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 water bottle, cooling towel, Bombas socks, and a custom race t-shirt, and are invited to celebrate at the Post Race Party featuring live music, snacks, and beverages. Register online and learn more on the event’s website.

Ignite the Senses Autism Awareness 5K (Bluffton, SC)

A great option for families looking to run for a cause, both the 5K race and Children’s DASH will begin and end at the Lowcountry Community Church in Bluffton, SC. Starting promptly at 8:00am (the 5K immediately following the Children’s DASH), the race will be chip timed by the Palmetto Running Company. Runners should expect a flat course with a water station at the halfway point, and will be welcomed back at the finish line to a shower of bubbles and given a finisher’s medal. Register online and find more information on the event’s website.

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 4th Beer Mile at Shelter Cove Community 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. Upon finishing, head to the After Party at the Rooftop at Poseidon for 80s night starting at 7pm! Register online and find other information on the event’s website.

Run/Walk for the Cure 5K Benefiting St. Jude

Organized by Carly Anthony, a local high school student and dedicated member of the St. Jude Leadership Society, all sponsorship dollars, donations, and race profits will directly support St. Jude’s life-saving mission. All ages are welcome to participate by running or walking the beautiful course on Coligny Beach, and will receive a race shirt (for the first 200 participants), St. Jude pin, chipped race bib, as well as custom medals awarded to finishers in each age division. Register online or learn more on the events 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.

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 beer. 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.

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.

37th 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.

Hilton Head Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K: TBA