If you are looking for races in Columbia, South Carolina, you have come to the right place. Columbia has a growing running scene with 13 races listed in our directory, including 6 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.
Upcoming Races in Columbia, South Carolina
Here is a look at the top upcoming races in Columbia this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk – Columbia, SC
Date: September 4, 2026
Distance: 5K
Join thousands of runners and walkers in Columbia on Friday, September 4, 2026, for this meaningful 5K (3.1 miles) that honors Stephen Siller, the FDNY firefighter who heroically ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. Read full details →
SVDP St. Peter’s Conference Friends of the Poor Walk
Date: September 19, 2026
Lace up your shoes for a charitable stroll starting and ending at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in downtown Columbia, where you’ll make a round trip to scenic Finlay Park! Read full details →
Run With All Your Heart 5k
Date: September 26, 2026
Distance: 5K
Lace up and hit the streets of Columbia on Saturday, September 26th at 9:00 AM for this meaningful 5K benefiting Curing Kids Cancer! Medical students from the Future Leaders in Medicine Group have organized this fun run to support vital pediatric cancer research that helps… Read full details →
3rd Annual LIGHTHOUSE FOR LIFE “From Sea to Shining Sea” Run Across America 5,540 Mile Challenge, by F3 MIDLANDS
Date: October 4, 2026
Get ready to make a difference while staying active! F3 Midlands is hosting their 3rd Annual week-long virtual challenge (October 4-10) where you’ll help us collectively cover 5,540 miles across America “From Sea to Shining Sea”whether you prefer running, walking, cycling, or… Read full details →
1st Annual Columbia, SC Ostomy 5k
Date: October 10, 2026
Distance: 5K
Lace up for a fantastic first-time celebration in Columbia, SC on Saturday, October 10th at gorgeous Sesquicentennial State Park, where you’ll join the community for Ostomy Awareness Day! Read full details →
Nightmare In Elmwood 5k
Date: October 24, 2026
Distance: 5K
Join the Elmwood Park Neighborhood for a spooktacular 5K adventure through historic downtown Columbia on Saturday, October 24th, complete with a kids fun run and thrilling Halloween atmosphere. Read full details →
Why Run in Columbia?
Running events in Columbia offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.
Find More Races in South Carolina
Columbia is just one part of a thriving South Carolina running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for South Carolina — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.
Get Ready to Race
Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.
Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.
Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in Columbia!
