Saturday, October 14, 2023 • Columbia, SC
Note: A virtual option is available for this event, to be run anytime in October. Registration details are included below.
Set for its 7th annual running just as autumn is starting here in South Carolina’s capital city, the all-new Famously Hot Pink Half is part of the locally-based Palmetto Health Foundation’s Walk For Life, which raised more than half a million dollars last year for ultrasound and mammography treatments for breast cancer.
That event, a 3.1-mile walk that dates back to the early 90s, is joined for the first time this year by a 13.1-mile event for runners, along with the 10K and 5K distances. Here’s how the race organizers describe what awaits runners in the half this fall:
“New certified race routes will showcase the vibrant city of Columbia and will begin and end around Spirit Communications Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies [the city’s Class A minor league baseball team].
“Half marathon runners will run along the beautiful Congaree River, historic Elmwood Park and other areas of downtown Columbia before ending the race at home plate in Spirit Communications Park.
So you’ll start and finish at the local minor league park, get to run along the city’s riverside areas, and get to cross the finish line back at the stadium by running across home plate.
The half marathon is walker-friendly, organizers note, as the course time limit is 3 1/2 hours — which means you’ll need to keep a pace of 16 minutes per mile or faster to finish your race within the time limit.
Here’s a few photos from last year’s event, sent to us by the organizers:
Courtesy Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon
Courtesy Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon
Courtesy Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon
Race Weather & Climate
Located near the geographic center of the state, about 110 miles northwest of Charleston and roughly 90 miles south of Charlotte, N.C., Columbia typically sees October temperatures that average between 52°F and 76°F, while precipitation amounts average just under 3 inches, making it the city’s second-driest month of the year.
On the day of the race (Oct. 14), the average low is 52°F and the average high is 76°F.
Course Map
See the race route map for the Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
see race website
Fees
- $55 and up for the half marathon
- $35 and up for the 5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of Columbia’s Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon, 10K or 5K race, register online at the event website here.
Official Race Website
Comments
Ever run in the Famously Hot Pink Half? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
