5K races near Surfside Beach

Halloween Hustle takes place in Conway, South Carolina, a town that renames itself “The City of Halloween” for October. The race begins at 2 Elm Street, offering participants three distances: a certified 10K, a certified 5K, and the Monster Mile. The 10K starts first in the morning, followed by the 5K, and the Monster Mile concludes the day's events. The 10K and 5K courses wind through Conway’s streets, adorned for Halloween, and end on the Riverwalk. Participants aiming for the complete morning's challenge can register for all three races to receive a Bonus Challenge Medal. The finish area features Carolina BBQ, mac and cheese, toasted bread, and a beer garden. Virtual options for the 10K, 5K, Monster Mile, and the full challenge are also available.

The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K begins near 8th Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard, concluding with a view of the Atlantic on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The primary event is a half marathon with a 3-hour-20-minute time limit. The Coastal 5K, a shorter alternative, starts soon after the half marathon. Both races provide a virtual participation choice for those who desire the race attire and distance without being physically present in Myrtle Beach. The course regulations are firm regarding obstructions: strollers, baby joggers, pets, skateboards, rollerblades, or unapproved bicycles are prohibited. Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and pre-approved service animals may participate with a designated start at the rear of the field. The half marathon route includes over 5.5 miles along the oceanfront, followed by an out-and-back section on Burroughs and Chapin Boulevard. Route adjustments may occur due to road construction. Participants include casual runners, local athletes from Horry and Georgetown counties, age-group competitors, and elite runners competing for prize money in the half marathon. All finishers are awarded medals, long-sleeve tech shirts, and cinch bags. Post-race refreshments at the finish line include snacks, water, and Gatorade. The event concludes with a gathering at Grand Strand Brewing Company, offering pizza, beer or soda, and smoothies. The race also collaborates with Girls on the Run Coastal South Carolina and MB Fire Cares.

Conway Stars & Strides is a November Veterans Day run in historic downtown Conway, South Carolina. The 5K starts at 8:00 AM, followed by a 1 Mile race ten minutes later. Presented by Beach Automotive, this local event honors military service, with participants choosing between the 5K or the mile distance. The race features a patriotic theme. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue and carry flags while running in support of local veterans. All participants receive a patriotic race shirt and a finisher medal. The 5K offers awards for the top three overall male and female finishers. Donations benefit DAV Chapter 57, the Disabled American Veterans chapter in Conway.

The Rotary Club of Little River 5K begins at the Little River Waterfront in South Carolina. This annual 5K run/walk includes runners and walkers on the same event schedule. It is part of the Grand Strand Running Club Grand Prix series and kicks off the Rotary Club Holiday Challenge, extending the race's significance beyond a single local morning event. The course is designed for simplicity, featuring minimal turns and concluding along the Little River waterfront. A 1-mile option is available on some listings, making the event more accessible for families or less experienced participants. The primary additional incentive is the two-race Rotary challenge: participants completing both the Little River race and the Rotary Club of Conway 5K receive an 18-ounce Yeti Rambler mug.

The Pawleys Island Turtle Strut begins at Pawleys Island Town Hall in South Carolina, featuring both 5K and 8K run/walk options. This local event, now in its 33rd year, is presented by Pawleys Island Realty. Participants can select the 5K or 8K course, with a virtual participation choice available for those off the island. The race honors Chief Guy Osborne, adding a local dedication to the event's format.

The North Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot is a 3.1-mile Thanksgiving 5K run/walk held at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This is a timed race, designed for both walkers and runners, and includes a separate 50-yard Gobbler Kids' Dash for children. The event embraces the holiday theme, encouraging participants to wear costumes alongside their running attire. The course prohibits pets, though ADA-recognized service animals are allowed. Race information provides practical details like elevation data, entry requirements, and an athlete guide.

The Plantation Lakes Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving road race in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is presented by JTE Real Estate. It includes a 5K and a 1.6 km race, allowing participants to select a standard short race or a shorter, family-friendly distance. The race begins at 8000 Juxa Drive in Myrtle Beach's Plantation Lakes neighborhood. Past results indicate it is a road race with a manual wave start, suggesting a local, neighborhood-focused event designed for residents, walkers, and holiday morning participation rather than a large competitive field.

The Surfside Beach Turkey Trot, presented by Maguire Law Firm, is a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk. The main race begins at 8:00 a.m. This event marks its 17th year and also features a free 50-yard Gobbler Kids' Dash at 9:00 a.m., allowing families to include younger children in the morning's activities without requiring them to participate in the full 5K. The 5K course begins with an ocean view, proceeds along Ocean Blvd., and then winds through the streets of Surfside Beach. Both runners and walkers participate, but the course has specific restrictions: strollers, baby joggers, skateboards, roller blades, and animals are prohibited, and there is no water stop along the route. Overall awards are determined by gun timing, while age-group awards use chip timing.

The North Myrtle Beach Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk held at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The main race begins at 8:00 a.m., welcoming both runners and walkers. A free 50-yard Gobbler Kids' Dash follows at 9:00 a.m.; online registration is required for children. Costumes are encouraged. 5K participants receive a medal and a shirt while supplies last, and Kids' Dash finishers get a small gift. The 5K course consists of two loops around Barefoot Landing and lacks a water stop, so participants should plan accordingly before the start. Awards are given three deep for overall male and female finishers, first place for masters male and female, and three deep in age groups from 10-and-under through 80-plus. The Kids' Dash is untimed for awards. The race benefits the Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach, though pets are not permitted on the course; ADA-recognized service animals are allowed per race rules.

The City of Conway Under the Lights 5K Run/Walk is an annual evening holiday race in Downtown Conway, South Carolina, hosted by Conway Parks & Recreation. It is a 5K for runners and walkers, with a 700-person cap and a start at 4th and Elm Street. All participants receive a race packet and finisher medal. Late and same-day registrants receive shirts while supplies last. The course guides participants through downtown past holiday light displays. The route may be adjusted due to street flooding. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday outfits for a costume contest with awards for the top three best dressed. Standard 5K awards are given for overall male and female, masters winners, and age groups from 10-and-under through 80-plus, based on gun time.

Cupid's Chase 5K Conway starts and finishes at the City of Conway Water Tower in Conway, South Carolina. Check-in begins at 8:00 AM, with the race starting at 10:00 AM. This is a certified 5K race featuring professional timing and immediate results, held regardless of weather conditions. The event is accessible and welcomes pets, provided dogs remain leashed. All finishers will receive a Cupid's Chase medal and a drawstring bag, subject to availability. Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers overall. Age-group medals will be distributed to participants in categories ranging from 12 and under to 70 and over.