11 events in Horry County, South Carolina

FIRST STRIDES NMB

Beginner Walking & Running Workshop for Women

SPRING & FALL SESSIONS ANNUALLY

Do you sometimes imagine yourself fit and strong, striding comfortably down the road during an easy workout or maybe even a 5K event? You know being more active makes you healthier, but you may not know how to get started?

This gradual program will help you comfortably progress to walking, jogging, running or some combination at a pace that's right for you. The program accommodates all paces. It is all self paced. You are grouped according to your striding ability and preference…walkers are grouped together, joggers/runners are grouped together.

The program is designed for you and you’ll fit right in!

WHEN:

Spring 2026 Workshop: Workshops meet from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m, rain or shine, on the following dates…

NEW! Thursday, February 26 - Orientation for new striders (everyone welcome to participate but this workshop date is intended to introduce new striders to the program in advance of the 11 week program).

11 Week Program - Thursday, March 5 through Thursday, May 14.

We encourage you to sign up early!

LOCATION:

North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex - Amphitheater (SW corner of Route 31 and Robert Edge Parkway) Address: 150 Citizen's Circle, Little River, SC

FOR WHOM:

Women 12 to 112 years of all shapes, sizes and abilities. This is a BEGINNER walking program…no experience necessary! Bring your daughters, mothers, neighbors, co-workers, friends or come solo. No pets or children under 12 years of age.

FORMAT:

Weekly workshops include stretching, a group walk/jog/run, and a brief discussion of various topics relevant to walking/running (e.g., proper shoes, injury prevention, safety, health, nutrition and more). Come dressed for activity and the weather.

Weekly Schedule

Check in...for attendance credit

Speaker/Topic

Mentor Introduction

Announcements

Group Pre-Stretch

Walk/jog/run Workout

Group Post-Stretch

Final Announcements

Homework: 2 additional weekly workouts on your own time

COMMUNICATIONS:

We communicate with participants in two ways: 1) email, using the email you registered with; and 2) Facebook, First Strides - North Myrtle Beach, registrants can join this private FB page.

GOAL:

All who complete this program will be able to participate in and complete a private 5K WALK / RUN (3.1 miles) scheduled for Week #11.

MENTORS:

Area walking and running enthusiasts from the Grand Strand Running Club (GSRC) and others volunteer their time to lead and support your progress!

COST:

$40 until 11:59 pm on Thursday, February 26th (one week before the 11 week workshop commences).

$45 until 11:59 pm on Thursday, March 12th (Week #2 of the 11 week workshop).

Fee includes weekly workshops including instruction, group walk/run workout, mentors, literature, the 5K Walk/Run event and a First Strides NMB tee shirt. Workshop fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

WHAT IS FIRST STRIDES?

The First Strides program was founded in 1997 in Allentown, PA by Jane Serues. It still continues there today with over 8000 women participating. First Strides was conceived as a way to get women off the couch and doing a walking routine they could do for the rest of their life. In 2001, First Strides was recognized with a national award by Road Runners Club of America and has the highest graduation rate of any beginner program.

In 2019, Jane introduced the program in North Myrtle Beach, co-presented by the Grand Strand Running Club and the City of North Myrtle Beach. The Fall 2019 First Strides NMB workshop attracted over 170 females. Since then, workshops have been held Spring and Fall. First Strides NMB is here to stay thanks to the support of our sponsors, especially the Grand Strand Running Club, and our wonderful volunteer mentors!

Join us Saturday, March 21, 2026, for the Robbie Jordan Memorial 5K Race. Participants who complete the certified 5K receive a custom finishers medal!

This race will follow a similar path to the 2025 track but with some minor changes. The new route will be posted as soon as it is finalized by Horry County Parks and Recreation.

Race Distance:

5K

Start Times:

5K-8:00am

Parking:

Parking will be at Carolina Forest Recreation Center at 2254 Carolina Forest Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Packet Pick-Up/Late Registrations:

Packet pick-up will be on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Government and Justice Center (1301 Second Ave, Conway, SC 29526) from 9am- 11am. Friday packet pick-up will then move to the Carolina Forest Recreation Center (2254 Carolina Forest Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579) from 5p-7pm.

Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:00am at Carolina Forest Recreation Center

Start and Finish:

The start and finish lines will be in the same location at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center.

