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5 Destination Races in Savannah, Georgia

Women runners racing from a race start line with spectators on both sides

Destination races in Savannah check all the boxes, from a downtown girls’ weekend running the Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon and 5K to an island adventure — ferry required — for the Daufuskie Island Marathon. Learn more about these five destination races in Savannah and Hilton Head Island.

(Feature image: Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K, Photo courtesy of Savannah Sports Council)

Any visitor can find something to love about Savannah and nearby Hilton Head Island, from the nightlife, art scene, and history of downtown Savannah to the peaceful oceanside resort vibe of Hilton Head. Your choices in destination races are no different.

Three marathon and half marathon courses explore three separate islands — one in Georgia and two across state lines in South Carolina. There’s also a half marathon designed specifically for women that takes runners all around the best neighborhoods and parks of downtown Savannah, ending in Forsyth Park for a post-race party. Rounding out the list is a 5K, 10K, or 15K challenge that runs the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.

The area’s best destination races are run in the first few months of the year before the heat and humidity envelop these coastal towns. Explore details of each, listed by calendar date.

Looking for more information on running in Savannah? Read our Savannah City Guide.

Several blue and green race medals with turtles on them
Daufuskie Island Marathon (Photo by Corey Brooks Photography)

Daufuskie Island Marathon

January | Daufuskie Island, South Carolina | Marathon, Half Marathon
Daufuskie Island is located in South Carolina just north of Savannah and the Georgia-South Carolina state line. It’s a unique destination for a marathon, especially given the island’s size of only 8 square miles. The 13.1-mile course (two loops for the full marathon) is USATF-certified, and about 10% is on an unpaved packed dirt and shell surface. You’ll pass the Haig Point Equestrian Center and grand island homes, cross a wood bridge that leads to breathtaking ocean views, see the Haig Point Lighthouse and other historic markers. If you’re not staying on the island, you’ll take a ferry the morning of the race from Hilton Head. The Runner’s Village is in close proximity to the ferry drop-off. This is where the start and finish line and bag drop are located. The Village is well-stocked with coffee and cinnamon rolls before the race, and lunch (and beer for purchase) after you cross the finish line.

  • Average Race Month Weather: High of 61 degrees; low of 40 degrees; average of 51 degrees
  • Course Elevation Change: Not listed (flat, sea-level course)
  • Historical Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/92187?resultSetId=363026#resultSetId-433723;perpage:100
  • Time Limit: Not listed
  • Race Swag: Long-sleeve race hoodie, finisher’s medal, free medal engraving post-race, free photo downloads
  • Distance from Airport: Hilton Head is about a 60-minute drive from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport; on race day morning, participants not staying on Daufuskie Island take the Haig Point Ferry from from Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island (the ferry fee is not included in the race fee and must be purchased separately)
Male runners at a race start line ready to start running. A black and red inflatable start line arch with trees in the background.
Skidaway Island Marathon (Photo by Craig LeTourneau)

Skidaway Island Marathon

February | Savannah | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
The Skidaway Island Marathon is an ideal destination race if you’re looking for a flat and fast course in a peaceful setting outside of the city but prefer to dine and lodge in downtown Savannah. All courses start from the Skidaway Island Ocean Institute and run to and from the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. The USATF-certified half marathon and marathon courses continue along a similar route, with the marathon taking a detour for several miles into Skidaway Island State Park.

  • Average Race Month Weather: High of 65 degrees; low of 43 degrees; average of 54 degrees
  • Course Elevation Change: Marathon elevation gain of 711 feet; half marathon elevation gain of 361 feet; 5K elevation gain of 80 feet
  • Historical Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/33100#resultSetId-439026;perpage:100
  • Time Limit: 6 hours (marathon); 4 hours (half marathon)
  • Race Swag: Short-sleeve race shirt, finisher’s medal, free photo downloads
  • Distance from Airport: 45-minute drive from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Two female runners in black running gear posing together smiling and holding their medals
Hilton Head Marathon (Photo courtesy of Hilton Head Marathon)

Hilton Head Marathon

February | Hilton Head, South Carolina | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
The Hilton Head Marathon, moving to President’s Day weekend for 2025, presents a great opportunity for a destination race getaway with extra time to explore the island. The half marathon and marathon follow the same out-and-back course (the marathon runs it twice). For elite runners who have run qualifying times, comped race entries are available and you’ll start from the elite runner corral on race day. After the race, enjoy two complimentary local craft beers (included with your race registration for those over 21) and food at the post-race party. Note that the parking area at Hilton Head Island High School is about a half-mile from the start and finish line at Jarvis Creek Park.

Women running toward a race finish line bordered by green banners and spectators holding signs. One sign says, "It's not sweat, it's sparkle!"
Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K (Photo courtesy of Savannah Sports Council)

Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K

April | Savannah | Half Marathon, 5K
The Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon & 5K is the perfect reason for a girls’ trip to Savannah. The half marathon course starts and ends in Forsyth Park. You’ll navigate around downtown Savannah’s historic streets aligned by Spanish moss-covered oak trees, pass by more than a dozen city squares, loop around Daffin Park — including a trip through Grayson Stadium where the Savannah Bananas play — and down beautiful Washington Street. After finishing in front of the iconic Forsyth Park fountain, stick around for the post-race party with free beer and mimosas before enjoying your afternoon and evening out on the town.

Runners in a race crossing a large bridge. Two runners in the center of the photo are smiling with one arm around each other and the other arm raised.
Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run (Photo courtesy of Savannah Sports Council)

Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run

December | Savannah | 5K, 10K, 15K
This unique and scenic race runs over the nearly 2-mile long Talmadge Memorial Bridge that connects downtown Savannah with Hutchinson Island. At a 5.5% grade, this run delivers a challenge. Choose from crossing the bridge once in the 5K, twice in the 10K, or three times by running the 5K and 10K back to back — a 15K nicknamed the “double pump.” If you’re running the 5K or 15K, you’ll start from Hutchinson Island. The 10K runs an out-and-back route from downtown Savannah. The Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run includes a corporate challenge, a ruck division for runners carrying weight (10 pounds or 20 pounds), and individual and group awards for best costumes. Sign up for the optional VIP experience for an additional pullover race shirt, a beer and brunch in the VIP after-party area, and other perks.

  • Average Race Month Weather: High of 64 degrees; low of 43 degrees; average of 53 degrees
  • Course Elevation Change: Not listed; the Talmadge Memorial Bridge is 185 feet high
  • Historical Results: https://track.rtrt.me/e/DMP-SAVBR-2023#/leaderboard/5k-gender-overall-_ALL/FINISH-5K
  • Time Limit: 1 hour (5K); 1 hour, 45 minutes (10K)
  • Race Swag: Long-sleeve race shirt, finisher’s medal
  • Distance from Airport: 20-minute drive from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

*Average Race Month Weather is based on the National Weather Service’s historical data.

For more local races in and around Savannah, check out the Savannah Races calendar.

Visit the Savannah City Guide for information about places to run, running stores, running groups, and where to eat and drink in and around Savannah.

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