The Five Best Races to Run in Savannah this Spring
The Coastal Empire and Lowcountry regions comprise some of the most beautiful natural landscapes I have ever seen. Thick marsh grass stretches as far as the eye can see along our coastline, meandering and undulating into the dark green waters of the salty ocean. Moss-draped live oaks stand sentry in maritime forests that have been around far longer than we have, reminding us just how truly small we are. Rivers, creeks and streams intersect like interstates, patterns of God’s own creation and valued pathways for marine wildlife.
With this myriad of majestic wonders provided by Mother Nature herself, it’s only natural to want to explore the great outdoors on foot, venturing out into the streets and trails that dissect Savannah and the areas around her. But with so many options, how’s a runner to decide which race to choose for his or her next adventure? Worry not, we have you covered – we’ve combed the corral of upcoming running competitions and selected a variety of our favorites. Read on to get the scoop – and don’t forget your headphones because we’ve paired each race with the perfect running playlist on Spotify, too!
Color Vibe 5k
Get ready to upgrade your run to technicolor in Savannah’s Color Vibe 5k on Saturday, February 18, in Savannah. A whirlwind of fluorescent colored paints tossed in the air like a massive Jackson Pollock reenactment awaits you in this quick 5k race. The run starts at 9 a.m. and the course tracks across Savannah’s historic downtown. If you register now until February 17, the cost is only $45 – the rice goes up to $65 if you wait until race day, so do as your mother told you and don’t procrastinate.
Register for this race here.
Perfect Spotify Playlist: Morning Commute
Palmetto Bluff Half Marathon & 10k
As it stands today, Palmetto Bluff is the largest contiguous waterfront property on the east coast, with 32 miles of river front edge bordered by the May, Cooper and New Rivers. Discover this stunning Lowcountry landscape in the 5th annual Palmetto Bluff Half Marathon & 10k on Sunday, March 12. If you’re feeling ambitious and adventurous, compete against top runners in the Half Marathon race – if a 10k run is more your sweet spot, take your time and enjoy the scenery. After crossing the finish line, each runner is greeted with a craft beer and barbeque sandwich to munch on while listening to live music at the race’s after party. This course is USATF-certified and ready for your best race yet – the better question is, are you ready for it?
Register for this race here.
Perfect Spotify Playlist: Night Rush
Beaufort Twilight Run
Courtesy of the Beaufort Twilight Run.
Head up to the storied waterfront town of Beaufort on Saturday, March 18, for the annual Beaufort Twilight Run, a favorite night race among local runners. Choose from a 10-mile Run, 8K Run, or 5K Run on a USATF-certified course that runs through historic Beaufort. Bring the kids along too for the 1-mile Youth Run, a 5K Fun Walk or the ¼-mile Kid’s Fun Run – the perfect way to guarantee a good night’s sleep for all, especially for those energetic little ones. But perhaps 10 miles just isn’t quite enough for you? Tack on the 5k run to compete in the Beaufort Challenge by running in both the 10-mile and 5K events and solidify yourself as the ultimate competitor.
Register for this race here.
Perfect Spotify Playlist: Electro Workout
Girls on the Run 5k
Courtesy of Girls on the Run.
Committed to the growth and development of girls, Girls on the Run is a fantastic non-profit organization working in communities across the country to create a positive, healthy environment for young girls through running and competition. Support this cause by running in the annual Girls on the Run 5k on Saturday, April 2 – the race starts at Shelter Cove Towne Center and will track through Hilton Head Island’s beautiful community. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a girl to participate – everyone is invited to compete in this quick 5k race, so grab your running buddy and sign up for today.
Register for this race here.
Perfect Spotify Playlist: Mood Booster
Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5k
Photo from the 2016 Publix Savannah Women's Half and 5k Race.
A favorite among female Savannah runners, the Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5k on Saturday, April 8th rounds up the best female runners in the region to compete in a fast-paced race around Savannah. The course navigates past Forsyth and Daffin Parks as well as passes through 12 of Savannah’s famous squares – 13.1 miles is a challenging distance, so you’ll be thankful for the stunning distraction of the Hostess City’s beauty. This race benefits the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so you can feel good about your race too, especially when you’re sipping on your post-race brew and enjoying some live music in Forsyth Park at the Post-Race Party.
Register for this race here.
Perfect Spotify Playlist: Spring Run
To stay up to date on all the events happening in the South, subscribe now and pick up the latest issue of South magazine today.
