On the morning of Saturday, February 7th, Folly Beach came alive in the best possible way. A thousand runners and walkers gathered near the Folly Beach Pier, laced up, and took off along the shoreline — all in the name of preserving the Morris Island Lighthouse. It was the biggest turnout in the history of this race, and every single bib on that beach was a vote for keeping this landmark standing.
To everyone who ran, walked, cheered, and showed up: thank you. This is what community looks like.
A Race Built for the Lowcountry
Both the half-marathon and 5K are USATF-certified courses that start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier, winding runners and walkers along one of South Carolina’s most scenic stretches of coastline. Running along the Folly Beach coastline, with the Atlantic just steps away, it’s hard to forget what you’re racing for.
A Record-Breaking Morning
This year’s event was one for the record books. Both the 5K and the Half Marathon sold out completely, bringing a combined 1,000 participants to the start line — the most this race has ever seen. From seasoned half-marathoners to first-time 5K walkers, the course was full of people who came not just to race, but to be part of something bigger.
Both events kicked off at 8 a.m. with courses winding along the Folly Beach shoreline. Whether participants ran 3.1 miles or 13.1, they crossed a finish line with a view worth every step.
On the Course and Beyond
The energy on race day was something special. The Half Marathon drew runners only, keeping the pace competitive from gun to chip. The 5K opened the course to both runners and walkers, making sure the day belonged to everyone.
Volunteers greeted finishers with medals, organizers recognized top performers across age groups, and post-race food kept the celebration going well past the final crossing. Registered participants also took home a Solar Tech hoodie with UPF 50+ protection — a fitting parting gift for a Lowcountry race day.
Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters
None of this happens without the people who show up — on the course, behind the scenes, and in the community.
A huge thank you to Charleston County Parks, who organize and produce this event from the ground up. The logistics of a sold-out, USATF-certified race on Folly Beach — course management, registration, timing, awards, and everything in between — fall on their shoulders, and they handle it beautifully. We’re grateful for the partnership that makes this race possible.
A warm thank you to Tides Folly Beach, whose partnership makes the race weekend seamless for out-of-town participants — from packet pickup on Friday evening to accommodations steps from the start line. And to Vapor Apparel, whose support helped outfit 1,000 participants with quality gear they’ll wear long after race day.
And to everyone who ran, walked, cheered, and made the trip out to Folly Beach: thank you. A sold-out race with 1,000 participants doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because this community keeps showing up for the Morris Island Lighthouse, year after year.
Next Year’s Race: Don’t Wait to Register
If this year taught us anything, it’s that spots go fast. Both races sold out ahead of the February 7th event, and we expect next year to be no different. The best way to make sure you don’t miss your spot in 2027 is to join the Save the Light email list at savethelight.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, so you hear about registration the moment it opens.
Don’t wait. These spots go fast.
But First — Something Big Is Coming This October
Before we start counting down to next February, there’s a major milestone on the horizon.
On October 18, 2026, Save the Light will host the Morris Island Lighthouse 150th Celebration — marking 150 years since this iconic tower was first illuminated in 1876. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event for a once-in-a-generation anniversary, and we’re planning something worthy of the occasion.
Save the date. Stay tuned. And if you ran with us this February, consider this your personal invitation to celebrate what you helped protect.
Get Involved
The race may be over, but the work to preserve the Morris Island Lighthouse continues every day. Here’s how you can stay part of it:
- Make a donation to support restoration efforts
- Become a member for ongoing, year-round impact
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and tag #savethelight in your race photos and videos
- Spread the word. Share what this race is really about with a friend who hasn’t heard the story yet
One thousand of you ran for the lighthouse this year. Imagine what we can do together by October.
See you out there.