Why 15 miles?
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 15-mile race is the only one in America!
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. . . .”
What are the 2023 Entry Fees and Deadlines?
15 Mile Race
$45 — Received by February 29, 2024
$60 — Received by June 30, 2024
$75 — Received by August 9, 2024
$90 — Received by August 28, 2024
$95 — In Person Registration at the Beni Kedem Temple, 100 Quarrier Street (next to the Charleston Civic Center), 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on August 30, 2024
Mailed entries must be received by 10:00 a.m., local time August 28, 2024
5K Run/Walk and 15 Mile 3 Person Relay (Per Person)
$25 — Received by February 29, 2024
$35 — Received by June 30, 2024
$40 — Received by August 9, 2024
$45 — Received by August 28, 2024
$50 — In Person Registration at the Beni Kedem Temple, 100 Quarrier Street (next to the Charleston Civic Center), 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on August 30, 2024
Mailed entries must be received by 10:00 a.m., local time August 28, 2024
Military
For ALL Events – Registration by mail only for military applications
Does not include family members
$25 — Received by February 29, 2024
$25 — Received by June 30, 2024
$35 — Received by August 9, 2024
$35 — Received by August 28, 2024
$40 — In Person Registration at the Beni Kedem Temple, 100 Quarrier Street (next to the Charleston Civic Center), 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on August 30, 2024
Mailed entries must be received by 10:00 a.m., local time August 28, 2024
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
Can I register on race day?
NO RACEDAY REGISTRATIONS
Are there events besides the 15-mile race?
Yes. There are a three-person 15-mile relay (with legs of approximately 3, 5, and 7 miles), a 5K run, and a 5K walk. All these events start on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 7:30 a.m., on Kanawha Boulevard at the State Capitol Building.
On Friday, August 30, at 6:30 p.m., a Children’s Fun Run will be held next to the Beni Kedem Temple.
How does the relay work?
The splits for the relay are 3, 5, and 7 miles, and the exchanges take place in the middle of the South Side Bridge. The 3 and 7 mile segments are virtually flat, and the 5-mile segment goes through the hills.
A runner registered in the 15 mile race may also register for the relay and run the 1st leg wearing both bibs. Runner must also register for the relay.
Please see “Will I receive a finisher’s medal?” below.
Where are relay race exchanges?
Exchanges are in the middle of the South Side Bridge. Participants must arrange their own transportation to/from the exchange point.
Who are the sponsors?
The Charleston Distance Run can not run without our sponsors. Please see our Sponsors page and be sure to thank them for their support.
How do I register?
You can register one of three ways:
1) Register online.
2) Mail an application, which can be printed from our website.
3) Register in person at the pasta party and race packet pickup at the Beni Kedem Temple at 100 Quarrier Street (next to the Charleston Civic Center), Friday, August 30, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Registration cost rises the longer you wait.
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!
I’m in the active military, do I get a special rate?
Yes, the Charleston Distance Run Committee has granted all service men and women a special rate (Including active duty, reservists, and retirees)
There is no online registration for the military discount. Link to application is HERE
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!
How do I know if I am registered?
Please check our website at http://www.charlestondistancerun.com, click Registration, and click the 2024 Participant List. If you registered by mail, please allow us approximately five to seven days to post your name on the Participant List.
We will not send out confirmation cards by mail.
What is the Gold Rush/Silver Streak Program?
This is an early registration promotion, where those who register for the individual 15 mile race (Gold Rush) or the 5K race or walk (Silver Streak) by February 29, 2024, will get our lowest rate, and will also receive a unique Gold Rush or Silver Streak bib with their first name and a low number. Also, Gold Rush and Silver Streak participants will be recognized by the announcer as they enter Laidley Field for the finish.
When is the latest I can register?
Online registrations must be completed by August 28, 2024, by midnight.
Mailed applications must be received by August 28, 2024.
Registrations can be made in person on Friday, August30, 2023,4 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Beni Kedem Temple, when registrations will close.
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!
If I cannot participate, can I get a refund or deferral?
