About the Course

No matter which event you choose, you will enjoy parts of beautiful downtown Columbia. 2003 events offered: - Half Marathon Course -8K Course (wheelchair, run and walk) -Youth Funs Runs (ages 5-13)

The scenic course begins in downtown Columbia and ends on the historic Horseshoe at the University of South Carolina. Along the way, participants will enjoy the beauty of Five Points and Shandon. The course is best described as "rolling terrain" with gradual elevation changes spread throughout the course. Columbia is known for its many hills and the last section of the course will not disappoint runners who enjoy an uphill trek. Motivating entertainment will be provided along the course.

Start Line: S.C. State House at Gervais & Main Streets Finish Line: USC Horseshoe at Sumter & College Streets

View Course Map

The course is sanctioned by USA Track & Field and is part of the Palmetto Grand Prix and Tour de Columbia. Split times are provided at every mile, and water and basic first aid are available at two-mile intervals along the course. The course will remain open until 11:00 a.m. Traffic control cannot be guaranteed after this time.


The Governor's Cup will be timed with the ChampionChip® timing system, an automated timing and identification device. All runners must pick up their ChampionChip® transmitters at the Start Line on race morning. Each participant will be assigned a chip based on bib number. The chip is fastened to your shoe before the race, and will be collected by volunteers after crossing the finish line. A $30 fee will be assessed if the chip is not returned.


Race results, provided by Event Marketing Services, will be posted by Saturday afternoon, November 1, on the Carolina Marathon Association's website at http://www.carolinamarathon.org/. Runners who provide e-mail addresses will receive personalized results after the race.

Charity Walk

This year, the Carolina Marathon Association has partnered with Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to raise money for its Volunteer Guardian ad Litem program. All net proceeds from the 8K walk and Friday night's Pasta Party will be donated to Richland County CASA.

Richland County CASA, formerly the Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Project, recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who are appointed by judges to act as Guardians for the purpose of litigation and legal representation for children who are alleged victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment. CASA volunteers look after the child's best interest throughout the judicial process, and remain with each child until he or she is placed into a safe, permanent and nurturing home. Part of a statewide program and affiliated with the national parent organization, Richland County CASA has provided assistance for children since the early 1980s and serves approximately 2,000 children each year. For more information about Richland County CASA, visit the website at http://www.richlandonline.com/casa.

Youth Fun Runs

Youth runs will be held for children ages 5-13. The course loops around Senate Street, and races will be run according to age and gender. Every participant that finishes the course will receive a race t-shirt as his/her prize. Water and sports drinks will be provided at the finish as well as some special entertainment designed just for kids! View the Fun Run Course

Earn miles toward the Final Mile Program! Participate in the Governor's Cup fun runs.

What is the "Final Mile"program?

Registration

Save TIME, PAPER and 37¢!!!

Register online now through Strict!yRunning.com...CMA's exclusive online registration provider!

Or, mail your entry form and check or money order (made payable to CMA) to:

Carolina Marathon Association
Post Office Box 5092
Columbia, SC 29250

The entry fee includes a race packet, race bib and safety pins and a commemorative race t-shirt. For runners, the entry fee also includes the use of the ChampionChip® transmitter. PLEASE NOTE: Runners must pick up their chips at the Start Line on RACE MORNING.

The early registration deadline is October 18, 2003. Mailed applications must be postmarked by this date to qualify for early registration fees. Participants do not receive registration confirmations; however, if you have a question regarding your registration, call 803.929.1996. We cannot guarantee t-shirts to late registrants.

Registration Form

Download the 2003 Governor's Cup entry form.

Registration Fees

EARLY REGISTRATION FEES BEFORE OCTOBER 18, 2003	LATE REGISTRATION FEES BEFORE NOVEMBER 1, 2003	RACE DAY FEES NOVEMBER 1, 2003
Half Marathon - $35	Half Marathon - $40	Half Marathon - $45
8K Wheelchair - $20	8K Wheelchair - $25	8K Wheelchair - $30
8K Run - $20	8K Run - $25	8K Run - $30
8K Charity Walk - $20**	8K Charity Walk - $20**	8K Charity Walk - $20**
Youth Fun Runs - $5	Youth Fun Runs - $5	Youth Fun Runs - $5
Pre-Race Pasta Party - $5**	Pre-Race Pasta Party - $5**	Pre-Race Pasta Party - $5**
Finisher's Certificate - $2***	Finisher's Certificate - $2***	Finisher's Certificate - $2***
**Net proceeds to benefit Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) ***Finisher's Certificates are for RUNNERS and WHEELCHAIR PARTICIPANTS ONLY and will include name and finishing time as recorded by the ChampionChip®transmitter.

Packet Pick-Up

Event packets and late registration will be available on Friday, October 31^st from Noon until 9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn - Coliseum located at 630 Assembly Street. (800) 465-4329 or (803) 799-7800. The Holiday Inn is located at the corner of Blossom and Assembly Streets. To access Packet Pick-Up, please use the parking area and back entrance located off of Devine Street.

