Fri, Jan 1, 2027

Island Head 5K and Polar Plunge

Hilton Head Island, SC

Registration open
5K

Entry is $25 now and rises to $30 after Nov 30, 2026, so registering before then saves $5.

Register

About the Island Head 5K and Polar Plunge

The race runs along the beach at Coligny Beach on New Year's Day, so the scenery is open ocean and wide sand rather than roads or trails. After the run, participants who signed up for it can charge into the Atlantic for the polar plunge, which makes for an unusually spirited start-of-year morning. A portion of proceeds goes to local charitable causes.

The whole event is staged at Coligny Beach, so the beach itself is both the start and the gathering point. Plan for a cool morning on the sand, and dress for the possibility of going into the water after.

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Distances & Start Times

5K1/1/2027 09:30$25
Polar Plunge1/1/2027 11:00Free
5K Run/Walk and Polar Plunge1/1/2027 09:30$25

Going for a Time?

Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.

Not sure what to aim for? The 5K pace chart lists the pace for every finish time.

Plan Your Trip

Where to Stay

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