13 events in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Plaid Nation 5K Benefiting the Heritage Classic Foundation

Produced by: Palmetto Running Company

Saturday- April 11, 2026

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Please join us for the 4th annual Plaid Nation 5K, the official kick-off to RBC Heritage week, South Carolina’s annual PGA TOUR golf tournament. The fun continues after the race, come on over to Poseidon for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner and receive 20% off on bill all day!

Plaid Nation is the spirit that makes the RBC Heritage the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR. It’s families and friends coming together year after year to be a part of something big, memorable and fun and now it includes a 5K run.

REGISTRATION:

Registration is online only. Cut-off for registration is Wednesday April 9th at 11:59PM.

There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.

SWAG (included with your registration):

1. Finishers Medals to all participants!

2. Plaid Nation 5K Tech T-shirt.

3. A Free Beer sponsored by Michelob Ultra (anyone over 21)

4. 2 Free entries into Tuesday's RBC Heritage practice round. ($50.00 value). Tickets will only be available at packet pick up.

5. Overall Male and Female 5K winners receive a Plaid Nation trophy and 2 tournament tickets. 2nd place a Brooks Running race kit including a shirt, shorts and shoes ($300 value). 3rd place a $100 Palmetto Running Company gift card.

6. Top 3 in each age division will receive an additional limited-edition medal. 12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-60, 70-79, 80+.

LODGING: The Courtyard Hilton Head South is directly across the street and is offering a discounted rate for all participants. Contact Peggy at [email protected] for more information.

RACE COURSE:

The race will begin at the beautiful Lowcountry Celebration Park. This scenic course will then take you through the South Forest Beach neighborhood through hidden paths and back to the park for the Plaid Nation After Party and Festival!

NOTE* this is partially closed course.

Runners are required to follow all pedestrian traffic laws. There will be officers on duty at high traffic intersections to ensure safety for all participants.

RACE EXPO & PACKET PICK UP:

Sponsored by Brooks Running.

When: April 10th from 2:00PM- 6:00PM

Where: Palmetto Running Company in the Shelter Cove Towne Centre

We highly recommend participants pick up their packets at Palmetto Running Company on April 11th.

Please bring your confirmation email (hardcopy or smartphone) to Pick Up. Late pick up available at the race site before the race (see below for times)

• You may pick up for more than one person.

• You may purchase additional race T-shirts at packet-pickup if available.

AWARDS TO OVERALL WINNERS:

Overall Male and Female 5K winners receive a Plaid Nation trophy and 2 tournament tickets. 2nd place a Brooks Running race kit including a shirt, shorts and shoes ($300 value). 3rd place a $100 Palmetto Running Company gift card.

AFTER PARTY HOSTED BY POSEIDON.

The fun continues after the race, come on over to Poseidon for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner and receive 20% off on bill all day!

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE RBC HERITAGE:

Over the past few years, the RBC Heritage has been working hard to make sure that it is one of the most sustainable tournaments on the PGA TOUR. They are seeking to lighten the overall environmental footprint of the event while taking steps to foster nature, conserve resources, and engage and support the local community.

Palmetto Running Company will be providing waste recycling.

Proceeds will be donated to the Heritage Classic Foundation.

ABOUT THE CHARITY.

Since our founding in 1987, the Heritage Classic Foundation has been about more than golf: We’ve donated $52.9 million to charities in South Carolina. From college scholarships to nutritious meals, emergency housing to early childhood education, workforce training to culture and arts, we’re enriching life in the region we love.

Have a heart of plaid?

HILTON HEAD WEATHER:

Warm weather, sunny days, and the lowest humidity of the year make April the perfect month for a 5K.

• Average low temp - ~ 56

• Average high temp. ~ 76

• Hilton Head averages only 6 days of rain in the month of April.

RACE DAY:

Please be ready to run / walk at race start time 9:00AM sharp.

You are responsible for your own hydration/fuel - water will be provided at the start / finish.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday - April 10th

2:00PM - 6:00PM | Packet Pickup at Palmetto Running Company, Shelter Cover Town Centre, HHI

NOTE There is NO race day registration

Saturday - April 11th

Location: Lowcountry Celebration Park - Hilton Head Island

8:00AM Packet Pickup for anyone unable to make it on the 12th.

