Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K

Lace up your shoes for the Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K, a cherished summer tradition unfolding on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in the breathtaking Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. This family-friendly 5K offers a unique running experience entirely on the island's hard, flat beach, providing a firm and forgiving surface that many compare to a dirt road. Runners will enjoy stunning ocean views as the course traces an out-and-back route, starting and finishing oceanfront at the iconic Dunes House.

The Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, attracting between 300 to 600 participants weekly, from competitive runners to families and walkers. Typical race day conditions in mid-June feature highs around 91°F and lows around 72°F, with a slight 18% chance of precipitation, so prepare for a warm and humid coastal run. While the course is wonderfully flat, heat and humidity are often factors. Hydration is crucial and provided midway through the course and at the finish, with runners even encouraged to carry their own.

Beyond the beautiful scenery and engaging course, participating in the Turtle Trot supports a vital cause. Proceeds benefit the Palmetto Dunes Cares Fund, which provides resources and grants to local non-profits supporting the youth and community of Hilton Head Island, including initiatives for sea turtle conservation. All registered participants receive a custom, soft, turtle-themed race t-shirt, making it a memorable keepsake from a truly unique beach race experience. Packet pickup is convenient, available at the Palmetto Dunes POA Office on Monday and Tuesday before race day, and at the Dunes House on race morning.