Anyone running Kiawah Island Marathon or half? What should I expect?
Anyone running Kiawah Island Marathon or half? What should I expect?
I ran the marathon in 2008. Course is pancake flat, half road, half paved path definitely a chance for a PR. Marathon is essentially a double loop of the Half marathon course. Weather was great and is usually good there this time of year. Course was well marked and supported except for one volunteer who tried to send me around for a third lap. I've heard of people having trouble catching the shuttle to the start but we stayed in a condo at the resort less than 1/4 mile from the start so getting to/from the race was very easy. The course is fairly boring, mostly neighborhoods on the island, tough for spectators if they don't gave a bike and not much on course entertainment if you care for that sort of thing.
I imagine the bike paths can get crowded mid-pack but if you run sub 3 (1:30 half) you'll have no problem the first lap and much of the second lap you'll be alone until you start catching halfers. As with most events the majority of runners do the half marathon. Overall awards (5 deep) look good but no cash.
I was lucky and met an acquaintance there who runs the same pace as my for a marathon, we ran most of the race together and both PRed. Had a good time relaxing on the beach after.