8:45AM Race Announcements & Warm Up

9:00AM Race Start

9:30AM After party begins sponsored by Michelob Ultra, Coke, Brooks Running, Nutra Shop, The Bank, Pocket Full of Sunshine, Hilton Head Coffee & Palmetto Running Company.

10:15AM Awards Ceremony

11:00AM Post-Race Party at POSEIDON.

RACE RESULTS:

Runner's individual times will be emailed 30seconds after they finish. Final results will be posted shortly after the completion of the entire event at https://palmettorunningcompany.com/raceresults

Come run with the kitties in purr-fectly delightful April 25th temperatures at the All About Cat’s – Cats Me If You Can 5k Run/Walk.

The course starts in historic Mitchellville Freedom Park, heads out to beautiful Fish Haul Beach, traverses the peaceful back roads of the islands north end and finishes on the Red Carpet “Cat Walk” near the All About Cats Sanctuary. There you’ll be greeted with human size Pet-Purr-Ratzi who will hand you your finisher reward! Runners and walkers alike are welcome.

There’ll be an after-race party, and you’ll have a chance to meet and greet with real life feline friends and explore the good work that All About Cats does.

Registration is $35 with swag including a stylish t-shirt with the event logo and all who complete the race receive a lanyard with finisher premium.

Awards await the top male and female finishers overall and in each age group. Please note there is no same-day registration.

Virtual option. Runners will receive the t-shirt and finisher premium, with an additional $15 covering shipping and handling. We will mail out the items within 7-10 days after the race, allowing participants to complete the run at their convenience.

Packet Pick Up (t-shirt and race bib) will be held at Palmetto Running Company in the Shelter Cove Town Centre, on April 24th from 4-6PM.

Late pick up is on Saturday at the race from 7:00-7:45AM.

Race Day Information: Mitchelville Freedom Park 228 Beach City Rd, HHI 29926. Start time 8:00AM sharp. Please arrive early. Parking available on site.

All proceeds and donations go to benefit All About Cats - Hilton Head Island, a 100% volunteer-based 501c3 organization committed to providing care for cats in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Parking available onsite.

For information on sponsoring this great community event, visit the All About Cats - Cats Me If You Can 5k race.

District Dash 5K

The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) is excited to host the District Dash 5K on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Coligny Beach, Hilton Head Island. This community event is designed to promote exercise, wellness, and healthy habits across all schools.

Event Overview

Students, families, and community members are encouraged to participate alongside their school groups. When registering, participants can choose which school they are supporting. Families with students at multiple schools may select more than one.

The top 3 schools with the most overall race participation will receive a wellness funding prize to support their school’s MUSC Wellness Program.

0.5 DASH for Elementary Students ages 7 and under: A new half-mile race just for elementary school participants. Registration required. Start time: 9:00 AM.

Brooks’ Marathon Kids Partnership: Elementary schools using the free Marathon Kids tracking program through PE, recess, or running clubs can log miles throughout the year. Students who complete a full marathon (26.2 miles) during the 2025–26 school year will be recognized at District Dash. The school with the most Marathon Kids participants will also receive a portion of race proceeds as a wellness donation.

Buddy Run/Walk: High schools with a Buddy Club for exceptional students are invited to highlight partner pairs during the event.

Important Dates & Details

Race Day: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Location: Coligny Beach, Hilton Head Island

Start Time: 8:00 AM (5K) | 9:00 AM (.5 Dash for elementary students)

Race Shirts:

Guaranteed to participants who register by April 20, 2026.

Top 3 in each age division will receive a medal. 12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-60, 70-79, 80+

Packet Pickup:

Friday, May 8, 2026 – Palmetto Running Company (Bluffton location only) | 4:00–6:00 PM

Race Day, May 9, 2026 – Coligny Beach | 8:00–8:45 AM

Please note: There will be no race-day registration.

Questions?

School-related inquiries: Emily Gray, [email protected]

General race inquiries: Rob Fyfe, Palmetto Running Company – [email protected]

Celebrate & Support Our Heroes – 5K Run/Walk at Port Royal Plantation

Join us on Monday, May 25, 2026 at the beautiful Port Royal Plantation in Hilton Head for a special Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk honoring our nation’s heroes. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Semper Fi & America's Fund, supporting veterans and their families in need.

Home - Semper Fi & America's Fund

All participants will receive a commemorative tech shirt and special finishers award to remember the day.

