The road to Boston will run through Charleston on April 12, 2026, with the inaugural University of Charleston marathon .

Local officials announced Thursday that the race is certified by USA Track & Field , making it a qualifying event for races like the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon and London Marathon. Kanawha Valley

University of Charleston to host marathon in 2026, city's first since 90s

Staff reports

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UC already hosts an annual 5k and half marathon. The marathon will be the first in Charleston since the Almost Heaven Marathon was run through Kanawha City in the late 1990s.

'We need a marathon'

Shawn Chillag, 76, attended the announcement Thursday. He has run more than 45 marathons, including the Almost Heaven Marathon. One year, he finished

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