Considered the “Jewel” of Georgia, Jekyll Island is the ideal location to host a distance running festival. Jekyll offers scenic beauty and a taste of history that is second to none. All three courses will take runners through this historic island and past several iconic landmarks. The course will also …
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Considered the “Jewel” of Georgia, Jekyll Island is the ideal location to host a distance running festival. Jekyll offers scenic beauty and a taste of history that is second to none. All three courses will take runners through this historic island and past several iconic landmarks. The course will also showcase the natural beauty of the island as runners will pass under the canopies of the majestic live oaks and wide open beaches. Recently built boardwalks will provide runners with beautiful vistas that will make the miles fly by. If the marathon distance is not on your training schedule then you won’t be disappointed in running either the half marathon or 10k. Both routes will offer runners flat, historic, and beautiful courses. All three events are well supported with wonderful volunteers, plenty of aid stations, and superb sponsors.
Due to construction on the village green the start and finish have been moved to the Historic District! All three races will start at Pier and Stable Rd before heading north on Riverview to their respective turnarounds. Runners will then follow the bike path back to the finish in the Historic District. The exception being the marathon which will also turn around onto the bike path but will eventually migrate to the main roads to complete the southern section of the route. All three races are in the process of being certified.
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Beautiful, and very well managed
I think this will turn out to be one of my favorites. The race was well managed from registration through finish, and the race director was thoroughly communicative and responsive. … MORE
I think this will turn out to be one of my favorites.
The race was well managed from registration through finish, and the race director was thoroughly communicative and responsive. The directions on the course were clear, and the volunteers friendly and accommodating. The race is also spectator-friendly — very easy to navigate.
Scenery was beautiful — I thoroughly enjoyed running through and beneath the live oak trees with the Spanish moss hanging from them, as well as the ocean views.
The pre-race meal, while just a bit pricey, was the best I’ve ever had. And the finisher’s medal is very nice — a surprise from a smaller marathon!
I highly recommend this race!
Flat, fast course in Georgia
Pros: Organization, nice medal, flat, fast, nice scenery, great volunteers, easy logistics Cons: wish there had been a few more water stations, no real food or chocolate milk at the … MORE
Pros: Organization, nice medal, flat, fast, nice scenery, great volunteers, easy logistics
Cons: wish there had been a few more water stations, no real food or chocolate milk at the end, my Garmin clocked the race at 26.6.
Small beautiful race
Would recommend it if you're looking for destinations. Small race, no frills, and would do it again. The weather was perfect this year. Ate Pizza at the Red Bug Motor … MORE
Would recommend it if you’re looking for destinations. Small race, no frills, and would do it again. The weather was perfect this year. Ate Pizza at the Red Bug Motor Inn the night before, highly recommend it. Stayed at the Home 2 Suites which was perfectly next to the host hotel of the Westin, a 1/2 mile walk from the start, and a 5-minute walk from the finish.
Scenic & Meditative
This is an easy and flat run. It is well paved, but for a small area of sand along Driftwood Beach. The weather was perfect (around 50) and the route … MORE
This is an easy and flat run. It is well paved, but for a small area of sand along Driftwood Beach. The weather was perfect (around 50) and the route had various terrains, so it did not get boring. There are not too many spectators on this run, but a few folks sitting outside of their beach homes. It was not a very crowded race, which I loved! I was able to be by myself with nature for parts of the run. It was very meditative as I sometimes like to close my eyes while running. The great paths made that easy. There wasn’t much swag other than your race shirt. Since there are 3 races at once, I would suggest to the organizers to color code the signage, if you care to know which mile you are on. Jekyll Island is beautiful. I would suggest staying longer if you have the time, to see the island once you’ve rested your feet. Overall, it was a great experience. If I had to do over again, I would pack more food because it was difficult to find tasty food anywhere on the island.
