Governor's Cup Race - Half Marathon

The 2024 Governor’s Cup Half Marathon will start at the corner of Sumter and Senate Street in Columbia, SC. The first 3 miles of race will wind thru the downtown streets of Columbia and is relatively flat and fast. The next section of the course will take runners thru the expanded campus of the University of South Carolina with views of Colonial Life Arena, the Lincoln Street retail district, and the Strom Thurmond Wellness Center. While this portion of the course includes some enjoyable downhill and flat sections, it also includes several hills and elevation gains which will test any level of runner. The half marathon course will then take runners past Maxcy Gregg Park, thru Five Points and into the beautiful Shandon and Heathwood neighborhoods. This part of the course is very familiar with local runners and is a great chance to rest, recover and regain your strength for the last segment of the race. There are rolling hills included in these last few miles heading toward an exciting, downhill finish in the Vista. Look for water and aid stations every few miles on the course along with Gov Cup Spirit Corps groups cheering you on every step of the way!

Half-marathon race course

Start Date/Time

Starts on Saturday morning, April 13, at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of Sumter and Senate Streets. The event finishes heading south on Park St. at 1110 Park Street.

Fee Schedule

Early Bird Special: $45 Now - August 15, 2023
$50 August 16 - September 30, 2023
$60 October 1 – November 30, 2023
$70 December 1 - December 31, 2023
$80 January 1 – February 28, 2024
$90 March 1 - April 12, 2024

Note: Half-marathon combo package available at an additional $10 over the current half-marathon price. Combo pricing includes one wicking shirt for the half-marathon.

*Shirt sizes are guaranteed for participants who registered on or before March 26. If you registered on March 27 or later, shirt sizes are first come, first serve.

Packet Pick-up and Late Registration Information

Packet Pick-up is Thursday, April 11 from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Friday, April 12, 9 am – 2:30 pm (half marathon and 5k until 7:00 p.m.) at Strictly Running located at 2515 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205.
On April 13, Packet pick-up will be located on the east side of the state house near the starting line (Sumter and Senate Streets) from 6:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION on April 13 for the half marathon or 5K.
Registration transfers ($10 fee) can be made on Friday, April 12, at the packet pickup.
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP STARTS 6:00 A.M. at Sumter and Senate Street. If you arrive before 6:00 A.M. Please be patient as the staff is setting up.

Half-Marathon Course Map

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The half marathon course has a 3 hour, 15 minute time limit (14:53/mile). Aid stations, volunteers and police will not be available to participants who fall below this pace. Runners will be asked to leave the course for their own safety after the 3:15 hour mark. If participants choose to continue running after the course is closed, they do so at their own risk and the Columbia Police Department will direct them off the course.

Half-Marathon Race

Start Date/Time

Fee Schedule

Packet Pick-up and Late Registration Information

Half-Marathon Course Map

Half-Marathon Finisher Medal