Dolphin Dash 5K Sea Pines
The Sea Pines Resort's 5K run and walk on the hard, flat beach from the Beach Club, the day before Thanksgiving and again on Dec. 30.
- Next dates: Wednesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026
- Wed., Nov. 25, 9 a.m.: Pre-Turkey Day race at Sea Pines Beach Club
- Wed., Dec. 30, 9 a.m.: Last Dash at Sea Pines Beach Club
- Tickets: $35 for adults and $20 for ages 0 to 12; the price goes up after 11:59 p.m. the night before each race
- Hosted by: The Hilton Head Running Company (Go Tri Events), for The Sea Pines Resort
- Course: 5K on the hard, flat beach from the Sea Pines Beach Club
- Packet pickup: The Tuesday before, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Sea Pines Fitness Center; or race morning, 8 to 8:45 a.m., at the Beach Club
- Raising money for: Turtle Trackers, for sea turtle preservation
The Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K is a run and walk on the beach at Sea Pines, starting from the Sea Pines Beach Club. The Hilton Head Running Company puts it on for the resort, and fast runners, walkers and families with children all take part. Proceeds go to Turtle Trackers' sea turtle preservation work.
The two late-year races in 2026 are the Pre-Turkey Day Dolphin Dash on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and the Last Dash on Wednesday, Dec. 30, both at 9 a.m. Earlier in the year the race runs on set mornings in spring and summer, when it starts at 8 a.m. to beat the heat.
The course and race morning
The course is 5 kilometers on hard-packed sand: flat, fast and right beside the ocean. Check in at the Beach Club between 8 and 8:45 a.m., and the race starts at 9. The start time is fixed, so look at the tide chart beforehand: low tide leaves the widest, firmest beach.
Registration is online only, on RunSignup, and stays open until 8:45 a.m. on race morning.
$35 adults, $20 children
That is for the November and December races; children 0 to 12 pay $20. Summer races cost less, $30 for adults. Each price goes up after 11:59 p.m. the night before the race.
Tuesday or race morning
Collect your packet the Tuesday before, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Sea Pines Fitness Center, or at the Beach Club from 8 to 8:45 a.m. on race day.
Race T-shirt and bib
Every paid entry gets a custom race T-shirt and bib.
Turtle Trackers
Proceeds support Turtle Trackers' sea turtle preservation work. Our sea turtle guide explains nesting season on the island.
Getting to the Beach Club
The Beach Club is at 87 N Sea Pines Drive, inside the Sea Pines gate. Unless you own property in Sea Pines, are a resort guest or have a Sea Pines rental booking, the gate fee is $10 per day for a standard vehicle, so allow a few extra minutes at the gate before the 8:45 check-in cutoff.
The Beach Club is also home to the Ocean Lounge, and our Beach Club guide covers the beach itself.
The Turkey Trot, Turtle Trot and other races
Thanksgiving week has three island 5Ks in 24 hours. The Dolphin Dash is Wednesday morning in Sea Pines. On Thanksgiving morning the Hilton Head Turkey Trot starts at the Island Rec Center and the Turtle Trot runs on the beach at Palmetto Dunes. The full year of races is on the 5K races page, and the rest of the resort's calendar is on Sea Pines events.
More Hilton Head races
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sea Pines Dolphin Dash 5K?
The 2026 Pre-Turkey Day race is Wednesday, Nov. 25, and the Last Dash is Wednesday, Dec. 30, both at 9 a.m. at the Sea Pines Beach Club. There are also races on set mornings in spring and summer.
Where does the Dolphin Dash start?
At the Sea Pines Beach Club, 87 N Sea Pines Drive, inside Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. The course runs on the beach.
How much does the Dolphin Dash cost?
$35 for adults and $20 for ages 0 to 12 for the November and December races. Each price goes up after 11:59 p.m. the night before the race.
Can I register on race day?
Yes, online. Registration is on RunSignup only and closes at 8:45 a.m. on race morning; pick up your packet at the Beach Club from 8 a.m.
Do I have to pay to get into Sea Pines for the race?
Unless you are an owner, a resort guest or a Sea Pines renter, yes: the gate fee is $10 per day for a standard vehicle.
Where does the money go?
To Turtle Trackers, for sea turtle preservation.
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