Charleston Distance Run

4:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29
Haddad Riverfront Park.

Join us for our traditional pre-race Pasta Party in amphitheater! All registered participants will receive a dinner ticket in their race packets, and additional tickets will be available for purchase for $10. Kids 12 and under eat free. We'll provide pasta, salad, bread, and cookies in to-go containers. We'll have soft drinks and water, but you can also carry PODA cups into Haddad during the event (more on that below). 

We‘ll have a brief awards presentation at 6 p.m. to recognize outstanding efforts by our volunteers, so make sure to stick around!

Souvenir shirts, hats, and other items will be available for purchase in the amphitheater by credit card or contactless payment only. 

Enjoy Charleston’s City Center Sip-and-Stroll PODA

Charleston’s Downtown Public Outdoor Drinking Area (PODA) includes Kanawha Boulevard in front of Haddad Riverfront Park and the park itself. That means you can buy beer in approved PODA cups from one of downtown Charleston’s participating breweries or bars and carry your drinks all the way to the Boulevard! Make sure to be attentive to posted signage for PODA boundaries. 

For all the details, including participating businesses, visit https://charlestonwv.gov/poda.

CDR is going cashless for Friday night

No need to bring cash or checks to this year’s event. We will accept credit cards and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google pay, for registration fees, souvenir sales, and Pasta Party dinner tickets.

Parking available in City of Charleston garages

Parking is available downtown in city lots and garages as well as metered spaces. Make sure to follow posted signage regarding parking enforcement times.

The closest garage to the Boulevard is the Shanklin garage at Virginia Street and Laidley Street. Metered spaces are available on the first and rooftop levels, and spaces are free after 5 p.m. For information about all the city garages, visit https://charlestonwvpayments.com/parking-department.

Bring and donate your old running shoes

We’re working with Got Sneakers again this year! This program collects old running shoes and gives those in good condition to people in need. Others are recycled. Proceeds from recycled shoes support the Charleston Distance Run. So bring your old shoes with you to packet pickup!

One note: Please brush off dirt, grass, rocks, etc., and gently tie pairs at the laces (one loose knot is fine.) No shoes with wet grass or caked-on mud, please.

Cheering station NEW in 2025

Spectators, get ready to make some noise and show your support on race day! We’ll provide everything you need to cheer on your participants with a sign-making station and free cowbells.