COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Lace up your sneakers and start training.  Officials announced Thursday there's only six months until the first Famously Hot Marathon that will take place in Columbia.

The capital city hasn't hosted a race of this kind in nearly 13 years.

In addition to the 26.2 mile challenge, the event will feature a half marathon, a 10K and a special race for children.

"Everything is on pace for it to be a great success, so we're all really excited about it," explains Race Director Dan Hartley.

"We want it to succeed.  We want to have fun in it.  We want to send others a message about our health, active lifestyles and the benefits of it," adds Ken Lowden of Strictly Running.

The Columbia marathon is scheduled for March 10, 2012.

Proceeds from the event will go to several different charities across the Midlands.

To register or find out more about the race, click here.