Press Releases

City of Columbia Announces Traffic Impacts for 53rd Annual Governor’s Cup

By April 9, 2026No Comments

The City of Columbia would like to inform residents, visitors, and commuters of expected traffic impacts associated with the 53rd Annual Governor’s Cup, the longest-running and most prestigious road race in the Southeast. Since 1973, the event has welcomed thousands of participants and continues to promote health, wellness, and community engagement.

Race activities will take place on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, with road closures and traffic delays expected throughout downtown Columbia and surrounding neighborhoods.

Friday Evening Events (April 10, 2026)

  1. Main Street Mile (Open & Elite): 6:15 p.m.
  2. Kids Main Street Mile: 6:45 p.m.
  3. Both races will start and finish at the intersection of Main and Laurel Streets

Road Closures:

  1. 1800 block of Main Street will close beginning at 4:00 p.m.
  2. Main Street between Richland and Gervais Streets will close at 6:00 p.m.
  3. Main Street is expected to reopen by approximately 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Morning Events (April 11)

  1. Half Marathon: Begins at 7:30 a.m. on Lincoln Street near Colonial Life Arena
  2. 5K Run/Walk: Begins at 7:45 a.m. on Lincoln Street near Colonial Life Arena
  3. Both races will start and finish in the same area

Road Closures and Impacts:

  1. Lincoln Street between Pendleton and Devine Streets and Greene Street between Park and Gadsden Streets will close starting at 5:00 a.m.
  2. Race routes will extend throughout key areas including Greek Village, Blossom Street, The Vista, Five Points, University Hills, the University of South Carolina, and Shandon
  3. Roads along the race routes may be intermittently closed until approximately 10:45 a.m.
  4. The most significant traffic delays are expected between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
  5. Access to parking garages near Colonial Life Arena may be limited during this time

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and use alternate routes when possible.

For detailed course maps and additional event information, please visit:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TheGovernorsCup/Page/Course-Maps

The City of Columbia appreciates the community’s cooperation in ensuring a safe and successful event for all participants and spectators.

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