46th Annual
kiawah island Run Events
1 Mile Glow Run, 5K Beach Run, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon
Numerous resort activities including golf, bicycles, yoga, Christmas story time with Santa, and more!
- Two (2) night package:
- Check-in Friday, December 13
- Check-out Sunday, December 15
Race Date: December 14, 2024
- Villas on luxurious Kiawah Island Resort with access to all resort amenities
- Options include private one-bedroom villa or a private bedroom with ensuite bathroom in a 2-3 bedroom shared villa
kiawah island
marathon events
2024
Share this trip
- Two (2) nights in a spacious Kiawah Island Resort villa*
- Private bedroom/bathroom in a multi-bedroom shared villa
- Shared full kitchen and living areas
- Welcome reception and express check-in at DM house
- Swag bags for all guests
- Express check-in and bib pickup
- Pre-race pasta dinner at Turtle Point Clubhouse
- Breakfast on race morning
- Private, no-wait gear check at DM tent
- Private DM tent next to start/finish line with VIP gear check (no-wait + no lines)
- Post-race refreshments and complimentary massages at private DM tent
- Spectators can hang out at the DM house race morning to enjoy coffee and snacks
- Post-race pizza party with awards ceremony at the DM house
- Detailed spectator plan
- Complimentary race photos – if we can capture your smiling faces
- Discount for bike rentals
- Special Packages for Golf reservations on five (5) on-resort courses
- Resort fee (included in package price) and access to all resort amenities
- Massage therapist available for discounted private sessions at DM house (by appointment only, additional fee)
- Destination Marathons’ hosts on-site all weekend
* Private shuttle on race morning for guests staying on East Beach. (Villas on West Beach are a short walk to the start.)
*Option to add Thursday night at checkout.
Destination Marathons celebrates our 5th year at the Kiawah Island Marathon Weekend!
Stay in a private room with ensuite bathroom within a shared 2-3 bedroom villa right in the heart of the action on West Beach, or upgrade to a private 1 bedroom villa. All shared villa room packages include a private bedroom with a private bath along with a shared full kitchen and indoor/outdoor living areas. Guests have access to all the resort’s many amenities.
*Traveling with friends? We can pair you together in a villa upon request.
What’s included in the Stay & Play VIP Package?
- Two (2) nights in a spacious Kiawah Island Resort villa
- Private bedroom/bathroom in multi-bedroom shared villa*
- Shared full kitchen and living areas
- Welcome reception and express bib pick up at DM house
- Swag bags for all guests
- Pre-race pasta dinner
- Grab + go breakfast bags for runners on race morning
- Spectator hang out at DM house race morning (coffee and light snacks)
- Private DM tent next to start/finish line with VIP gear check (no wait + no lines)
*Option to upgrade to a private one bedroom, one bathroom private villa. (Limited availability.)
- Post-race refreshments and free massages at private DM tent
- Post-race pizza party with awards ceremony at DM house
- Detailed spectator plan
- Complimentary race photos - if we can capture your smiling faces
- Resort fee (included in package price) with access to all resort amenities
- Destination Marathons' hosts on-site all weekend
Not included
- Meals outside of those listed
- Race registration
- Additional excursions
- Transportation to/from Kiawah Island Resort
- The resort provides complimentary shuttle around the resort. For additional transport needs, we suggest rideshare.
Itinerary
Friday, December 13, 2024
9:30am – 8:00pm Race Expo and Holiday Market, West Beach Conference Center
- Packet pick-up starts at 10:00am for those not staying with ST
3:30pm – 5:30pm Welcome reception with express check in, ST house
- Enjoy light refreshments
- Hang out at the ST house exclusively for ST guests
- Pick up your villa key, parking pass, and ST swag bag
4:00pm – 7:00pm KIR Pacer Meet & Greet, West Beach Conference Center
- 15 pace groups are available to help you meet your goals. 9 pacers for the marathon (3:25 to 5 hours) and 6 pacers for the half marathon (1:45 to 3 hours)
4:30pm Kiawah Island Glow Run pre-race party, Sanctuary Beach Access
- 4:30 pm the pre-race party starts with a color party and DJ
- 5:45 pm the run begins on an out-and-back course making your way through black light bubbles, color light displays, and snow!
- Participants must register for this event separate from the half/full marathon.
5:30pm – 8:00pm Boxed pre-race dinner, exclusive for ST guests
- Enjoy our sign-making station
- Runners grab their race morning breakfast bags
- Most allergies can be accommodated
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Saturday is race day! May the cool ocean breeze and Christmas festivities spur you on to a new PR.
