2023 Race Change: PNC Bank Charleston Half Marathon - Bull City Race Fest

Early Bird registration for the 2023 event is NOW OPEN – with some exciting new changes. You may have noticed our logo change. That’s right – we’ve officially become the PNC Bank Charleston Half Marathon!

Our team has determined that we will discontinue producing the 26.2 mile distance for 2023 and the foreseeable future. This decision was not made lightly. Limited city resources, lack of approved course options, runner feedback and the ever-changing, growing landscapes within the City of Charleston and North Charleston have all contributed to this decision.

This will allow our team to allocate our energy and resources into producing the half marathon, 5k and youth marathon distances. We’re also excited to continue our partnership with Firefly Distillery, Charleston’s oldest working distillery, for an incredible post-race experience at the 2023 Firefly Post-Race Festival.

We’re always aiming for the best experience for our runners and Charleston communities. We can’t wait to see you at the start line and party post-race with you on January 14, 2023.

FAQS

What are my options for my registration?

Participants registered for the in-person marathon, half marathon or Shrimp and Grits 5k can choose one of the following by completing the Charleston Marathon Cancellation Form:

Participate virtually and receive your race swag shipped to you within the U.S in approximately 4-6 weeks. This includes your shirt, medal and beanie finisher gift. Complete your distance when and where is convenient for you. There will be no official results submission.
Receive race credit in the amount you paid (minus taxes/fees/donations). You will be able to use your race credit towards the 2023 event, or another Capstone Races event of your choosing, including the 2022 Myrtle Beach Marathon. You will not receive 2022 Charleston Marathon swag.

What is the deadline for choosing a cancellation option?

Please complete the Charleston Marathon Cancellation Form by Friday, January 14th. Anyone that does not complete the form will automatically receive race credit for their registration.

What does it mean to receive race credit?

Race credit is an assignment of the amount you paid when you registered (minus taxes/fees/donations). Credit will be assigned to the email address you used for registration. You can use race credit for the 2023 race when registration opens or you can choose to apply it towards another Capstone Races event, including the Myrtle Beach Marathon.

There is not an expiration date on race credit and can be used for a different race distance in the future if you prefer.

Race credit will be assigned to those that opt in to this option via the Charleston Marathon Cancellation Form or do not complete the form by January 14th. Credit will be assigned by February 3, 2022 to the email address used for registration and the same email must be used for registration. The credit will automatically apply and no code is needed.

An email notification will be sent to those that have been assigned credit with detailed instructions on how to use it.

How can I still get swag for the 2022 race?

2022 race swag will be sent to those that opt in to the Shadow Runner option via the Charleston Marathon Cancellation Form by January 14th. Due to necessary logistical changes, swag will be shipped out within 4-6 weeks of the January 14th deadline. We cannot ship outside of the U.S. at this time.

What does it mean to participate virtually as a Shadow Runner?

Shadow Runners can complete their run anywhere and anytime that is convenient for them. Race swag will be sent to Shadow Runners within the U.S. within 4-6 weeks of the January 14th deadline. There will not be a results submission and no proof of run or time is required to receive swag.

Why have you made the decision to cancel so close to race day?

The current and unprecedented surge in positive COVID-19 cases, especially over the holiday break, has left our police and emergency response resources understaffed. It’s also left our hospital partner’s resources approaching their limit. Not to mention we have already seen numerous positive cases among our race staff and volunteers.

This strain on resources means that the safety of our runners would be put in unacceptable jeopardy were the race to continue as planned. Just as importantly, it means that any resources allocated to our event would be resources that are no longer available to the community at large as we battle against this current wave of infection.

Can I receive a refund instead?

No, our refund policy is still in effect. When all runners registered, each individual acknowledged and agreed to the following:

“Fee Refunds: I understand that all fees and associated costs (including optional product purchases, spectator tickets, and donations), paid in registration for this Event are not refundable for any reason under any circumstances, including but not limited to injury, a scheduling conflict, and/or event cancellation.”

We have worked hard to try to provide enough options that will allow our runners to choose an option that works best for them.