Upcoming Fall & Winter Fun Runs and Races on Hilton Head Island

Some may not understand the desire to run while on vacation, but to those who love lacing up their running shoes and hitting the pavement—or in the island’s case, the sand—it could be the highlight of their trip. We’ve collected a list of the upcoming races and charitable runs that will be happening on Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K

The Alliance Roofing Hilton Head Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K will take place at the beginning of November, and benefit The Sandbox Children’s Museum. Produced by the Hilton Head Running Company, runners of various skill levels may choose from three race distances, all of which utilize the leisure paths and hidden roads through the S Forest Beach and N Forest Beach neighborhoods. Stick around after the race for the awards ceremony and celebrate with snacks and cold beer–the first one is on Hilton Head Running Company! Register online and find more information on the race’s website.

Tunnel to Towers 5K & Walk

Part of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation National Run, Walk, and Climb series, this 5K and Walk will be held in nearby, Bluffton, South Carolina. The foundation was born out of the tragedy of 9/11 and carries forward a legacy of courage and heroism. Participation in this event, along with all donations allows Tunnel to Towers to continue providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families, providing resources for educators in teaching children about 9/11, and more. Register online and find more information on the race’s website. Read more about the foundation here.

Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K

Benefitting the island’s Turtle Trackers, the Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K welcomes participants of all ages to join this walk/run on a course entirely on the hard, flat beach. Registration is online only and has been streamlined so that you can register via your mobile phone. Participants receive a custom race t-shirt that can be picked up that morning or at the Sea Pines Fitness Center on race day between 12:30-4:00pm. Register online and find more information on the race’s website.

Island Recreation Association Turkey Trot & Fun Walk

What better way to start your Thanksgiving than a Turkey Trot? Register your family and friends now for the 36th Annual Turkey Trot hosted by the Island Recreation Association. The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association has partnered with the Deep Well Project to collect nonperishable food items for their food pantry. Please consider bringing a nonperishable food item to Packet Pickup or Race Day. For more information about this run, or any other events hosted by the Island Recreation Association, visit their website.

Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K

Benefitting Palmetto Dunes Cares, a charitable giving initiative organized by the Palmetto Dunes Resort, this 5K run/walk will be held on the beach. Celebrate Thanksgiving with your crew and start the day with some fresh air and beautiful beach time. All paid participants receive a custom race t-shirt, but just make sure you pick that and your race packet up the day before! Register online and find more information on the race’s website.

Nutcracker 5K

The Nutcracker 5K not only allows participants to either run or walk the course in the beautiful island weather, but you’ll also be able to celebrate the holiday season with a post-race party and performances by the Hilton Head Dance Theatre at the start and finish on the course. The post-race party is catered by the island’s very own, Java Burrito, and don’t forget to bring a toy for the toy drive organized by the Deep Well Project so you’ll be entered into a drawing for special prizes. Find the toy list and more information on the race’s website.

HHI Jingle Jingle Bridge Run

Join in on Hilton Head’s holiday tradition since 1992, and participate in either the 5K run or the 10K Road Race hosted by Bear Foot Sports. While the courses start and finish at Crossing’s Park, everyone will run over Broad Creek on the Cross Island Expressway. While you’ll also receive a long-sleeved custom t-shirt along with jingle bells, participants are encouraged to get in the spirit of the season by wearing elf, Santa, or other holiday-inspired costumes. Stick around for the award ceremony for refreshments, music, and door prizes after the race. Who knows, Santa might even stop by! Register online and find more information on the race’s website.

Hilton Head Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

The Hilton Head Marathon is USATF certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Starting and finishing in Jarvis Creek Park, the courses will take you through the beautiful island scenery and over the Cross Island Parkway. The 5K the day prior will take you on a course near Coligny Beach that starts and finishes at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Participants of all three races will receive race swag, a finisher’s medal, and photos, as well as complimentary food and beer (for ages 21+). Once the races are finished, join in on the post-race party in Jarvis Creek Park, where there will be great music, food, drinks, and a craft beer garden.