6:00am – 2:00pm Race Expo continues, West Beach Conference Center
- Packet pickup available until 7:45am for those not staying with DM
7:00am – 9:00am Light breakfast & coffee available at ST house for spectators (ST house on ½ mile mark of the course)
6:30am – 8:00am Private gear check for ST VIP guests, ST VIP tent, finish area
8:00am Marathon and Half Marathon Race Start, West Beach Conference Center
9:30am – 1:30pm Post-race celebration, ST VIP tent, finish area
- Complimentary stretching/massages
- Snacks, drinks, camaraderie, and more
5:30pm – 8:30pm Post-race pizza celebration and awards ceremony, ST house
Sunday, December 15 2024
Time to take one last look at the ocean and head back home with your medal in hand.
Safe travels home!
- Return your keys to ST house and depart
- Please note, the resort charges $100 fee for any missing key. Failure to return your key to the ST house could result in incurring this expense.
Accommodations
Villas at The Kiawah Island Resort
Stay in a private room within a shared 2 or 3 bedroom villa right in the heart of the action on West Beach or upgrade to a private 1 bedroom villa on West Beach. All shared villa room packages include a private bedroom with a private bath along with a shared full kitchen and indoor/outdoor living areas. Guests have access to all the resort’s many amenities.
*Traveling with friends? We can pair you together in a villa upon request.
Full kitchen
Private bedroom + bathroom
Resort fee (included)
Walk to beach
Access to washer + dryer
Shared living areas
Stay & Play Pricing
Choose to pay in full or place a non-refundable deposit to reserve your trip. All pricing excludes taxes and fees.
*Private Bedroom/Bathroom in Multi-Room Shared Villa*
- $835 total (plus 9% resort fee + taxes)
- This package includes two (2) nights staying in a private single bedroom with private ensuite bathroom in a shared multi-room villa. These villas have 2 or 3 bedrooms.
- Guests will share a kitchen and all common living areas inside and outside.
- Add a 2nd guest to this package (sharing the same room/bed) for an additional fee.
- Upon request, we can pair friends who are traveling together in the same villa. Multiple room packages would need to be purchased.
Add Ons
- Option to add an additional guest to your villa for $195 for the entire weekend.
Deposit
- Pay a $250 non-refundable deposit per room package to reserve your trip, then pay your remaining balance later.
*Private Villa – 1 bed, 1 bath*
- $1,035 total (plus 9% resort fee + taxes)
- This package includes two (2) nights staying in a private villa with 1 bed and 1 bath, and sofa bed.
- Guests will have their own a kitchen and all living areas inside and outside.
- Add a 2nd guest to this package (sharing the same room/bed) for an additional fee.
- Add a 3rd or 4th guest to this package (using the sofa bed) for an additional fee.
Add Ons
- Option to add an additional guest to your villa for $195 for the entire weekend.
Deposit
- Pay a $250 non-refundable deposit per room package to reserve your trip, then pay your remaining balance later.
Meet your Hosts
Mark Janik
Founder & CEO
Dan Semsel
Team Lead
Prior guest reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can I bring?
With our base package, you will get a private bedroom with ensuite bathroom in a shared villa. You can add one additional guest (runner or non-runner) to your package, and they will share your room with you. For private one-bedroom villas, you can add up to 3 additional guests (total of 4 people) sharing a bedroom and a sofa bed.
What perks do non-running guests receive with ST?
All our guests receive the same great perks as our runners do. Those include a welcome reception at our ST house, pre-race pasta dinner, our post-race party, detailed cheer plan on race day along with a race morning hangout with snacks and coffee at our ST house, swag bag, and more!
Do we have a tent at the start or finish?
Yes! Our private ST tent is right where the action is at the start line and is filled with snacks and drinks, private porta-potty, and private gear check.
Is there a special breakfast for race morning?
Yes! We know it’s early and you have to eat, so we provide a grab-and-breakfast for runners on race morning. Spectators can chill at the ST house and enjoy coffee and snacks.
Do I have to pay Kiawah Island’s resort fee?
The 9% resort fee that allows access to all of the resort’s many amenities is included at checkout.
What else is there to do around the island?
How much time do you have? You can rent bikes, visit the Night Heron Park Nature Center, purchase a round of golf on their championship courses where some of the biggest names in golf have played, go for a swim in the pool, hit the beach, pamper yourself at The Spa at the Sanctuary, explore local Charleston, and more! You can contact Kiawah Recreation at 843-768-6001 to reserve bikes, schedule a nature tour at the Heron Park Nature Center, and get information on other activities around the island.
Will I be able to stay in a villa with my friends?
Yes! If you know other people traveling with us, just let us know and we can place you all in a villa together. For any other special requests, please feel free to reach out to us – we want to make your vacation fit your needs!
Do I have to pay for parking?