No. Entry fees are non-refundable, and entries cannot be transferred to another year. No exceptions. This means, once we have received your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes. You must get the transfer approval by August 17, 2023 (2 weeks before the race). You must e-mail your request for a transfer to charlestondistancerun@yahoo.com. You will be contacted and instructed as to what you have to do.
What do I get for my entry fee?
A pre-race pasta dinner is held on Friday evening. Friends and family are welcome to join the fun, and extra tickets will be available during registration.
Racers compete for cash prizes, bragging-rights and the satisfaction of completing a uniquely challenging race! Race results are traditionally published the next day in the Charleston Gazzette-Mail.
Participants will receive a special goody bag with goodies inside of it. You will also receive a short sleeve t-shirt. Runners and walkers who finish the race will receive a finisher’s medal and finisher’s towel. We will have sports drinks, water and plenty of pizza at Laidley Field.
Is there a pre-race dinner?
Yes. The Charleston Distance Run Pasta Party will be held at the Beni Kedem Temple, 100 Quarrier Street (next to the Civic Center) from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024. The Chef’s Club caters the Pasta Party at Beni Kedem, which provides fantastic pasta!
Participants will receive a Pasta Dinner ticket in their goody bag. For guests, there is an $8 charge for adults and a $5 charge for children under 12 (family and friends are welcome to attend with their runner(s)).
What is the Children’s Fun Run?
The Children’s Fun Run is free for children ages 4 through 12. There are three age divisions: ages 4 to 6, 7 to 9 (1 loop for 400 meters), and 10 to 12 (2 loops for 800 meters). The Children’s Fun Run is held on Clendenin Street between the Beni Kedem Temple and the Charleston Town Center.
Registration for the Children’s Fun Run will be held at the Beni Kedem Temple beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, and the Fun Run begins at 6:30 p.m. There is no online registration for the Children’s Fun Run. Applications can be mailed in advance; they can be printed from our website.
How do I get my race packet?
Race packets may be picked up on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Beni Kedem Temple. We don’t mail race packets. If you cannot pick up your packet, someone else can pick up your packet for you – we may require identification.
If you cannot pick up your packet on Friday, runners’ packets will be made available on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 6:30 am. until 7:15 am. The packets will be distributed from a Wells Home Furnishings truck, parked on California Avenue near Kanawha Boulevard and adjacent to the State Capitol. There is no baggage check on race day.
Once I am registered, can I switch races?
Yes. Please send an email to charlestondistancerun@yahoo.com and let us know what changes to make to your registration. If switching from the 5K to the 15 mile, you must pay the difference in registration fees, but there is no refund for switching from the 15 mile to the 5K. Changes may also be made at the packet pick-up at the Beni Kedem Temple Friday night, August 30, 2024, at the registration table.
Where do the races start and finish?
All races start at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in front of the West Virginia State Capitol Building at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard E., Charleston, WV.
All races finish at Laidley Field on a rubber race track.
Where can I park for the races?
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.
What is the average weather on race morning?
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 rises significantly during the race. It has only rained twice during our 50 year history, but we will still run or walk if it rains.
What is the inclement weather policy?
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 the 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.
How are the races timed?
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.
Where are the aid and water stations?
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.
Are there Portajohns at the race start and on the course?
Yes. There are a number of Portajohns on California Avenue at the start and also located throughout the 15-mile course.
Can I wear headphones during the race?
The use of personal listening devices (e.g., iPods or smart phones) 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.
Are baby strollers/joggers or pets allowed during the race?
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. Pets are NOT permitted in either the 5k or 15-mile races.
Are there time limits for the 15-mile race?
Yes. There is a four-hour time limit for the 15-mile race.
What happens after the races?
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.
Will I receive a finisher’s medal?
Yes. All finishers of the 15-mile race, the 15-mile relay, 5K run, and 5K walk will receive a finisher’s medal.
Relay participants: The relay finisher will receive three medals at the finish, with the hope that the finisher will share them with the other two members.
Will cash awards be given in the 15 mile race?
