Wintertime Runs, Walks and Marathons in the Lowcountry
Michael Gonzalez
Broker/Owner
Broker/Owner
Perhaps you are looking to close out 2018 with a holiday running event. Or, maybe you’re pondering or have already made a resolution that involves lacing up your sneakers and getting off to a running start early in the New Year. Either way, we’ve got you covered up through February of next year with a listing of nine runs in the Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head areas.
Jingle Jingle 5K & Health Walk
When: December 24, 9:00am
Where: Hilton Head
Cost: $30, Kids Run is FREE
This is your chance to burn off some holiday calories and help a good cause. The course takes you on Main Street and around the campus of Hilton Head Hospital. Feel free to get in the spirit of the season by dressing in a holiday costume. And plan to stick around post-run to see Santa and enjoy hot beverages and music. A portion of proceeds benefits Sunset Rotary and another local charity
When: January 5, 9:00am
Where: Hilton Head Lakes, Hardeeville
Cost: $30 for 5K, $20 for 1-mile Fun Run/Walk
As well as donning your running shoes and traversing the course through Hilton Head Lakes, which boasts sweeping lakefront views and a picture-perfect golf course, also bring your swimsuit and a towel. Here’s why. There’s a Polar Bear Plunge in the clubhouse pool after the run. There’s also a post-race celebration where you can partake of the classic New Year’s Day dish Hoppin’ John.
When: January 12, 10:00am
Where: Dataw Island Community Center
Cost: $25 - $30 for 5K, $30 - $35 for 10K
The course is fast and flat, and the natural beauty of Dataw Island will captivate your senses as you run alongside majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss and other dazzling vistas. Pets and strollers are welcomed on the run. So, it’s a great way to stick to your fitness commitment and to get the entire family moving. Plus, the run benefits the work of Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity.
When: January 19, 8:15am
Where: Haig Point, Daufuskie Island
Cost: $100 - $170
Choose among three different distances – half-marathon, marathon and triple half-marathon. All have been certified by USATF, so the course is a qualifier for other marathons nationwide. Then too, the course spans this picturesque, historically rich island so you get to see sights like the first African American Baptist Church and the 1873 lighthouse. Reminder: You’ll need to take the ferry; $35 fare.
When: February 2, 10:30am
Where: Coosaw Point, Lady’s Island
Cost: $5 - $20 for 5K, $15 - $25 for 10K
All are welcomed to this event – runners, walkers, families and dogs. Last year’s race sold out at over 500 runners, so sign up early. And, if you’re not familiar with this one, note that it’s known for its afterparty, which starts at 11:30am. Not a runner? No worries. You can still go to the Chili Brewfest and enjoy live music, beer and all-you-can-eat chili; purchase afterparty tickets onsite.
When: February 2, Start waves 3:00am-7:00am
Where: Coosaw Point, Lady’s Island
Cost: $800 - $850
If you and five fellow runners are up for a relay, check out the Hood to Coast one-day relay race which is taking place on Hilton Head for the first time in 2019. Teams can run or walk, with every team member completing two legs of the race. The distance for runners is 60 miles; it’s 42 miles for walkers. Each leg of the race varies in length between three and nine miles.
Hilton Head Marathon, Team Relay, Half Marathon & 8K
When: February 9, 8:00am
Where: Jarvis Park, Hilton Head
Cost: See schedule of fees
Three things you may not know about the 2019 Hilton Head Marathon: One, it has been awarded championship designation by the Road Runners Club of America. Second, the marathon course is a Boston Qualifier. And third, a team relay has been added to the event. Teams of four runners will compete against each other, with team members running a little over 6 miles each.
When: February 16, 9:00am
Where: 30 Martin St, Hardeeville
Cost: Fee: $25
This is an inaugural running event that will take place over the Valentine’s Day weekend. Proceeds will go to the Arrhythmia Alliance campaign to place 30 Automated External Defibrillators in publicly accessible places. They are partnering with Hardeeville Fire Department to host this running event, and they invite you to participate whether you run, skip, walk or jog.
Hopeful Horizons Race4Love Run/Walk
When: February 16, 9:00am
Where: Lady’s Island
Cost: Fee: $25 - $30, $5 donation for kids nine and under
Run a 5K or do the 3K Walk. The choice is yours and both support Hopeful Horizons as they work to end child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault through treatment, support, prevention, education and awareness. New to the race this year is a “Kiss My Grits” Breakfast Bar. The course is the same pleasant route through scenic neighborhoods on Cat Island, and it’s now USATF certified.