Timing:

Simply Timing

Awards:

All participants completing the 5K will receive a custom finishers medal. Male and female top three overall finishers will receive a medal, overall winners will not be eligible for age division awards. Male and female age division winners will receive a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place medal for the top three finishers in each division. See below for awards details.

Age Division Structure :

Age group awards are based on net (chip) time

1st, 2nd, 3rd place Male and Female

0 to 15

16 to 24

25 to 29

30 to 34

35 to 39

40 to 44

45 to 49

50 to 54

55 to 59

60 to 69

70 Plus

Race Long-sleeved T-Shirt:

Race Long-sleeved T-shirts will be included in the price of the 5K. Race shirts are guaranteed to those registering by March 1, 2026.

*Horry County Employees pay a $35 enrollment fee and will be reimbursed after the race concludes.

Race Director: Michaela LeMay

Horry County Parks and Recreation

[email protected]

843-915-7869

Join us for the Camp Smiles GS Race for Summer Fun, a thrilling event that helps bring joy to children with disabilities! Every step you take supports Camp Smiles GS, a summer camp dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences, adventure, and friendship for kids of all abilities. Whether you run, walk, or roll, your participation makes a difference in creating accessible, inclusive fun. Sign up today and help us make summer memories that last a lifetime! #RaceForSmiles

Race Day Schedule:

• Packet Pickup Starts at 7:00

• Race Start Time 5K- 8:00am Fun Run: 9:00am

• We will have food trucks and vendors

Camp Smiles 5k and Fun Run

• Type: 5K and Fun Run

• Date: 5/2/2026

• Start Time for the 5k: 8:00

• Start time for the Fun Run: 9:00

• Location: Aynor High School

• Address: 201 Jordanville Rd, Aynor, SC 29511

• Proceeds: Camp Smiles Grand Strand

Shirts:

Will be picked up on race day.

Shirt Sizes:

Adult - Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, XXX-Large

Youth- Small, Medium, Large

Event special notes:

• Strollers are welcome.

• Feel free to listen to music while running.

• Sorry no pets.

• Please Park in the gym parking lot.

5K Awards: (Overall Awards are based on Gun Time)

• Overall Male / Female

• Top Male and Female in each Age Groups

5K Age Groups:

14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

5K Fees:

• Early Registration Price up to April 23 $35

• Late Registration Price April 24- May 1 $40

• Day of Race Price $45

Packet Pickup Location and time:

• Aynor High School

• 201 Jordanville Rd Aynor, SC 29511

• Time of packet pickup is 7:00 on Race day

Like, Follow, Share:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campsmilesgs/

Race Director: [email protected]

Additional Information:

Volunteers Needed! – Please help support this great cause.

Join us Saturday, May 9th for the first Flytrap 5K Race! Finishers who complete this 5K receive a finishers medal.

The race takes place on a straight away dirt road with a circle around back to the finish line. Partnering with Friends of Lewis Ocean Bay, this race will kick off the Flytrap Festival 2026. Utilizing a beautiful piece of Solid Waste Authority property, this race and festival hopes to bring more awareness to this beautiful species that is native to South Carolina Bays.

Please note that this race is not included in the Horry County employee time and financial reimbursement series

Race Distance:

5K

Start Time:

8:00am

Parking:

Parking will be at the start line located at 101 Environmental Parkway, Conway, SC 29526. There will be signs to guide you back through the property.

Packet Pick-Up/Late Registrations:

Packet pick-up will be on Friday, May 8th at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center from 9am-11am.

Saturday, May 9th at 101 Environmental Parkway, Conway, SC 29526.

Start and Finish:

The start and finish lines will be in the same location.

Timing:

Simply Timing

Awards:

All participants completing the 5K will receive a custom finishers medal. Male and female top three overall finishers will receive a medal, overall winners will not be eligible for age division awards. Male and female age division winners will receive a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place medal for the top three finishers in each division. See below for awards details.

Age Division Structure :

Age group awards are based on net (chip) time

1st, 2nd, 3rd place Male and Female

0 to 15

16 to 24

25 to 29

30 to 34

35 to 39

40 to 44

45 to 49

50 to 54

55 to 59

60 to 69

70 Plus

All racers will receive a Flytrap 5K hat if registered before April 15th.

