The Governor's Cup Road Race
When is The Governor's Cup Road Race?
The Governor's Cup Road Race takes place on Friday, April 10, 2026 in Columbia, SC.
What distances does The Governor's Cup Road Race offer?
The Governor's Cup Road Race offers 5 events: Main Street Mile, Half-Marathon + 1 Mile Combo Race, 5K + 1 Mile Combo Race, 5K, Half Marathon.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Street Mile | 1.0 mi | $25.00 | Register |
| Half-Marathon + 1 Mile Combo Race | 1.0 mi | $114.00 | Register |
| 5K + 1 Mile Combo Race | 1.0 mi | $55.00 | Register |
| 5K | 3.1 mi | $40.00 | Register |
| Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $99.00 | Register |
How much does The Governor's Cup Road Race cost?
Registration for The Governor's Cup Road Race starts at $104.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is The Governor's Cup Road Race held?
The Governor's Cup Road Race is held in Columbia, SC at 1100 Sumter Street.
About The Governor's Cup Road Race
Established in 1973, The Governor's Cup is one of the most prestigious and longest-running road races in the Southeast. Hosted in the historic city of Columbia, SC, the weekend includes The Main Street Mile, The Kids' Main Street Mile, Governor's Cup 5K and (the main event) The Governor's Cup Half Marathon. The city boasts mild April temperatures, rolling hills and tree-covered streets that all lead to fast race times. The races are organized "by runners, for runners" and participants get the elite treatment as they smash their race goals. Great food, drink, entertainment, culture and southern hospitality are all served in generous portions at The Governor's Cup.
Participant Guide
All you need to know about the Governor's Cup Road Race can be found in this Participant Guide.
Spirit Corps
Community groups invited to apply to become a Spirit Corps for the Annual Governor’s Cup Road Race, Saturday, April 12, 2025
Community groups are invited to apply to be assigned a Spirit Spot along the 13.1 mile half marathon course that starts at the corner of Senate and Sumter Street. The event finishes heading south on Park St. at 1110 Park Street. Selected Spirit Corps groups will be located at designated Spirit Spots along the course, for the primary purpose of generating community and spectator enthusiasm to encourage runners as they run along the streets and through the various neighborhoods. Spirit Corps may entertain runners and spectators by displaying signs, performing cheers, music, wearing costumes, or using other means to cheer on the runners.
High school bands, music groups, cheerleaders, formal and informal groups of musicians, drumming groups, dancers and performing arts groups from across the region are invited and encouraged to apply. Also eligible are neighborhood, church, youth, civic and business groups that have the spirit and enthusiasm to make a lot of noise. Eligible groups typically consist of 8-10 members, however smaller and larger groups will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Monetary prizes will be awarded. Enthusiasm, participation, talent and creativity will be among the judging criteria for selecting the winning teams and awarding Honoria. The place winning Spirit Corps groups will be recognized on this page.
For more information, please contact:
Spirit Corps Coordinator
Email: dwraycat@gmail.com
Main Street Mile Map
Race begins Friday evening, April 11 at 6:15 p.m. New this year, both the “open” race and “elite” race will be combined and take place at the same time. Starts at the intersection of Main and Laurel Streets and finished between Laurel and Richland Street.
Kids' Main Street Mile
The Kids Main Street Mile will take place Friday, April 10, at 6:45 p.m. The Start will be at 1800 Main Street and finish will be at the corner of Laurel and Main Street. All Kid’s Run participants will receive a race t-shirt, bib, and some fun gifts and upon completing the 1-mile loop, they’ll get a medal!
Registration to open in January 2025.