The day will be filled with patriotic fun including:

Awards for Best Patriotic Dressed (individual and family categories)

Medals for the top 3 in each age group 12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Packet Pick-Up:

Sunday, May 24th from 3–6 PM at Palmetto Running Company, located in the Shelter Cove Towne Centre.

Whether you run or walk, come out with friends and family to enjoy a memorable morning of fitness, community, and gratitude as we honor those who served.

Join us for a spirited Juneteenth 5k race, celebrating freedom, unity, and progress. Lace up your running shoes and stride towards equality in this empowering event. Commemorate the significance of Juneteenth while promoting health, community, and the journey toward a more inclusive future. Walk, run, or jog – every step is a symbol of resilience and solidarity. Register now to be part of this meaningful experience!

Registration fee includes a commemorative tee shirt and unique keepsake finishers medal.

Participants 12 years and under: FREE (no tee shirt)

Participants 18 years and under: $20, Adults $35.

Packet pick up at Mitchelville Freedom Park, June 19th, 8:00-8:45AM

Pre-race group stretch session 8:45am (Memory Matters)

5K Starts 9:00AM

Awards to overall male and female and 1st place finishers in each age group.

Post-race individual stretch sessions available after race (StretchLab)- limited number registration required - based on order received.

The USA 5K - Hilton Head Island

Presented by PureWay Filtration - Hilton Head

Produced by the Hilton Head Running Company

Benefiting the Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island

CELEBRATE JULY 4 - with a 5K Run/Walk on the Hard Flat Beach - in True Hilton Head Fashion

Hit the beach this July 4th for the USA 5K at Coligny Beach, Hilton Head Island. We have a July 4th celebration that all runners and walkers will love!

This is a fun, simple, family oriented running experience for all ages and skill levels (runners and walkers) - that will not impose on the other activities you have planned for the July 4th holiday.

The 2026 event is entirely on the hard, flat, and fast beach! PLENTY of room to run fast -or- walk with your family and friends.

WHAT MAKES RUNNING the USA 5K SPECIAL

• Run America’s #1 Beach - the race is run entirely on the HARD + FLAT + WIDE beach - just after sunrise. The Island’s natural beauty will wow you down to your toes.

• Fun - Celebrate the 4th of July with your family, friends, and the huge community of runners.

• Simple - we keep this race simple - from packet pickup to the awards ceremony - everything is designed to offer you an awesome experience but not take your whole day or impose on your holiday plans.

• Kids 12-Under only $20 - and that includes a race shirt and finisher medal! ** Price increase to $25 as race nears **

• Bling Bling - every participant receives a custom race shirt and a custom finisher medal - and, you'll be eligible for custom race awards too (we are rooting for ya!)

• Giving Back - we partner with the Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island (501c non-profit) that provides monitoring and support on Hilton Head Island beaches for sea turtle nesting and hatching activity annually, May – October.

EVENT SCHEDULE

JULY 2

Location: Hilton Head Running Company

1p - 4p | Packet Pickup

4p | Packet Pickup Closes

JULY 3

Location: Hilton Head Running Company

1p - 4p | Packet Pickup

4p | Packet Pickup Closes

5p | Registration Closes

• No Race Day Registration

JULY 4 (Race Day)

Location: Race Site - Coligny Beach Park

6:45a - 7:15a | Late Packet Pickup

7:15a | Race Announcements

7:30a | Race Start

8:30a | Awards Announcement

9:00a | Race End

11a | Results emailed to participants

12p - 5p | Awards Pickup (for anyone that missed the award ceremony) - Location: Hilton Head Running Company

REGISTRATION INFO & FEES

Each registration includes:

• Custom race T-shirt

• Custom finisher race medals

• Custom award medals (we are rooting for ya :)

• Hydration on course

• Post Race hydration and snacks

RULES TO REGISTRATION

• USA 5K is open to ALL runners and walkers.

• Strollers are welcome

• Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

• No race-day registration.

CHARITY PARTNER

We are excited to benefit the Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island - provides monitoring and support on Hilton Head Island beaches for sea turtle nesting and hatching activity annually, May – October.

AWARDS & RESULTS

AWARDS

• Every participant receives a Finishers Medal!

