Barrier Island Earth Day 5K and Festival

Event Overview

What better way to celebrate Earth Day, do your part to conserve nature, and help educate future generations on the environment, than by joining us for this year's Barrier Island Earth Day 5K? Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for the Barrier Island Earth Day 5K Fun Run at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center.

Race Highlights

• The 5K Fun Run: The 5K course will guide you through five unique ecosystems in five kilometers: maritime forest, salt marsh, dunes, estuary, and beach. It’s the perfect way to get your steps in while soaking in the beauty of our planet and celebrating Earth Day!
• Post-Race Activities: During and immediately following the race, the fun continues with something for all ages:
• Food Options: Food trucks
• Local Vendors: Local vendors
• Auction: Silent auction
• Education: Environmental Education booths
• Activities: Games and crafts for kids (and kids at heart)
• Education: Live animals and tours of our herpetarium and aquarium

Schedule of Events

5K Fun Run:

• 7:30 - 8:30 am: 5K Bib and T-shirt Pickup
• 8:30 - 10:00 am: BI Earth Day 5K Fun Run
• 10:00 - 10:30 am: 5K Awards Ceremony

Earth Day Festivities:

• 8:30 am - 12:00 pm: Food Trucks, Vendors, Games, Environmental Booths, and Silent Auction
• 8:45 am: Herpetarium and Aquarium tour*
• 10:15 am: Herpetarium and Aquarium tour*

*Sign up before the animal tours at the Barrier Island Table in the Grove to ensure availability: tours will meet at designated time at the Barrier Island table.

Mission

All proceeds from this event will directly benefit our Barrier Island Scholarship and Outreach Fund, which helps bring our hands-on environmental education to local underserved students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. Your participation will help us inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and foster a love for our planet on Earth Day and beyond!

How to Support

• Register: To support our mission to create scholarships for schools and students to visit the Barrier Island Environmental Education Program and provide outreach to local Title 1 classrooms, you can sign up for the 5K and Festival or donate using our donations tab.
• Sponsor: If you or your business wish to Sponsor the race, please contact the Barrier Island Program at naturalist@stchristopher.org for more information.
• Volunteer: If you wish to Volunteer on the day of the event, please contact us.

Important Information

Lodging:

• Group Cabins: Contact Katie Sullivan for discounted group cabin rates at ksullivan@stchristopher.org.
• Lodge Rooms: Contact Lisa Marrone to book a lodge room at lmarrone@stchristopher.org.

What to Bring:

• Seating: Chairs, blankets, and other seating are encouraged.
• Water Bottles: Personal water bottles - Water refill stations will be available so let's be as Earth-friendly as possible!
• No Dogs: NO dogs are allowed - While we love our furry friends, the safety and comfort of all our guests is our top priority.
• Strollers: Strollers are welcome at the festival: however, these may be challenging if using during the 5K.
• Environmental Care: We will have Compost and Recycling Bins available in the Grove for food waste and recyclable materials.

Registration:

• Advance Registration: You must register ahead of time to participate in our 5K Fun Run.
• T-Shirt Guarantee: In order to guarantee a Race T-Shirt, you must register by Friday, March 20, 2026.
• Day of Entry: If joining for the Festivities and to watch the race ONLY, register ahead to guarantee entry at a reduced price!

Contact and Additional Information

Thank you for your support of K-12 environmental education in the Lowcountry! Let's celebrate Earth Day the Charleston Way!

For more information on the race, visit Barrier Island Earth Day 5K and Festival.