. from Central Pennsylvania (10/23/2013) "Award situation needs improvement" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Columbia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I'd like to add to my comments below. Great race, NO follow through on awards though. After the race, the empty handed race director personally promised those waiting for awards they would be mailed in a few weeks. I've received nothing several months later. Phone calls and emails to Mr. Hartley (the race director) go unreturned. On one hand I feel selfish to complain, but I've never won my age group at a larger event like this, and I had trained hard and ran well. I guess it wouldn't rub me the wrong way either if the race director hadn't promised the awards in the mail in a few weeks. If he would have just said hey folks, we're broke, no awards, okay, I'm disappointed but understand. But to mislead those who competed is disrespectful.

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Marathon Details - Columbia Marathon