10th Celtic Calling Gathering and Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum: 5K Kilt Run and 2K Walk

Charlestons most scenic run/walk takes place in the historic Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Arboretum. Its a rolling course of discovery with flora and fauna and monuments to historic founders of the city; and beautiful views over the Kanawha Valley. The sound of Bagpipes will welcome you and spur you on around the course. Kilts and Celtic attire are optional but add to the occasion.

What State 5K visitors said:

Charleston is one for the books, my 36th State overall!. We all agreed that the run was one of our favorites for the beauty of it and the bagpipes playing beginning to end! (Not the hills!!) Most importantly, the PEOPLE!! We met the nicest people at the run and right after at the coffee shop. We went to two breweries and caught up with more people at The Blue Parrot while dancing the night away listening to the Rogues. We had a fantastic trip." - Visitor from Illinois

Can you set a new course record ?

Hector Falcon:16.21set in 2025, and Kathryn Wilson: 20.10, set in 2022.

Fees and Registration:

Entry Fees :

2K Walkers (Not Timed) - $20

5K Runners/Walkers (Timed) - $ 25

After February 15th:

2K Walkers (Not Timed) - $25

5K Runners/Walkers (Timed) - $30

Online Registration: closes March 5th.

On Day/Live Registration: Come early, 1hr before race time (Cash or Check). Not guaranteed to receive a medal:

2K Walkers (Not Timed) - $30

5K Runners/Walkers (Timed) - $35

Part of a Group, Club, Business or Organization?

Sign up individually and register your group name and participants the morning of race. Your group must be 7 or more people and may receive an award.

Day of Race:

Parking: Signage and Stewards will direct you to Parking areas. They are located at East and West gates and may be as much as 1/2 mile away.

8am - Check in, collect Race # and sticker at Administration Building.

8 30am - Day off Registration closes.

8 30am - Bagpipes will entertain from Administration Buildings Porch.

9 am - Race Start Time

5K Kilt Run Course

Starts and Finishes at the Administration Building. The course is an undulating figure of 8 with over 300 ft of elevation gain. It will take you to points East and West in the 180 acre Cemetery.

2K Kilt Walk Course: Starts and Finishes at the Administration Building. This is not a timed Walk.

AWARDS

All participants will receive a medal celebrating the 10th Celtic Calling Gathering and be entered into a raffle for merchandise, gift certificates and fun items donated by local merchants.

Overall 1st - Male(M) & Female (F) Special Awards TBA

Sections, all age group winners will receive an award. In the past this has been a coffee mug, embossed with Celtic Calling Logo but may change this year:

14 and under 1st - M&F

19 and under 1st - M&F

29 and under 1st - M&F

39 and under 1st - M&F

49 and under 1st - M&F

59 and under 1st - M&F

69 and under 1st - M&F

70 and over. 1st - M&F

1st Dog running with owner completing 5K, presented to owner.

Best Dressed Runner/Walker Kilt/Attire - M&F

Best dressed/cutest dog running with owner.

Awards 2K Walk (Not Timed) :

Best Dressed Kilt/Attire - M&F

Best dressed/cutest dog, walking with owner.

Group Award:

Largest Group (Can include timed and not timed, runners and walkers together) Special award and a tree planted in your honor.

Proceeds:

After expenses, all proceeds go to Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery Park & Arboretum. This non-profit organization works in cooperation with the City of Charleston to promote, enhance and develop Spring Hill Cemetery Park and Mary Price Ratrie Arboretum; for the use and enjoyment of the public.

More:

https://www.springhillcemeterycharleston.com/

https://www.ratriearboretum.com/

The Kilt Run and Walk is part of the 10th Celtic Calling Gathering. 5 days of events that take place around downtown Charleston that raise up Celtic heritage, arts and culture: www.celticcalling.org

Sponsored by Spring Hill Cemetery Commission