COLUMBIA, S.C. — Experience Columbia SC Sports is continuing its longtime partnership with the Carolina Marathon Association and Lexington Medical Center to host the 51st Annual Governor’s Cup Road Race on April 12 – 13.
A long-standing local running tradition, the Governor’s Cup attracts the region’s top distance runners, about 30% of whom Event Director Derek McFarland estimates travel in from outside Richland and Lexington Counties. Beginning with a Friday night Main Street Mile for adults and kids, Saturday morning sees the 5K Run/Walk and Half Marathon.
“The Governor’s Cup is an iconic event in Columbia and has been one of the most prestigious races in the Southeast for fifty years,” said McFarland. “The race not only provides a chance for the local running community to compete at every level, but also attracts elite athletes from all over the region who have consistently delivered national-class performances. We are excited to share the 51st edition with local and visiting runners alike.”
The Main Street Mile is at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, April 12th, and the Kids’ Main Street Mile kicks off thirty minutes later. The course for both begins and ends at the intersection of Main and Laurel Streets. Participants should stick around the Main Street District following the race to enjoy Arts & Draughts at Columbia Museum of Art, bowling at The Grand, ice cream at Sweet Cream Co. or dinner at one of the many nearby establishments.
The courses for the half marathon and 5K are the same as last year’s updated route and the first three miles are identical, beginning near the South Carolina State House at 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., respectively, and passing the Main Street District to sites like Township Auditorium, Finlay Park and the Governor’s Mansion. From there, the half marathon runners continue across the new Greene Street Bridge, following Blossom to Five Points and into Shandon. The runners will loop back through Five Points and border USC’s campus before coming to a close at the Finish Festival at Park and Senate Streets in the Vista.
Ten Spirit Corps groups will be stationed throughout the course to generate enthusiasm and encourage the runners as they make their way past. These groups can include sign displays, drums, dancing and more to keep the runners motivated and the spectators entertained.
The enhanced finish area this year includes vendors, food, beer, music, information, massages and more, all in a festival-style environment so race participants can revel in their victories.
“Runners should be prepared to enjoy a plethora of race day activities once they reach the finish line,” said ECSC Sports’ Sports Development Manager Anna Gasperecz, who also serves on the race’s Event Committee. “Participating vendors include Craft and Draft, Midlands Tech Massage Students, Columbia Running Club, Kens’ Famous Italian Ice, Booze Pops Cola, Stretch Lab, Black Men Run (BMR), BodyWorx, Dog Daze, and EQ Physical Therapy, among others.”
Participants can pick up their race packets at Strictly Running on Devine Street on Thursday, April 11 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday, April 12 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with 5K and half marathon packet pickups available until 7 p.m. Main Street Mile and Kids’ Main Street Mile registrants will also have the last-minute option to pick up their materials the evening of the event at the Main Street United Methodist Church between 4 and 6:30 p.m. If you’re interested in becoming part of the Governor’s Cup Road Race tradition, you can register for the race here.