Flat fast course perfect for a PR
The good: A truly FLAT and fast course. There is a section (.25 to .5 of a mile or so) of path covered in sand which seemed to really slow … MORE
The good:
A truly FLAT and fast course. There is a section (.25 to .5 of a mile or so) of path covered in sand which seemed to really slow some people down but because I run on trails and dirt a lot I thought it was fine. You’re running by the ocean and I felt like there was plenty to look at.
Weather was low 40s in the morning and perfect for racing.
The bad:
Race officials were not responsive. A friend I was racing with tried getting in touch with the race director a few times about some misinformation on their website and they never responded. The website wasn’t updated with correct hotel discount information for the 2023 year. We didn’t receive email updates leading up to the race which I wasn’t used to.
Swag was a shirt and medal, nothing special.
I would recommend this race, especially if wanting a PR, just be aware of lack of communication by race officials.
Flat and Scenic
I ran the 10K, and did not go to the expo. I did packet pickup the morning of the race and it was quick and easy (you get a cotton … MORE
I ran the 10K, and did not go to the expo. I did packet pickup the morning of the race and it was quick and easy (you get a cotton long-sleeve shirt). The race is scenic with views of the ocean coming back. It was a cold morning, in the low 30s but it was sunny, clear and warmed up over time. There was 1 aid station (for the 10K) which you passed at the 2 mile mark going and the 4-ish mile mark coming back. There was something weird about the distance – most people (including myself) thought the course was 0.4 miles longer. There were a few people out to support and it was especially nice coming back. After the race – snacks, bananas and water. No coffee – but it’s right outside the hotel where you can buy coffee. The medal is pretty sweet. Great race for a first timer, walkers and slower runners. Be mindful of parking on race day – it was difficult (but not impossible), and it’s quite a bit of a walk from the hotel to the start of the race (but that does give you time to get acclimatized (somewhat) to the cold).
I would do this race again and plan on it. Jekyll Island itself is absolutely beautiful and worth spending some time there after the race.
An Ok Course
Pack and prepare for cold weather. It is a flat course, but you will also run on some sand. It is a beautiful course. Don't expect too much for the … MORE
Pack and prepare for cold weather. It is a flat course, but you will also run on some sand. It is a beautiful course. Don’t expect too much for the swag.
Lovely scenery, lacks organization.
The good: The island and course were beautiful. Although it was cold early, the sun was warm and the breeze light. Most of this race was run on paved surfaces … MORE
The good:
The island and course were beautiful. Although it was cold early, the sun was warm and the breeze light. Most of this race was run on paved surfaces that varied between asphalt and concrete interspersed with dirt and sand sections. We had a great time searching for the treasure balls that are hidden throughout the island’s public areas. Tip: Stay an extra day to devote to the hunt, preferably the day after the race not before… we ended up walking a half marathon the day before in our quest for the elusive orbs. Oops.
The Bad:
The organizers really could have done better with this race in my opinion. To start, the “packet” was just your bib and t-shirt. No stickers, no gels, no nuttin’. As for the expo, there was a table you could sign up for the Hotlanta Half Marathon, and you could buy some leftover race shirts. I also saw a few coffee cups and trucker hats for sale. We actually walked around for a bit looking for the “real” expo. Disappointing.
Now, on to the pre-race pasta dinner and “meet and greet”. The race email did list the location and time and did not explicitly say it was included in the registration fee. However, other things available at extra cost did mention a fee so many racers were milling about asking each other the same questions: “Is this where the pasta dinner is?” and “Is it free or not?” No one knew the answer and there was no official race presence to “greet” us or answer questions. I heard everything from “It’s free” to $48 per person. You had to stand in line, (hoping it was the right one) and wait to ask the hostess, which was fine. We told the hostess we were race participants and staying at the hotel and she told us the pasta dinner was complimentary for racers. Excellent! We were seated and brought a salad and a plate of penne pasta with a little bit of marinara sauce and a piece of chicken. No choices. No seconds. We ordered one drink each and one dessert each. I got the check, expecting a bill of around $50 for the extras. Nope. We were charged about $100, because, you guessed it, the pasta dinners were not free. Oh well. I felt bad for the waitress and hostess who obviously were not given clear instructions. Boo to the Westin for not informing their staff and boo to the race director. How hard would it have been to add this to one of the race updates? It certainly would have affected my pre-race dinner choice.