Race Director: Michaela LeMay

Horry County Parks and Recreation

[email protected]

843-915-7869

Join us May 16, 2026 for the World Famous Blue Crab 5K at the beautiful Vereen Memorial and Historical Gardens. The event will take place among the trails of the beautiful gardens and on the boardwalks over the scenic marsh in Little River, South Carolina. All race participants will receive a custom Blue Crab finisher’s medal.

Race Distance:

5K

Start Times:

8:00am

Parking:

Parking will be at Vereen Memorial Gardens at 2250 Hwy 179, Little River, SC 29566 and the Little River Medical Center at 4303 Live Oak Drive, Little River, SC 29566 (Please look for staff in blue vests aiding with parking).

Packet Pick-Up/Late Registrations:

Friday, May 15th, at the Government and Justice Center (3230 Hwy 319 E, Conway, SC 29526) from 9am-11am. Packet pick up will then move to the C.B. Berry Community Center (2250 Hwy 179, Little River 29566) for 2pm-4pm.

Saturday, May 16th beginning at 7:00am at CB Berry Community Center (2250 Hwy 179, Little River 29566).

Start and Finish:

The start and finish lines will be at gate of Vereen Memorial and Historical Gardens.

Awards:

Awards will be given in the following categories (Must be present to receive award, no mailing of awards)

Overall:

Male and Female 1st, 2nd, 3rd (5k and 10K)

Age Division Structure: (Age group awards are based on net chip time)

0 to 9

10 to 19

20 to 29

30 to 39

40 to 49

50 to 59

60 to 69

70 Plus

**Employees are $35 for enrollment and will be reimbursed after the race concludes.

Race Director: Michaela LeMay

Horry County Parks and Recreation

https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/parksandrecreation/race-series/

[email protected]

843-915-7869

Join us for the 3rd Annual PeaPot Jones Charity Trail Run/Walk in Longs, SC, where every step you take will make a difference. Our mission at PeaPot Jones is to bring awareness and support to families with children who face disabilities and rare diseases. With your participation, we're one step closer to making a dream come true.

This event features a 5k trail run and walk, as well as a 1-mile run and walk for those seeking a shorter route. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and get a sneak peek at our vision – a fully handicap-accessible campground/outdoor environment that will provide respite and adventure to families who need it most.

Date: May 23, 2026

Time: Registration open from 7:00-8:00 AM, 1 Mile walkers start at 7:30 AM and 5K walk/run starts at 8:00 AM

Location: 9553 Hwy 905 South Longs, SC 29568

Race Options:

• 5k Trail Run and Walk

• 1-Mile Run and Walk

• Virtual 5k Run and Walk

By participating, you're not only enjoying the great outdoors but also supporting a cause close to our hearts. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future where every individual regardless of their dis-ABILITY, can experience the joys of nature and the healing power of the great outdoors.

Register today and be a part of something truly special. Your steps can change lives. Join us on this journey for a better, more inclusive world.

Every participant will receive a cooling towel and finisher medal. Those participating in the 5K Run will be eligible for winner medals in age categories 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.

We are proud to announce that the Sons Of The American Legion Squadron 178 in Murrells Inlet is holding our 3rd annual 5K Fun Run on June 6th, 2026 at the American Legion Post 178 in Murrells Inlet, SC.

So many people stepped up for our military veterans last year! This year it is time to stand with our veterans and SWEAT FOR A VET AGAIN!

Join us for the 3rd Annual Sweat For A Vet 5K Run/Walk hosted by the the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 178 in Murrells Inlet, SC! Or choose the virtual option and run/walk with us from your location! Runners and Walkers are all welcome! Our course begins and ends at the American Legion Post 178 in Murrells Inlet. It is a beautiful flat course with very few turns.

The sole purpose of this event is to help up continue providing support to our LOCAL military veterans and their families. If you ran our race last year, you know that we are serious about helping our LOCAL veterans!

Over $7000.00 in proceeds from last year's race were donated to LOCAL veterans organizations! We hope to have a larger impact on our veterans and our community this year!

"HONOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US" means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.

The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion. The SAL is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the US military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion. This organization places its highest importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.

Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires.

By participating in this event, you will join SAL members who have raised more than $9 million for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. SAL members have volunteered over 455,000 hours at veterans hospitals and raised over $1,600,000 for VA hospitals and VA homes.

The SAL continues to provide services to those in need in the LOCAL communities, through programs that include fundraising events such as this.