Skidway Island Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The Skidaway Island Half Marathon, held each winter in Savannah, GA, has grown into a beloved regional race since its mid-2010s beginnings, attracting both local runners and visitors looking to combine fast racing with coastal scenery. Set on and around Skidaway Island, the event showcases the Lowcountry’s signature live oaks, salt marsh vistas and quiet residential roads. The race is positioned as a runner-friendly experience — competitive enough for time-seekers yet welcoming to first-time half marathoners and recreational participants. The out-and-back/loop course winds past marshlands, tidal creeks and through shaded, tree-lined streets, with portions that feel more like a scenic tour than a grind. Runners enjoy long stretches of steady pavement that make for consistent pacing and good PR potential, plus a few gentle rollers that keep the route interesting rather than punishing. The start/finish area typically has a relaxed festival atmosphere with local vendors, post-race food and ample on-course support; volunteers, frequent aid stations and friendly spectators create an encouraging environment throughout the race. The Skidaway Island course has been measured to national standards and is promoted as a certified course suitable for qualifying purposes; many participants use it as a Boston-qualifying opportunity or a solid benchmark for their half-marathon goals. Whether you’re chasing a time, enjoying the Savannah winter weather, or sightseeing along scenic coastal roads, the Skidaway Island Half Marathon offers a picturesque, well-organized coastal road race experience.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Race scheduled for February 22, 2025
Feb 22, 2025The site lists the event date as February 22, 2025.
Half Marathon and 5K only for 2026
Feb 22, 2025The website notes that 'HALF MARATHON AND 5k ONLY FOR 2026'.
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Skidaway Island State Park
The race route passes through the park with its maritime forest trails, marsh boardwalks and the park’s observation tower
Skidaway Island Causeway
The causeway and bridge over the Skidaway Narrows offering sweeping views of tidal creeks and salt marsh
Delegal Marina and Wilmington River shoreline
Runners see the marina and scenic waterfront along the Wilmington River
Wormsloe Historic Site (nearby)
The iconic oak‑lined avenue and colonial-era tabby ruins are a short drive from the course and visible from nearby roads
Salt marsh vistas and tidal creeks
Extensive marshland scenery characteristic of the Skidaway Island area lines much of the course
Skidaway Island residential estates and lowcountry landscapes
Expansive live oaks, palmettos and waterfront homes showcasing the Lowcountry setting
Little Tybee/Coastal inlets views
Distant views of coastal inlets and barrier island waterways visible from higher points along the route
Savannah, GA, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be at least 12 years old on race day
- All participants must complete official registration and sign the race waiver
- Bibs are non-transferable; registered runners only
- In-person bib pickup or authorized bib proxy required prior to race
- Race cutoff time: 4 hours from the start (participants beyond cutoff may be asked to move to sidewalks)
- No bicycles, scooters, or rollerblades allowed; strollers permitted but must start at the back
- Service animals only; pets are not allowed
- Participants must follow all race marshal and course signage instructions
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing health conditions
- Signed waiver
- Photo ID (required at packet pickup)
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information/conditions (recommended)
- Online Registration
- Race Day Registration
- Charity Entry
- Virtual Race
- Group/Team Registration
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds under any circumstances
Bib transfers allowed through RunSignUp until 7 days before the race
If the event is canceled by organizers (e.g., severe weather), registrants will be offered a full credit toward next year’s race or guaranteed entry for the next edition
The race is held on Skidaway Island and features a scenic, mostly shaded course through Skidaway Island State Park with views of salt marshes, live oaks, and maritime forest.
The course includes several rolling bridges and gentle hills that make pacing important—many runners describe the bridges near miles 3 and 10 as the toughest sections.
All finishers receive a technical long-sleeve race shirt and a finisher medal, with post-race refreshments and a small food/beer garden for participants and spectators.
The event provides chip timing, aid stations roughly every 1.5–2 miles, awards for top overall and age-group finishers, and a short kids’ run and family-friendly activities on race weekend.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.
