Upcoming Fall & Winter Fun Runs and Races On & Around 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 and around Hilton Head Island. Events held on the island will be noted in green.

Move Your Mind 5K

All are invited to participate in the Move Your Mind 5K regardless of age and whether you’d like to run the course or simply walk it! The course is entirely on Coligny Beach’s hard, packed sand–what could be better than that? Supporting Memory Matters, a local community health center on Hilton Head Island, the top fundraising team will be recognized at the event. Participants will receive a custom race t-shirt, and are invited to celebrate at the Post Race Party featuring live music, snacks, and beverages. New for 2026, purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a Hilton Head getaway! Register online and learn more on the event’s website.

9/11 Never Forget Group Run/Walk

Join Palmetto Running Company on September 12th for a special 9/11 Never Forget Run/Walk honoring the lives lost, the heroes who served, and the courage that brought our nation together. Participants can choose from 3-, 5-, or 8-mile routes and all runners and walkers are welcome. American flags will be available to carry along the route, followed by coffee and conversation back at the store.

Beer Mile

Calling all adults who are of legal drinking age and who love beer: you’re going to want to register for the Island Rec Center’s 5th Beer Mile at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The ultimate feat of athleticism and drinking prowess, each competitor must drink a cup of beer before running a quarter mile lap, totaling four beers and four laps. Gluten free? Ask for a Truly substitution. Dress in your best 80s gear and the best dressed will win a prize! Register online and find other information on the event’s website.

Run Forrest Run 5K (Beaufort, SC)

This annual run is apart of the many celebrations and activities during the Beaufort Shrimp Festival. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters from the movie, Forrest Gump, and will be able to take their photo with Forrest Gump at the finish line! Register online and learn more about the various awards, the Shrimp Festival, and the other two runs that make up the Beaufort Triple Crown Race Series on the event’s website.

Oktoberfest Pub Run

Pack your running shoes and lederhosen and celebrate Oktoberfest island-style on October 7th at Local Legend Brewery. Hosted by Palmetto Running Company, this fun 3-mile run or walk welcomes all paces and is followed by plenty of Oktoberfest festivities, including a beer stein-holding contest, Bavarian costume contest, giveaways, and more. Bring your friends, dress in your Oktoberfest best, and raise a stein after the run!

Lowcountry Breast Cancer Walk (Bluffton, SC)

Gather in Old Town Bluffton on October 10th for the Lowcountry Breast Cancer Walk, a morning dedicated to honoring survivors, supporting those currently fighting breast cancer, and remembering loved ones lost. The 5K walk through historic Bluffton will feature a survivor recognition ceremony, music, vendors, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to support local breast cancer programs and resources. Wear your pink and walk alongside the community to make a difference!

Bluffton Oyster Run 5K (Bluffton, SC)

Run (or walk) through Historic Old Town Bluffton along the May River in the Bluffton Oyster Run. Timed by the Palmetto Running Company, the Oyster Run is a part of the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival, and features an After-Party with awards presentations following the race. Race t-shirts are guaranteed for participants who register before Wednesday, October 8th. Register online and learn more about the run on the event’s website.

Hilton Head Island Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K

The Hilton Head Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K will take place at the beginning of November, and will benefit both the Sea Pines Forest Preserve Foundation and Turtle Trackers. Produced by the Hilton Head Running Company, runners of various skill levels may choose from three race distances, and runners who can’t make it to the island can even participate in virtual versions!  Stick around after the race for the awards ceremony and celebrate with live music, snacks, and cold drinks. Register online and find more information on the race’s website.

Tunnel to Towers 5K & Walk (Bluffton, SC)

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.

Pre-Turkey Day 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! Register online and find more information on the race’s 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.

38th Annual Hilton Head Turkey Trot

What better way to start your Thanksgiving than a Turkey Trot? Register your family and friends now for the 37th 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.

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.

Nutcracker 5K: TBA

Stay tuned for dates, registration link, and more information about this annual run presented by the Hilton Head Running Company.