Save the Light Half-Marathon & 5K
Event Details
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is proud to partner with Save the Light, to host their annual half marathon and 5K. The race is set for Feb. 6, 2021 on Folly Beach. Space will be limited this year, and pre-registration is required.
The half marathon and 5K support the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse by Save the Light, a grassroots non-profit organization formed in 2000 to save the lighthouse from being lost to the sea. Both races are USATF-certified and begin and end near the Folly Beach Pier. The half marathon is a run-only event and will begin at 8 a.m. The 5K is open to runners and walkers and begins at 8:30 a.m.
“Celebrate the new year by logging your miles from the streets of Folly Beach while supporting the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse to boot,” said CCPRC’s Fitness and Wellness Manager, Allison Foster.
“Save the Light is pleased to be teaming up with Charleston County Parks and Recreation to present the Save the Light Half-Marathon to area runners for the18th time,” said Save the Light Board Member Richard Beck. “Thanks to all who participate. Your continued support of this race has provided thousands of dollars that allow us to continue our work to preserve this beloved symbol of South Carolina's maritime past.”
Space is limited to just 250 participants in each race this year, and both races are expected to sell out. Early registration is recommended. Registration is now open at CharlestonCountyParks.com. Registration closes Jan. 20 and all participants must register in advance. Fees are $60 for the half marathon and $36 for the 5K. Race bibs will be mailed in advance to all participants. Race day registration will not be available.
The 5K is open to ages 8 and up; the half marathon is open to ages 10 and up. Participants under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a registered adult chaperone. Participants, staff and volunteers will be permitted on site only. Spectators will not be permitted at this year’s race. Pets will not be permitted on the race course. For participants’ safety, earbuds use is strongly discouraged.
Thanks to their ongoing sponsorship, the Tides Hotel will continue to offer a discounted rate of $99 per night plus tax, for an oceanfront room with two queen beds, for participants who book before Jan. 20. Guests can call the hotel at (843) 588-6464, or e-mail the reservations department, [email protected], and reference “Save the Light” to reserve their hotel rooms.
There will be no awards ceremony following this year’s race. Posters, which are available to all participants, will be available for pickup on site the day of the race. This year’s poster was designed by 2020 contest winner Collen Finn of Atlanta, GA. Awards and t-shirts will be mailed after the race.
Masks will be required in all indoor spaces, any outdoor spaces where six feet of social distancing is not possible, or when interacting with our staff. Masks are required at all CCPRC events unless eating, drinking or engaging in physical activity.
Save the Light, Inc. purchased the Morris Island Lighthouse from its previous owner in 1999, and then transferred ownership to the state of South Carolina through a lease agreement. Save the Light retains responsibility for planning, engineering, fundraising and execution of all aspects of the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse.
To register for the Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com, or call 843-795-4386 for more information. For more information on the Save the Light organization and the Morris Island Lighthouse, visit SaveTheLight.org. This event is also made possible by the Tides Hotel and Charleston County Parks.
