Upcoming Spring & Summer 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.

Cats Me if You Can 5K

Those who love cats and who love to run (or walk) are invited to join the Cats Me if You Can 5K, organized by the Palmetto Running Company, and benefiting the All About Cats Sanctuary on Hilton Head Island. The scenic and engaging course begins at the historic, Mitchelville Freedom Park, takes participants through the beautiful, Fish Haul Beach, and ends on the Red Carpet “Catwalk” near the All About Cats Sanctuary. All runners and walkers will receive a custom race t-shirt and finisher reward, and are invited to stay for the after-race party where there will be opportunities to learn more about the sanctuary and meet the feline friends. If you can’t make it for the real race, you can register for the virtual run that not only benefits All About Cats, but still allows you to receive a t-shirt and finisher award.

Plaid Nation 5K

Kick off RBC Heritage Week with the 3rd Annual Plaid Nation 5K Run and Walk, that also benefits the Heritage Classic Foundation. Registration is online only, and the cut-off is on Wednesday, April 10th at 11:59pm. Packets may be picked up on April 11th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the Palmetto Running Company storefront in the Shelter Cove Towne Centre, or before the race begins.

The race begins and ends at Lowcountry Celebration Park, with the Plaid Nation After Party and Festival located at the BANK Beer Garden directly afterward. Participants will receive a finishers medal, t-shirt, and 2 tickets to the RBC Heritage. Find more information about divisions and prizes on the race’s website.

Earth Day Scavenger Pub Run

Gather your friends and family to celebrate Earth Day with an evening of scavenger hunting, running, and raising a toast to our planet. Expect eco-themed challenges, live music, and sustainable fun! Located at Hilton Head Island’s only beer garden, there will be beverages and food available for purchase. Check-in begins at 5:30pm, and the actual run begins at 6:00pm–which is perfect, because you’ll have plenty of time to participate in the Island Wide Litter Sweep earlier that day!

Mom’s Day 5K & Loggerhead Loop

Organized by the Hilton Head Running Company, celebrate Mother’s Day with a 5K run and walk! There will also be a kids fun run called, the Loggerhead Loop, that’s 250m and is in partnership with the Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head. All kids will receive a custom race medal and t-shirt. As for the 5K, every participant receives a custom race shirt and finisher medal, as well as being eligible for custom race awards too! A great way to make memories together as well as to enjoy the island’s beautiful spring weather, you’ll work up an appetite just in time to take your mom out to brunch or lunch!

Hilton Head Freedom 5K

Presented by the Palmetto Running Company, the 10th annual Hilton Head Freedom 5K is a fun way for friends and family to remember those who bravely served in the armed forces. A family-friendly event that allows participants to run or walk the course, everyone is encouraged to dress is patriotic Red, White, and Blue attire–you might even win the Most Patriotic Runner Award! A portion of proceeds will support the Semper Fi & America’s Fund.

Global Running Day Pub Run

Meet your friends at Local Legend Brewery, located on the south end of Hilton Head Island, for a way to get moving and enjoy local brews! Jog, walk, or sprint to celebrate Global Running Day, and participate in this festive pub run that ends in cold drinks, delicious food, and live music performances at Local Legend Brewery. Feeling competitive? There are actually take home awards for the best group themes, most spirited runner, and more. So lace up your sneakers, and put this pub run on the calendar!

Beach Bum Triathlon & Duathlon

Organized by the Hilton Head Running Company, all Beach Bums are to report to Coligny Beach to participate in the 23rd year of the Beach Bum Triathlon and Duathlon! The entire even will take place on the beach, with both races starting at 8am. Participants receive a custom race t-shirt and the chance to win a coveted Coconut Monkey. The Triathlon will start with a 500m ocean swim, with a 6-mile bike ride and 3-mile run to follow, and the Duathlon starts off with a 1.5-mile run, then continues with a 6-mile bike ride, and 3-mile beach run to close. Bike racks are first-come first-served, and swim caps are provided within the race packet and must be worn. Find out more about both races on the event’s website!

The Mindful Triathlon

Taking place the day after the Beach Bum Triathlon & Duathlon, and also organized by the Hilton Head Running Company in partnership with the Jiva Yoga Center, is the Mindful Triathlon. The event starts with a fun 5K, where participants can either run or walk to the finish line. There will be a 45 minute Yoga session on the beach after the run, as well as a guided, 15-minute meditation and gong experience that will help clear your mind and allow you to relax your body. This event is family-friendly and is open to all ages and skill levels. While there are no awards given for this triathlon, participants will get a custom t-shirt.

USA 5K

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the beach with a 5K run/walk, organized by the Hilton Head Running Company that benefits the Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head Island. This family-friendly event welcomes all ages and skill levels, and is scheduled for earlier in the day so that you’ll have plenty of time for other holiday festivities! Strollers are welcome, and there is no race-day registration, so make sure to sign your group up ahead of time! The entire run is held on the hard, flat beach, and all participants will receive a custom race shirt and finisher medal. Awards will be given for certain categories.

Hilton Head Firecracker 5000

Start off this Independence Day participating in Hilton Head Island’s oldest and largest race! This event is family-friendly, and the route gives participants a scenic tour of the island. An after-race party is waiting for you on the other side of the finish line, so all runners and walkers can party like its 1776, receive their finisher medal, and enjoy refreshments, food trucks, and the award ceremony including the Most Patriotic Dressed Award (a $100 gift certificate to one of the local SERG restaurants!) The run begins at 8am, but make sure to arrive by 7am to park and prepare for the race.

Running Series:

Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K

Hosted by the Hilton Head Running Company and 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 and a custom race bib. Register online and find more information on the race’s website.

After summer, there’s the Pre-Turkey Day Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K on November 26th, as well as the Sea Pines Last Dash 5K on December 30th.

Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K

A beloved summer tradition that makes for great memories during your family’s trip to Hilton Head Island, the Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K series lasts from April to August, allowing for multiple chances to join in on the fun! The entire run is on the hard, flat sand and welcomes both runners and walkers. Registration is online only and the cut-off will always be 7:45am on race morning. Every participant will receive a custom race t-shirt and bib, and everyone is encouraged to ride your bike to the event if you’re able to do so! This running series benefits Palmetto Dunes Cares.