Shell yeah! Turtle Trot returns to Tybee with the coast’s sunniest 5K run

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Runners will hit the sand this April as the Turtle Trot 5K returns to Tybee Island, promising runners the sunniest and sandiest race in the Coastal Empire.

The 19th annual Turtle Trot 5K Beach Run takes place Sat. April 25 at 9 a.m. The annual race kicks off turtle nesting season and raises money for the Tybee Island Marine Science Center (TIMSC).

A record-setting 424 runners scampered across the shores in 2025, and TIMSC hopes to have even more runners this year to show up and help support their resident loggerhead sea turtles.

Early registration runs through Feb. 28. Early registration fee is $35 and includes a t-shirt, medal and free admission to TIMSC on race day.

Registration dates

Early bird - Until Feb. 28, $35 per participant.

Regular - March 1 - April 24, $45 per participant.

Deadline to guarantee a t-shirt is April 6.

Schedule

Packet pickup - Friday April 24 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday April 25 at 8 a.m.

Race Day - April 25 at 9 a.m.

Runners can register for the Turtle Trot online.