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, then by joining us for this year's Barrier Island Earth Day 5K?

Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for the Barrier Island Earth Day 5K Fun Run at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center.

Whether you are looking for a fitness challenge, an interactive way to support a good cause, or a pleasant Saturday morning stroll – we’ve got something for everyone!

The 5K Fun Run

• Course: The 5K course will guide you through five unique ecosystems in five kilometers: maritime forest, salt marsh, dunes, estuary, and beach.
• Experience: 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 Trucks: Delicious food options to refuel!
• Local Vendors: Explore unique offerings from local businesses.
• Environmental Education: Booths that provide insights on environmental conservation.
• Kids Activities: Games and crafts for kids (and kids at heart).

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!

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.

Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities

If you or your business wish to Sponsor the race, or if you wish to Volunteer on the day of the event, please contact the Barrier Island Program at naturalist@stchristopher.org for more information.

Additional Information

Lodging Opportunities:

• Contact for Group Rates: Contact Katie Sullivan for discounted group cabin rates at ksullivan@stchristopher.org.
• Booking 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: Personal water bottles - Water refill stations will be available.
• No Pets: NO dogs are allowed - The safety and comfort of all our guests is our top priority.
• Strollers: Welcome at the festival: courses may be uneven.
• Waste Management: Compost and Recycling Bins available: please help us reduce waste!

Registration:

• Advance Registration: You must register ahead of time to participate in our 5K Fun Run (this includes your festival ticket).
• Race T-Shirt: Register by Friday, March 20, 2026 to guarantee a Race T-Shirt.
• Entry for Festivities: Register ahead for a reduced price: day of entry tickets will be available for a "price-per-vehicle" fee.

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

For more information and to register, visit our registration page.