Now, on to the race. For the most part, the race itself was great. Anyone who ran the half-marathon or the 10k probably felt well-supported throughout the course. However, it seemed like they forgot about the marathon course. They were out of gels at the stations between miles 11-21, the parts that didn’t overlap the shorter races, just when I needed them the most. There were markers but not all turns had them and the only reason I knew where to go sometimes was that I followed another racer. At least once I got worried that I wasn’t on course. A few more markers would have gone a long way.
And that brings me to the course. My GPS, (and several other racers) showed the course as about .4 miles longer than 26.2. I’m not sure how that happened.
All in all, I would probably do this race again, just in hopes of finding a treasure ball.
Nice Smaller Race
I was a very nice race and I would definitely recommend it. Pros- nice scenery, smaller race, flat course, great volunteers! Lastly, while at Jekyll Island, go to Driftwood Beach … MORE
I was a very nice race and I would definitely recommend it.
Pros- nice scenery, smaller race, flat course, great volunteers!
Lastly, while at Jekyll Island, go to Driftwood Beach at sunrise! Absolutely beautiful!
Cons- not nearly enough Port-a-potties. Truth be known, you better plan ahead and be prepared to hit the woods along the course if you need to go! They were far and few between! Seriously!
The race is closer to 26.6 miles! I checked with other runners, and everyone showed the distance was off by about the same distance.
Don’t expect an Expo during a packet pick up. It’s just a bib and shirt pick up.
Everyone was very nice, and again, I would definitely recommend this race. Just bring a pocket full of TP for Con #1! Lol!
A Gem for this JIM!
This was a great, small race! They had over 1100 runners; last year was cancelled due to high winds and storms! Very smart yet tough decision! I applaud them. The … MORE
This was a great, small race! They had over 1100 runners; last year was cancelled due to high winds and storms! Very smart yet tough decision! I applaud them. The pre-race packet pick up was straightforward and easy with additional benies… the race course was as beautiful as could be… amazing oak trees, path through salt flats and a run along the Atlantic Ocean!
If you’re looking for a small or beautiful nature race in Georgia.. this race is for you! I recommend staying two nights on Jekyll Island to better enjoy all the island has to offer… and if you’re staying at the host hotel, Westin, and want to eat at their restaurant.. make a reservation well in advance. I did not, but allowed me the chance to enjoy an amazing bowl of shrimp and grits at the Sunrise Grille.
Nice Flat Course; Mgmt Needs to Improve
Pancake flat course that follows an out and back around the NE corner of the island and then does a complete loop to the finish. Light northeasterly winds with consistent … MORE
Pancake flat course that follows an out and back around the NE corner of the island and then does a complete loop to the finish.
Light northeasterly winds with consistent temps in the low 60s.
Small expo with only a local running store and registration present. Cotton LS tee and finisher medals were the only swag.
Management needs to get its act together a little bit, e.g.:
– Aid stations with only one volunteer
– Tailwind beverage on course was clear so you couldn’t tell what you were drinking.
– No electrolyte beverage left at finish area for marathoners finishing after ~4:30
– Nothing provided to go on bagels (i.e., no butter, cream cheese, jelly, etc.)
– Awards were not given out until ~6:00
– You could only find out your race results at finish. (No way to see leaderboard.)
Flat race
Race is on island with nice view of ocean. Mostly asphalt road and concrete trail with a few wooden bridges, a little sandy section and ended on grass for finish … MORE
Race is on island with nice view of ocean. Mostly asphalt road and concrete trail with a few wooden bridges, a little sandy section and ended on grass for finish line. Plenty of water/tailwind stations. Miles marked. Restrooms on the course. Standard refreshments after race. Long sleeve shirt, and medal. Results posted fast.
Windy but worth the repeat!