• Top Runner Awards will be given to - Top 3 Overall (Female & Male) / Top 3 Age Group (Female & Male) 12-Under; 13-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-Over

• Awards may be picked at race -or- Awards may be picked up at the Hilton Head Running Company from 12a - 5p.

• Awards will not be mailed out.

RESULTS

• Preliminary results are emailed to the participant 20sec after crossing the finish line - no need to stick around for your finish time if you have more fun to get to :)

• Final Results will be emailed to every participant upon the completion of the event.

• Awards winners - pick up award at race or later in the week at your convenience (see above).

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN

Safety for our participants, volunteers, and staff is our number one concern. Any decision we make regarding the production or cancellation of the event will be made with their interest first and foremost. If mother nature does not cooperate on race morning - we will delay the event until the conditions are safe - this delay will continue for a reasonable amount of time until we deem it necessary to cancel the event. If time permits and if the weather poses a threat that is certain to make us cancel the event in the hours prior the start, we will notify participants of the race cancellation via email as soon as that decision is made.

ABOUT US

Go Tri Events (Hilton Head Running Company) is a sports management company on Hilton Head Island. We are a RRCA Certified Race Director with 24 years experience producing events. Learn more about us and what we do here - https://www.hiltonheadrunningcompany.com/race-management

Celebrate our country's 250th birthday with the 42nd Annual Firecracker 5K at Honey Horn Park in Hilton Head, SC! This beloved tradition invites runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels to celebrate the holiday with a spirited 5K race through the scenic beauty of the park.

This year's proceeds recipient is Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Highlights Include:

🎖️ Finisher Medals for the first 750 registered. Celebrate your accomplishment with a medal at the finish line!

👕 Event Apparel: A commemorative technical T-shirt for all participants.

🍴 Food Trucks: Refuel post-race with a variety of delicious food options from local vendors.

🎶 Music: Enjoy festive tunes to keep the energy high all morning long.

🏆 Awards: Prizes for top runners in each age group ensure everyone has a shot at glory!

Date: July 4, 2026

Location: Honey Horn Park, Hilton Head, SC

Start Time: 8:00 AM

Don’t miss this exciting chance to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, and the running community. Register today to secure your spot and be part of Hilton Head's most exciting race of the year!

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Awesome Race Swa

In Sparkle like a firecracker at the Hilton Head Firecracker 5K! Your registration includes an exclusive finisher’s medal for the first 750 registered and a commemorative T-shirt to mark your achievement in style.

All New Improved Course!

The Firecracker 5K course offers the most scenic park side run that showcases the natural beauty of Honey Horn Park.

Honey Horn is a historic 68-acre property on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, that serves as the home of the Coastal Discovery Museum. Located at 70 Honey Horn Drive, just off William Hilton Parkway, it offers visitors a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The grounds are adorned with majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss and feature expansive salt marshes.

The route features a mix of paved roads and gravel paths, making it both runner- and walker-friendly. A flat course provides the perfect balance of challenge and comfort for participants of all fitness levels. As you make your way around the grounds, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the vibrant sights and sounds of Hilton Head’s unique wildlife.

The finish line awaits near the park pavilion, where cheering spectators and post-race festivities add to the celebratory atmosphere. Whether you're chasing a personal best or enjoying a leisurely holiday run, the Firecracker 5K course offers a memorable experience for all!

This year there will a kids 1/4 mile Fun Run!

Packet Pickup

Pick up your race packet on July 3rd from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Palmetto Running Company, located in Shelter Cove Town Center (28 Shelter Cove Lane, Unit 117, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928). Parking is available in the town center lot.

Directions & Race Day Information

The race begins at 8 a.m. on July 4th at Honey Horn Park (70 Honey Horn Dr. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926). Please arrive by 7 a.m. to allow ample time for parking, check-in, and stretching before the race. NO same day registration.

Parking

Race day parking is available on site.

Race Schedule

JULY 3 Packet Pick Up

Palmetto Running Company

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Packet Pickup.

Note: No Race Day Registration

JULY 4 (Race Day)

Honey Horn Park

7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. | Late Packet Pickup

8:00 a.m. | Race Start

9:00AM a.m. | Awards Ceremony

Awards

Every participant receives a finisher’s medal! Additional awards will be presented to Top 3 Overall (Female & Male) / Top 3 Age Group (Female & Male) and of course the top 3 dog finishers.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR MOST PATRIOTIC COSTUME!