5 Christmas themed (mostly) 5K races in Beaufort County to get your blood pumping
With turkey trots over, the time for Christmas-themed 5K’s and races has begun.
Whether you’re a runner, walker or just someone who wants to cheer on members of their community, there are several local 5K opportunities in the area to get you started.
Here are five Christmas-themed races going on in Beaufort County this December.
Truckin’ It! 5K
The Truckin’ It 5K by the Junior Service League of Beaufort is set to take place in Port Royal on Dec. 3 at 8 a.m. This family event is stroller and pet-friendly and will take attendees through the Town of Port Royal. All pets must be leashed.
Santa will be in attendance at the 5K and Fun Run. The Lowcountry Santa event will follow after both runs. Lowcountry Santa will be free to attend and open to the public regardless of participation in the 5K. Santa will arrive at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 3 to greet the runners crossing the finish line and will take photos from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
In addition, there will be an opportunity to donate new and unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at Lowcountry Santa. Treats and hot chocolate will also be provided. For more holiday fun, there will be a Christmas costume contest for participants.
Registration is $35 for the 5K and $15 for the kid’s fun run. Online Registration for this event will end Nov. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Afterwards, participants may register in-person at the race’s packet pickup on Dec. 2 or on the morning of the race at check-in on Dec. 3. Race day registration on the day of will end promptly at 7:45 a.m. ONline registration and further information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/PortRoyal/TruckinIt?fbclid=IwAR2u2c1Sjr5TqTkT8Tw1i9EC6gzqtxyERirMvlW7QHUkODbWsYTnfAsJzS4.
Jingle All The Way 5K
The Jingle All The Way 5K is set to take place in Beaufort on Dec. 10 and will take attendees through the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Beaufort Mather Campus. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. in front of the TCL Beaufort Museum. After the race, runners will have the opportunity to enjoy holiday cookies provided by TCL’s Culinary Institute. Once finished, prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female and top two male and females in each age division. Packet pickup for this 5K will be held at Grounded Running, located at 2139 Boundary Street Unit 108 in Beaufort , on Dec. 8-9 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Registration is $25 with an additional $2.50 signup fee. Event goers may register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Beaufort/TCLHolidayRace2022?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw.
Nutcracker 5K
The Nutcracker 5K will take place on Hilton Head Island on Dec. 10. This race offers many exciting holiday details that will help get you and your loved ones into the holiday spirit. This 5K is a themed event, meaning attendees should come in their best holiday Nutcracker Ballet-themed attire. In addition, the Hilton Head Dance Theatre will be performing at the start/finish and on the 5K course.
If you choose to participate in this 5K, every registered participant will receive a tutu, custom race T-shirt, custom race bib, nutcracker awards for race winners, RFID chip timing and results as well as post-race food by Java Burrito and treats. Registration for adults is $35 and $15 for kids aged 0-12. Register online before Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/HiltonHeadIsland/Nutcracker5KHiltonHeadIsland?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw.
The Deep Well Project - Hilton Head will benefit from a portion of the Nutcracker 5K’s proceeds. There will be a toy drive at the event for the Deep Well Project too. Attendees are encouraged to bring a toy and will be included in drawings for special prizes if they choose to donate from the provided list.
Christmas Classic Beer Mile
The Christmas Classic Beer Mile will take place in Port Royal on Dec. 17. This 1 mile novelty run is presented by Shellring Ale Works and the proceeds will help benefit local non-profits. Check in time will begin at 1 p.m. at Shellring Ale Works, 1111 11th Street in Port Royal, and will begin at 2 p.m.
Registration for this event is $50, with an additional $4 signup fee, for adults aged over 21 and will end on Dec. 16 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and to register online, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/PortRoyal/ChristmasClassicBeerMile?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw.
Hilton Head Island Jingle Jingle Bridge Run
On Christmas Eve, the Hilton Head Island Jingle Jingle Bridge Run will celebrate its 31st year on Dec. 24 at 8 a.m. for a holiday 5K and 10K. Both distances will start and finish at Crossing’s Park, located at 4 Haig Point Circle on Hilton Head Island, and take participants over the scenic Broad Creek on the Cross Island Expressway.
All participants will receive a colorful long sleeve T-shirt for the Hilton Head Island Jingle Jingle Bridge Run. In addition, following the race an award ceremony will take place with refreshments, music, and door prizes. A visit from Santa may even be expected.
Pets or baby joggers will not be permitted in either event due to narrow bike paths, bridge elevations on course and insurance restrictions.
Walkers are preferred to only participate in the 5K. If you choose to walk or run in the 10K, attendees are reminded that there is a 90 minute time limit on the 10k and anyone who has not yet finished will be removed from the course.
For online registration and more information, visit https://www.active.com/hilton-head-island-sc/running/distance-running-races/hilton-head-jingle-jingle-bridge-run-2022?afid=156210<cmp=254301<clickid=11_142664505_299ff80e-b96a-4a02-9f58-370a2da4c4be&cmp=39N-DP260-BND10-SD230-DM20&cdg=affiliate-254301.
