Because it’s historic – the Charleston Distance Run began as a 15-mile race in 1973, and it has followed essentially the same course over the years. There weren’t many marathons – and only a few half marathons – in 1973.

Because it’s unique – our race is "America's 15 Miler!"

Because our runners love it – first-timers say that our challenging course fills them “with a sense of accomplishment like no other race,” “touches their hearts,” “is a real memory-maker,” “love the Challenge of Capital Punishment Hill. . . .”

The splits for the relay are 3, 5, and 7 miles. The 3- and 7-mile segments are virtually flat, and the 5-mile segment goes through the hills. Exchanges take place in the middle of the South Side Bridge. Participants must arrange their own transportation to/from the exchange point.

A runner registered in the 15-mile race may also register for the relay and run the 1st leg wearing both bibs. The runner must also register for the relay.

Yes. There is a four-hour time limit for the 15-mile race, and the finish line will begin closing down at 11:30 a.m. Traffic control on the race course may not remain in place for participants who are completing the course at a pace slower than 16:00 per mile. Participants who at any point on the course are past the 16:00 per mile average must exercise caution and be aware that traffic control may no longer be in place. These participants must move to sidewalks and continue at their own risk.

Roads on the race course will close on a rolling basis with suport from the Charleston Police Department. All participants should be alert for automobiles while on the race course. Even with our best efforts, our volunteers cannot always prevent automobiles from occasionally entering the race course. Traffic control on the race course may not remain in place for participants who are completing the course at a pace slower than 16:00 per mile. Participants who at any point on the course are past the 16:00 per mile average must exercise caution and be aware that traffic control may no longer be in place. These participants must move to sidewalks and continue at their own risk.

There are stations with water and Gatorade approximately one to two miles apart on the 15-mile and 5K run/walk courses. There are 12 stations total on the 15-mile course, plus stations at the start and finish.

Portable toilets will be available at the following locations:

• California Avenue side of Capitol at start
• Kanawha Boulevard at South Side Bridge
• Overbrook Elementary on Oakwood Road
• Intersection of Dunbar and Virginia streets
• Intersection of Greenbrier and Virginia streets
• Intersection of Hansford and Morris streets

Pets are not permitted in either the 5k or 15-mile races or at UC Stadium / Laidley Field.

Baby strollers/joggers are allowed in the 5K race, but NOT the 15-mile race. We ask that they line up in the rear of the 5K group at the start, for safety reasons.

All events on Saturday will be timed, using a timing strip tag located on the reverse side of each runner’s bib. These are one-time use tags and do not have to be returned. Both “chip” times and “gun” times will be provided. Please be sure your race bib is clearly visible on the front of your shirt or on the front of your short’s right leg. Do not fold, wrinkle, or tear your race bib.

The use of personal listening devices with headphones or ear buds is strongly discouraged for safety reasons. We ask that you please remember that you are sharing the roads with other participants and, in some cases, vehicular traffic. Always be aware of your surroundings.

All races start at 7:30 a.m. on the Saturday before Labor Day in front of the West Virginia State Capitol Building at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard E., Charleston, WV.

All races finish at UC Stadium / Laidley Field on a rubber race track. The stadium is within walking distance of the State Capitol, and the two share overflow parking.

Free parking is available at the State Capitol in the parking lot and building behind the Capitol for Saturday’s events. Parking also is available on various lots located on Washington Street East, near the intersection with Greenbrier Street, and also at Laidley Field. There is no baggage check on race day.

Water, refreshments, and pizza will be available to all participants at Laidley Field. Showers will be available at Laidley Field until 11:00 a.m.

Laidley Field will have locker rooms with showers available until 11 a.m.

The weather can vary on race day. The average temperature at the start at 7:30 a.m. is approximately 60 degrees, but the temperature and humidity often rise significantly during the race. It has only rained twice during our 52-year history, but we will still run or walk if it rains.

Although it has never been necessary, the Race Director may cancel, delay, or change the events in case of extreme weather or other conditions that may affect the safety and health of participants. In the event of extreme weather during the race, the Race Director may decide to shut down the course. Should that occur, volunteers or traffic control on the course will be released from their positions; runners will be notified and asked to take shelter. If you refuse to take shelter and continue on the course, you do so at your own risk.

In the event of inclement weather, entry fees are non-refundable.