No! Parking is free. Once on the island, you can use the resort’s complimentary shuttle to take you around the resort.
What are check-in and check-out times?
We make check-in super easy. Just come to our ST house for your villa key and parking pass. Keys are guaranteed for 4:30pm Friday. Check-out is at 10:30am Sunday. Please note that the resort charges a $100 fee for any missing key. Failure to return your key to the DM house could result in incurring this expense.
Can I bring my kids?
Of course! Kids 10 and under are free on any of our packages, provided they stay in your room. Kids 11 and older are registered as an additional guest. Of course, our private one-bedroom villas are a great option for families.
What if I have food allergies?
No problem! Just make sure to notify us of any dietary restrictions you have so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Hassle Free Friday
Escape the pre-race madness! Come directly to our ST house to get your villa key, bib, parking pass, and swag bag. Enjoy some refreshments.
Ideal Location
West Beach Villas are near all the action of the start and finish line, expo, and DM house. Shared villas have a private bedroom/bath with shared living space (kitchen/living/patio). Or opt to upgrade to a private villa.
Pre-Race Dinner
We’ve got you covered without the need to leave the resort or make reservations. Enjoy Italian cuisine and some friendly camaraderie right at the resort.
VIP Treatment
Perks include a private ST tent at start/finish, post-race massage, express bib pick-up, on-site hosts, detailed spectator plan, and more!
A $250 non-refundable deposit per room package will hold your spot, or pay in full.
July 15, 2024
September 15, 2024
October 1, 2024
November 1, 2024
*Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance. Please look at our Travel Insurance information tab, or the ‘about’ section on our website.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
These are the terms and conditions under which Destination Marathons, LLC. (hereinafter “DM”) offers and operates its running trips/tours. By registering and paying your deposit for a trip, you confirm that you have read, understand and agree to these Terms & Conditions, which you acknowledge constitute a legally binding obligation. Accordingly, please read these terms carefully before making a deposit or payment for a trip.
Participants acknowledge they must be in good health and able to endure the physical demands commensurate the activity they are registering for. Please consult your physician if there is any question of physical fitness. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the trip based on your own circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
If you participate in activities during your itinerary, including road racing and pre and post runs, certain risks and dangers may arise, including, but not limited to, personal injury and death. BY AGREEING TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU hereby expressly assume all of these risks and dangers, and you hereby expressly agree to forever release, discharge and hold DM and our agents, employees, officers and directors, harmless against any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, claims and demands of any and every kind and nature whatsoever which you now have or which may hereafter arise out of or in connection with your booking or participation in any activities in which you participate.
You consent and grant full permission and royalty-free license to DM to use your likeness in all media including photographs, pictures, recordings, or other record of this event for any legitimate purpose.
You consent and grant full permission for DM to email you with specific information relating to this trip package. You will also be enrolled in communications regarding other DM packages and releases, and have the option to opt out of those specific messages by contacting DM directly.
While we will endeavor to operate all trips as advertised or quoted, reasonable changes in your itinerary may be made by DM where it is deemed necessary or advisable by us. If DM is prevented (directly or indirectly) from performing any of its obligations under this agreement by reason of force majeure (which shall include, an Act of God, weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, trade disputes, fire, breakdowns, weather conditions, acts of omissions of a third party, or any other cause whatsoever outside DM’s reasonable control), then DM may, in its sole and absolute discretion, cancel all or part of any trip. In any situation of force majeure, DM shall not be deemed to be in breach of their duties or otherwise liable to you, whether for reason of delay in performance or non-performance. I understand that if a case of force majeure arises that no refund of my travel expenses, including, but not limited to non-refundable airfare, or entry fees will be reimbursed. Based on the above, DM strongly recommends trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance for all participants. Residents from outside the U.S. must check within your country for insurance coverage.
The price of the DM package does not include personal travel insurance. DM highly advises you to consider obtaining travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage for the entire duration of the trip, including incidents such as illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal belongings, trip cancellation or interruption, and any activities you plan to participate in. If you have any inquiries regarding travel insurance and its coverage, please contact a travel insurance company directly. You bear full responsibility for any financial losses related to your travel arrangements. DM is not accountable for any travel expenses or other costs incurred by you or any other individuals associated with your travel.
DM contracts with a network of companies and individuals to assist in the running of our trips, including, but not limited to hotel and transportation services. Because DM does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, we assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the tour suppliers, or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of any other party not under the supervision or control of DM.
Airfare is not included in any DM travel packages. It is your responsibility to book your own transit to the destination city. Transit to the hotel is not included in any DM travel packages, unless otherwise specified in the package description.
