On the morning of Saturday, February 3, nearly 850 runners and walkers gathered at Folly Beach to take part in a race that’s about more than personal bests. The Annual Save the Light 5K and Half Marathon is a cherished community tradition—bringing together athletes, families, and lighthouse lovers in support of a cause rooted in South Carolina’s coastal heritage: the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse.
Hosted in partnership with the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), the event is a major part of Save the Light’s ongoing fundraising efforts. And this year, as in years past, the support from the community both on and off the course was undeniable.
A Morning on the Edge of the Atlantic
The day began with 847 registered participants arriving at Folly Beach, greeted by a blanket of morning fog. As the race unfolded, the skies cleared and sunshine broke through, lighting the way to the finish line and capping off a picture-perfect day for a worthy cause.
Both races—the USATF-certified Half Marathon and 5K—started and finished near the Folly Beach Pier, giving participants stunning ocean views throughout their route. The Half Marathon is open to runners only, while the 5K welcomes both runners and walkers, making the event accessible for all fitness levels.
The atmosphere was filled with energy and camaraderie, as participants pushed toward their personal bests while keeping in mind the bigger goal: supporting a nonprofit effort that’s been going strong since 2000.
A Community United by the Cause
Events like these don’t happen without a team of generous and dedicated partners. Save the Light extends its deepest thanks to the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission for their leadership and expertise in managing race operations from start to finish.
This year’s race was also made possible by the support of several key sponsors, whose generosity helps ensure that every dollar raised can go even further toward the lighthouse’s preservation:
When businesses, public organizations, and individuals come together in service of a shared goal, it becomes clear just how powerful community support can be.
Why We Run: A Look at the Morris Island Lighthouse
While the event itself is a day of fun and fitness, its purpose is rooted in one of Charleston’s most beloved historic structures: the Morris Island Lighthouse. Completed in 1876 and originally positioned 2,700 feet inland, the lighthouse now stands 2,000 feet offshore, a stark symbol of how rapidly erosion has reshaped the coastline.
For decades, this lighthouse marked the entrance to Charleston Harbor, welcoming sailors, traders, and visitors to the Lowcountry. Its importance is both symbolic and practical—a beacon of maritime history and a reminder of how fragile that history can be.
Save the Light, a grassroots nonprofit formed in 2000, is committed to protecting and preserving the lighthouse through a multi-phase restoration and stabilization plan. With Phase 1 (a cofferdam around the base) complete, ongoing fundraising efforts support future phases, including foundation stabilization, tower restoration, and lantern room repair.
Events like the 5K and Half Marathon are critical to that mission, turning community participation into real progress.
Save the Date for 2026
If you missed this year’s race—or if you’re already thinking about lacing up your running shoes again—make sure to mark your calendar for the next Save the Light 5K and Half Marathon on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Both races will once again start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier. The Half Marathon will remain a run-only event, while the 5K is open to both runners and walkers. Whether you’re aiming for a new personal record or simply walking to support the cause, your presence makes a difference.
Stay tuned for registration details later this year, and be sure to follow Save the Light for the latest announcements.
Keep the Light Shining
Every step taken during the Save the Light 5K and Half Marathon is a step toward preserving a vital piece of South Carolina’s history. This event is more than a race—it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the power of collective action.
To stay informed about future events like the 2026 race or the Annual Oyster Roast, follow Save the Light on social media or subscribe to the newsletter. And if you’re inspired by the cause, consider getting involved through participation, donations, or simply by spreading the word.
Together, we can keep the light shining for generations to come.
