About
The non-profit Carolina Marathon Association was formed locally in 1976. Its goals are to promote health and fitness; establish the Greater Columbia area as a nationally recognized center for running events, primarily long distance; promote the community and economic development by enhancing the Greater Columbia area's reputation regionally and nationally; improve the public health by promoting appropriate physical activity; provide opportunities for participation of youth in health and fitness activities; position CMA to submit competitive bids for future championship and Olympic Trial events.
Accomplishments
During its tenure, CMA has hosted the following prestigious and competitive national and international events, which has brought athletes like 1984 Olympic Women’s Marathon Champion Joan Benoit Samuelson as well as national attention to Columbia:
- 1995 Women's Marathon National Championships
- 1996 Women's Marathon Olympic Trials
- 1997 Women's Marathon National Championships
- 1998 Women's 8K National Championships
- 1999 Women's 8K National Championships
- 2000 US Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon
- 2001 Women's 8K National Championships