Yes. Cash awards for the 2023 Charleston Distance Run 15 mile race will be as follows:
| Male | Female | ||
| Overall | 1 | $500 | $500 |
| 2 | $400 | $400 | |
| 3 | $300 | $300 | |
| First West Virginian | $100 | $100 | |
| First Charlestonian | $100 | $100 | |
| Age Group 1-18 | 1 | Trophy Only | Trophy Only |
| 2 | Trophy Only | Trophy Only | |
| Age Groups 19-74 | 1 | $75 (11 Groups) | $75 (11 Groups) |
| 2 | $50 (11 Groups) | $50 (11 Groups) | |
| Age Group 75 & up | 1 | $75 | $75 |
| 2 | $50 | $50 | |
| Wheelchair / Hand Cycle | 1 | Trophy Only | Trophy Only |
| Total | $2,900 | $2,900 |
Duplication of awards will not be permitted for the winners of the Top 3 Overall (Male and Female), the First West Virginian (Male and Female) and the First Charlestonian (Male and Female); in other words, a runner will be entitled to only one cash award. Wheelchairs and handcycles are timed separately.
All awards are based on chip time, not gun time. Runners must complete the prescribed 15M course, including crossing all timing mats, to receive a finishers’ time and to be eligible for cash awards. It is the runner’s responsibility to “know the course.” Runners who fail to complete the prescribed course will be disqualified.
Any questions concerning the cash awards will be determined by the Charleston Distance Run Committee, in its sole discretion.
All cash award checks will be mailed within three (3) weeks.
Will cash awards be given in the 5K run?
Yes. Cash awards for the 2023 Charleston Distance Run 5K run will be as follows:
| Male | Female | ||
| Overall | 1 | $100 | $100 |
| 2 | $50 | $50 | |
| Age Group 1-18 | 1 | Trophy (3 Groups) | Trophy (3 Groups) |
| 2 | Trophy (3 Groups) | Trophy (3 Groups) | |
| Age Groups 19-99 | 1 | $30 (12 Groups) | $30 (12 Groups) |
| 2 | $20 (12 Groups) | $20 (12 Groups) | |
| Wheelchair / Hand Cycle | 1 | Trophy Only | Trophy Only |
| Total | $750 | $750 |
Duplications of awards will not be permitted for the winners of the Top 2 Overall (Male and Female), in other words, a runner will be entitled to only one cash award. Wheelchairs and handcycles are timed separately.
All awards are based on chip time, not gun time. Runners must complete the prescribed 5K course, including crossing all timing mats, to receive a finishers’ time and to be eligible for cash awards. It is the runner’s responsibility to “know the course.” Runners who fail to complete the prescribed course will be disqualified.
Any questions concerning the cash awards will be determined by the Charleston Distance Run Committee, in its sole discretion.
All cash award checks will be mailed within three (3) weeks
Will photographs be taken at the finish line and on the race course?
Yes. Photos will be available on Tri State Racer’s website and/or on the Tri State Racer Facebook page.
Are there nearby hotels?
Some suggested hotels in Charleston include:
Holiday Inn Express Civic Center
100 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
304.345.0600
Hampton Inn Charleston-Downtown
1 Virginia Street West
Charleston, WV 25302
304.343.9300
Charleston Marriott Town Center
200 Lee Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
304.345.6500 800.228.9290
Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Downtown/Civic Center
100 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 344-5777
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston
300 Court Street
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 347-8700
Four Points by Sheraton Charleston
600 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 344-4092
These hotels are located near the Civic Center and Beni Kedem Temple, the site of the Friday packet pick-up and the pasta dinner and also some good restaurants. Unfortunately, there aren’t any hotel motels located near the State Capitol or Laidley Field, but there is ample parking available close to the State Capitol and within two blocks of our starting line.
Are there other weekend activities in Charleston?
Yes. On Friday, August 30, Live on the Levee will feature a free concert, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Haddad Riverfront Park.
Interested in restaurants, or shopping? Please check Charleston’s restaurants and shops on whycharlestonwv.com.
For the more adventurous, how about white water rafting, rock climbing, or fly fishing? Check these out at rivermen.com.
For more information about where to stay, what to do, where to eat and what to see in Charleston, please look at Charlestonwv.com.