DM accepts credit card transactions including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For some packages, DM will also accept ACH electronic transfer, or money order, made payable to Destination Marathons, LLC. If you select to pay for your package in full, you will receive an invoice with a zero ($0) balance and invoice number reference. Please keep this invoice number for reference as we may require you to confirm your booking details, login to obtain your race bib, or other details relating to your trip. If you select to pay a deposit for your package only, you will receive an invoice with information to make additional payments on your reservation. It is your responsibility to manage your manual payments before payment deadlines, or enroll in auto-payments when available, to ensure you complete payments before a payment deadline. Package payments not completed by the deadline are subject to cancellation.
DM contracts with hotels for a block of rooms including types of rooms (single beds such as king or queen; and double beds, such as two twins or two queens). We make note of your requested room type during your reservation booking. However, room availability is based on hotel inventory at time of check in. DM may need to adjust your room type to accommodate rooms available. If we must change your room type, we will provide a complimentary change, or refund the difference for a reduced room type.
All guests traveling with DM are registered with our hotel room block. If a registered DM guest attempts to accommodate an unregistered individual in their hotel room or extend an invitation for them to partake in any DM organized events, the registered DM guest shall relinquish their tour package privileges, and both parties may be refused entry to subsequent tours.
DM package pricing is offered at current rates, taxes, tariffs, and conditions by our contracts and other service providers. All pricing is subject to currency exchange fluctuations. DM may change package pricing at any time until packages are sold out. All pricing is quoted and transacted in United States dollars.
For guests traveling internationally with DM, it is mandatory to possess a valid passport. Some countries require that the passport remains valid for a minimum of six (6) months beyond the date of return to the United States. Additionally, certain destinations may impose visa requirements that must be fulfilled before traveling. We advise you to consult the website of the U.S. Department of State to stay updated on the most recent passport and visa regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure that all essential travel documents are up-to-date and valid, and to arrange any necessary documentation for entry into your travel destination(s). This includes acquiring any required vaccinations, travel visas, or fulfilling any other prerequisites.
DM reserves the right to decline a guest reservation request for any reason. Should your reservation request be declined, the full registration fee (including the non-refundable initial deposit) will be refunded to you.
DM, and the service providers it contracts with, reserve the right to refuse service to guests at their sole discretion including, and without limitation, if the guest: (i) lacks proper documentation for the country or destination, (ii) has a contagious disease, (iii) is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics, and/or (iv) manifests disruptive and/or unruly behavior. DM assumes no liability for the acts of the service providers in refusing service to guests. DM reserves the right to refuse service to guests and/or cease continuation of services to guests for the remainder of the trip without providing any refund.
By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that you will not engage in any attempts to evade, avoid, or bypass any refund restrictions associated with your purchased travel booking. This includes refraining from contacting our company directly in an effort to obtain a refund, or seeking a “chargeback” from your credit card company. Once initial travel is booked, we will refrain from altering payment methods or generating different invoices, as doing so could potentially modify the information required by travel insurance companies.
The right is reserved to cancel the tour for any reason anytime. If we cancel a tour, our liability is limited to a full refund of your payments to us and we will not be liable for any other costs, damages or refunds of any kind for any loss, delay, inconvenience, incidental, consequential, disappointment or expense whatsoever in such circumstances.
If the event is cancelled by race officials, runners can*:
- Request a full refund of the amount paid in writing to hello@destination-marathons.com
- Transfer payments made to a future Destination Marathons race package, including the non-refundable deposit. The new package must be reserved within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation date.
If the event is postponed by race officials to a later date, runners can*:
- Transfer your reservation (at the same package rate) to the new race date
- Transfer payments made to a future Destination Marathons race package, including the non-refundable deposit. The new package must be reserved within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation date.
If the event is turned into a virtual event by race officials, our package will be considered null and void. Runners can*:
- Transfer payments made to a future Destination Marathons race package, including the non-refundable deposit. The new package must be reserved within 12 months and traveled within 24 months of cancellation date.
*We kindly ask that you notify Destination Marathons of your decision within 10 days of the race official announcement.
*Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance.
Please visit the payment policy tab for deadlines.
- By purchasing this package, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID -19 by participation; and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to Destination-Marathons employees, volunteers, participants and their families.
- I voluntarily agree to assume all the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to myself, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense, of any kind, that I may experience or incur in connection with my participation in the Destination-Marathons trip and associated event. On my behalf I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge and hold harmless Destination- Marathons, its employees, agents, representatives from claims, liabilities, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to Destination-Marathons. I understand and agree this Release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of Destination-Marathons, its employees, agents and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during or after participation at the Destination Marathons trip and related event.
Running is a sport that may cause injury during training. Injuries do not exempt you from the cancellation policy. We strongly encourage guests to consider travel insurance.
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