Race Day Packet Pick-Up and Registration will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral located at 1100 Sumter Street from 6:30 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Enter near the corner of Sumter and Senate Streets. Participants can access free parking via Marion Street. Registration will close promptly at 8:00 a.m. to allow runners time to get to the Start line and pick up their chips.


View Packet Pick Up Maps

Health & Fitness Expo

Join us for our Expo! CMA has invited many health and fitness related vendors to participate in our expo this year. Come see the exciting things they have to offer!

Expo Hours and Locations:

Friday, October 31 from Noon until 9:00 p.m. • Holiday Inn - Coliseum
Saturday, November 1 from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. • Finish Area on USC's Historic Horseshoe

Where to Stay

Make a weekend of it! There are many exciting things to do while you’re in town; but first, you'll need a convenient place to stay. The host hotel for the Governor's Cup is the newly remodeled Holiday Inn - Coliseum, located at 630 Assembly Street. Home of the Governor's Cup packet pick-up and convenient to the start and finish lines, every room of the Holiday Inn-Coliseum has been newly renovated with new carpet, bedding, drapes, sofa beds and chairs. Accommodations are available at a discounted room rate of $72 per night for participants who mention the event when they register. Call  (800) 465-4329 to reserve your room today!

Pre-Race Pasta Party

Support a good cause as you carb-up for race day! Join us Friday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (corner of Senate and Sumter Streets) for the pre-race pasta party. Richland County CASA will be serving up loads of hot pasta and delicious marinara sauce, salad and bread. Tickets are only $5 and all net proceeds will be donated to Richland County CASA. Make a difference in a child’s life by supporting this great cause.

Don't have time to sit for a meal…take it TO GO!
Richland County CASA will have meals available for take-out. So treat yourself to a good, hot meal for only $5! Or give “Mom” the night off and support this great cause.

Race Day Parking

There is ample street parking near the start and finish lines of the race.  Metered spaces are free on Saturdays. Some access streets will be closed around the start and finish areas. Please allow ample time to park.

 

Event Start Times

Wheelchair 8K – 8:15 a.m.
The 8K wheelchair race will follow the 8K race course and will be led by a cyclist.

Half Marathon – 8:30 a.m.

8K Run – 8:40 a.m.

8K Charity Walk – 8:45 a.m.

Youth Fun Runs – 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

There will be an area at the Start Line to drop off your sweats. The garments will then be taken to the Finish Line for retrieval after the race.

After the Race

Post Race/Award Ceremonies

After the race, enjoy a variety of refreshments including fruit, cookies, sports drinks and water and post race entertainment. All post race activities will be held on the lawn of the USC Horseshoe. Expo vendors will be on hand for last minute purchases. This is also the site for the awards ceremony. The 8K awards ceremony will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. followed by the Walk Awards. Finally, the Half-Marathon awards ceremony will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Awards

8K Run and Half-Marathon Awards

Trophies will be awarded to the following:

Top three overall male and female finishers
Top three masters male and female finishers
Top three male and female finishers in each age category:	19 and under 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70+

Wheelchair 8k  
Trophies will be awarded to the first place male and female finishers.



Charity Walk

Walkers will be eligible for awards based on participation, not time.

Finisher's Certificates –
RUNNERS and WHEELCHAIR PARTICIPANTS ONLY

For only $2, the Carolina Marathon Association will mail a personalized Finisher's Certificate to the address provided on your race entry form. The certificate will note your name and finishing time as recorded by the ChampionChip® transmitter. Certificates will be mailed out the week of November 3^rd. Check the box on the application form to order your finisher’s certificate.

Our Partners

Thank you to our sponsors and in-kind partners:

Allegro, Inc.
City of Columbia
Coca Cola
Curtis Fabricators
Holiday Inn-Coliseum
Keep the Midlands Beautiful
Lexington County
Nextel
Richland County
T Pamplin Design
U.S. Army – 187^th ORD BN – Ft. Jackson
Piggly Wiggly

Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering for the Governor's Cup or other CMA events, call 803.929.1996.

About the Carolina Marathon Association

The Carolina Marathon Association is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Recognized for its expertise in hosting exceptional running events, the organization annually hosts three signature events that attract thousands of walkers and runners of all ages to the Midlands. We are proud to partner with charitable organizations helping to make a difference in the community.

Entertainment

The Governor's Cup Road Race is not only a great place to showcase the community running spirit, but also where you can catch the musical talent of three local bands. So whether you are a runner or a spectator, you are sure to be entertained!

Pamela Dale kicks off the event on Friday evening, October 31st, at thePre-Race Pasty Party. On race day, you'll find Clayton Ravine performing in the 5 Points area on Devine Street. As the race winds its way from 5 Points back into downtown, the tunes of Twist2Open will take you into the homestretch. They will be playing near the finish line, across from the USC Horseshoe.

CMA would like to thank Pamela Dale, Clayton Ravine and Twist2Open for volunteering their time and talent - and for helping to make this year's event entertaining for all!

 

Photography

The Governor's Cup is pleased to announce that brightroom will be photographing runners in this year's event.

Please click here to visit the Governor's Cup photo page.