I swore when I started my 50 state quest that I would not repeat any states or races until I had completed all 50 states. I broke that promise on … MORE
I swore when I started my 50 state quest that I would not repeat any states or races until I had completed all 50 states. I broke that promise on this one. Once again, this is our favorite vacation spot and I had strongly considered doing this again but hadn’t made up my mind. What decided it for me is that a friend was going to be there and when I didn’t make the cut for the 2019 Boston Marathon, I decided this would be a great qualifier. The course is flat, fast and beautiful. You are nearly at sea level and the temps this time of year are pretty mild. It was quite windy but the wind didn’t really hit until about halfway but when it hit, it hit like a ton of bricks. I was determined that regardless of the conditions on race day, I was going to get my Boston qualifying time and I did! I also finished third in the Masters Division and got a custom, hand made pottery plate that was made by a local potter on the island. I really like that they also have free pictures that are taken by a professional photographer. This is a great touch and is much appreciated by those of us who don’t have an extra $75-100 laying around to buy race photos ($75-100 equals another race entry for me!!). The course gives you a great mini tour of the island. The aid stations are plentiful and well stocked. The volunteers are friendly, encouraging and helpful. The race directors are very involved on site the day of the race and are there to celebrate with you at the finish line. Once again, if you’re looking for a well run smaller race on a beautiful island with tons of history, this is the one for you!
Small race, top-notch production!
+ Extremely scenic - excellent jogging tour of the island Flat course Nice soft long sleeve T-shirt (You don’t get those very often anymore!) Mild weather (start 57, finish 50) … MORE
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Extremely scenic – excellent jogging tour of the island
Flat course
Nice soft long sleeve T-shirt (You don’t get those very often anymore!)
Mild weather (start 57, finish 50)
Great volunteers (ready to hand you whatever you need & direct traffic at crosswalks)
The Westin might be a bit pricey, but it’s super convenient to get to the race start, allowed our request for late checkout (3pm), & very nice.
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Lots of curves (run lots of tangents)
Windy
Post race celebration is at 5pm. We were on the road back by then. I wish it was earlier; so we could have participated.
A race with a view!
Let me preface this by saying that this is our all time favorite vacation spot so when I heard they were going to have a marathon on the island, I … MORE
Let me preface this by saying that this is our all time favorite vacation spot so when I heard they were going to have a marathon on the island, I jumped at the opportunity and was one of the first to sign up. If you’re looking for a marathon that has streets lined with cheering crowds, this one is not for you. It is a smaller marathon on a beautiful historic island that is mainly populated with retirees this time of year. If you’re looking for a fairly flat and fast marathon with beautiful scenery and historic “cottages” along the route, this is a great choice. The marathon started along the beachfront with a beautiful view of the sunrise as the National Anthem was sung. It was chilly that morning, 36 degrees at the start, but the sun was shining brightly and I shed my jacket around mile 5. The course support was good with ample aid stations, porta potties and fantastic volunteers. The course winds through Jekyll Island’s beautiful pathways and even through the historic district with views of the Jekyll Island Club and many of it’s historic “cottages”. The beauty of the island is stunning and it made the miles just seem to drift by for me. There was even a bell to ring for a PR which I proudly rang after I crossed the finish line. The food offerings at the finish were good and diverse for a small marathon. The medals were also good for an inaugural marathon. While I am on a quest to finish all 50 states and have vowed that I wouldn’t do any state repeats until after I have achieved my goal, this is one I may make an exception for!
Nice job for an inaugural race
Ran as a pacer for the inaugural race. I think they organizers don't want the race to be huge so they only offered a full & 10K. A half would … MORE
Ran as a pacer for the inaugural race. I think they organizers don’t want the race to be huge so they only offered a full & 10K. A half would be ideal. The course was nice – basically an out & back plus some. Ran along the road and then bike/walking path as well. Lots of sections of wiggling between trees. Pretty but a bit dizzying. (I’m not a big beach person so that’s the reason for the 4 for scenery.)
Nice Medal. Very well organized for an inaugural event. The pre race pasta dinner was Friday night (race was Sunday). Not sure how many people participated in that.