Run Forrest Run 5K

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

Grab your running shoes and your best Gump Getup - it's Shrimp Season in the Lowcountry! That means it's time for the Beaufort Shrimp Festival’s annual Run Forrest Run 5k. After all, nobody knows shrimp more than Forrest Gump and Bubba.

Race through iconic movie locations to make Lowcountry history. Feel the ocean breeze in your poncho as you compete over the Woods Memorial Bridge. Take your photo with our Forrest Gump impersonator at the Start / Finish line. First, Second, and Third Place runners will receive the coveted Run Forrest Run 5K medals both for winners of each age division and overall placers.

We encourage participants to get groovy with themed costumes and unique outfits. Bring your favorite characters from the Forrest Gump movie to life as you race towards shrimp glory. May the fastest Forrest win!

📅 Event Details

The race begins Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 8:00 AM on Bay at NewCastle Street (in front of the Best Western). The course is USATF Certified SC18010DW (Exp: 12/31/28) and timed by Grounded Running. Run, Forrest, Run!

💲 Registration Fees

• Pre-registration: $40 (Prior to 9/1/25)
• Regular registration: $45 (9/1/25 – 10/2/25 @ 11:59 PM)
• Late registration: $50 (10/3/25 @ 10 AM–5 PM and 10/4/25 @ 6:30–7:45 AM)

🗓️ Schedule of Events

Fri, Oct. 3
RACE PACKET PICK-UP / LATE REGISTRATION TIME 1
10 AM - 5 PM
Grounded Running
Pre-registered runners may pick up their race packets including race bibs and t-shirts on Friday, October 3, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Grounded Running (2139 Boundary St Unit 108, Beaufort, SC 29902). ATTN: Please note that Grounded Running will not have race packets or t-shirts available on-site any date or time other than that specified above. They are the race timer, not the organizers of the race.

Sat, Oct. 4
DAY OF PACKET PICK UP / LATE REGISTRATION TIME 2
7:00-7:45 AM
Start / Finish Line of Race (on Bay Street in-between the Marina and Best Western - NOT GROUNDED RUNNING).

For runners that have not pre-registered, registration will be available on the day of the race Saturday, October 4, from 7:00 to 7:45 AM at the start/finish line of the race (on Bay Street in-between the Marina and Best Western). Pre-registered runners may also pick up their packets at this time at the start/finish line if they have not already done so. Registration / Packet Pick Up will close promptly at 7:45 AM to ensure the race begins on-time.

8 AM - Sharp Race Start

🅿️ Parking Information

The morning of the event, the Marina parking lot will be blocked off for Shrimp Festival vendors only. Parking is first come first serve and is both metered on-street and several paid parking lots scattered throughout the city. Some good options include the Library Lot, Port Republic Square Parking Lot, or anywhere from Craven Street up to Bay Street. We recommend car pooling when possible if attending the race with other participants. Check out the Park Beaufort site to get directions to any of the parking spaces within walking distance to the race start line at 1006 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902.

🗺️ Directions

The race start/finish line is at the intersection of Bay Street and Newcastle Street, between the Downtown Marina and Best Western. The closest address reference point for your GPS is the downtown marina parking lot: 1006 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902. You'll want to make sure to plan out parking in advance as traffic is to be expected with the bridge blocked off for the race. Check Park Beaufort to plan out your parking.

T-Shirt Giveaway 🎽

The Race Registration page now includes the option to select your size. Your t-shirt will be available for pick-up the day before the race during Race Packet Pick-up or on the day of the race at the Start/Finish line. We cannot guarantee the availability of your size preference for any registrations made after those dates. The color and pattern of T-shirts will vary from the image mockup as logo colors are still being decided.

🏆 Awards

Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female runners, as well as the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 8–12, 13–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+. The race is open for runners and walkers of all abilities. The awards ceremony will begin immediately following the race. Virtual 5K participants are not eligible for trophy awards as they are self-timed.

🎗️ Fundraising Mission

The Run Forrest Run 5K is a fundraising event for the Beaufort Digital Corridor. Donations received support the Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Beaufort Digital Corridor Foundation is committed to advancing economic growth and social equity in our community by providing accessible educational pathways and opportunities for individuals to upskill and thrive in high-wage tech jobs. Our purpose is to empower individuals from all backgrounds to pursue careers in technology, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that drives innovation and prosperity in Beaufort and beyond.

For more information, visit the race page: Run Forrest Run 5K.