Events
Run Forrest Run 5K (Timed Walk/Run)
Run Forrest Run 5K (Untimed Walk)
Place
Description
Grab your running shoes and your best Gump Getup - the Beaufort Shrimp Festival’s Run Forrest Run 5K returns Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025! 🍤👟 And we can’t think of a better way to enjoy Shrimp Season in the Lowcountry than with 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.
Bring your favorite characters from the Forrest Gump movie to life as you race towards shrimp glory. We encourage participants to get groovy with themed costumes and unique outfits. Those donning a Forrest Gump getup can race to the finish line in hopes of claiming the Fastest Forrest Award. Register now and RUN, FORREST, RUN!
The 2025 Run Forrest Run kicks off the Beaufort Triple Crown Race Series, which includes the Swing Bridge Run (Nov. 1) and Turkey Trot (Nov. 27). Register for the 2025 Beaufort Triple Crown Bundle (on this website) to support three local nonprofits - Beaufort Digital Corridor, Holy Trinity Classical Christian School, and Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. Participants who complete the race series will be eligible for special awards for the best combined time. ONLY 125 BUNDLES AVAILABLE! Register before the Oct. 1 cutoff!
REGISTRATION FEES:
- Pre-registration (Prior to 9/1/25): $40
- Regular registration (9/1/25 – 10/1/25 @ 11:59 PM): $45
- Late registration (10/3/25 @ 10 AM–5 PM and 10/4/25 @ 6:30–7:45 AM): $50
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 on any date or time other than specified above. They are the race timer, not the organizers of the race.
***If you are not planning on picking up your packet until the day of the race, please note the location of packet pickup is the start/finish line of the race, NOT GROUNDED RUNNING. Ensure you arrive with plenty of time to stand in line as registration will close promptly at 7:45 AM to keep the start of the race on time.
Sat, Oct. 4
DAY OF PACKET PICK UP / LATE REGISTRATION TIME 2
7:00-7:45 AM
📍Start/Finish Line of Race (Bay Street between the Downtown 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 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.
8:00 AM
Sharp Race Start
PARKING: 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.
FUNDRAISER 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.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
FAQs
General
- What is a 5k? A 5K is a 5 Kilometer (3.1 mile long) running race.
- What is the course route? You can find a map of the course here. The start/finish line begins in front of the Best Western Sea Island Inn located at 1015 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902. From there, the course will travel down Bay Street toward Boundary Street / Sea Island Parkway where you'll take a right and begin following Forrest's footsteps over the famous Woods Memorial Bridge. After crossing the bridge, take a right on Meridian Road. There will be a turnaround point and water station here. After turning around, you'll follow the same path back to the finish line of the race. The race winds down historic downtown Beaufort and across the stunning Beaufort River.
- Is the course USATF Certified? The course is USATF Certified SC18010DW (Exp: 12/31/28) and timed by Grounded Running.
Participation
- Who can run/walk in the 5k? The Run Forrest Run! 5K is perfect for all ages and abilities. Bring yourself, your little brother, your college pals, or your grandma. Everyone is encouraged to participate!
- Can I bring a stroller? Yes, we are stroller-friendly, but we encourage you to stay at the back of the start line for the safety of others! We want even our littlest “runners” to experience our 5k.
- Do I need to register kids under 7 years old? Our race is open to runners ages 7–99. Children under 7 years old will not need to be registered; however, they will need to remain in a stroller for their safety and to ensure the race runs smoothly for all participants.
- Can I bring my dog? Dogs are allowed at the 5K event, but please remember to keep them on a leash and start at the back of the line to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
- Are there prizes? Besides the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, we award prizes and medals to the top runners! Prizes and medals will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male & Female runners. Medals will be awarded to Top 3 Male & Female per age group: 8-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 60-69, 70+. We bestow the title of Fastest Forrest and award a special prize to the overall fastest runner dressed as Forrest Gump.
Registration
- How do I register? Great news! You're already on the registration page. Begin your registration journey here.
- How much does it cost to run? The Pre-registration fee is $40 prior to 9/1/25. This price increases to $45 for Regular Registration on 9/1/25 at 12 AM EDT. Late Registration begins 10/3/25 at $50.
- How do I join/create a team? Visit our registration page to join/create a team. At the bottom of the sign-up page, you will be asked "Would you like to join or create a Group/Team?" Select the 'Yes' radio button and respond to the prompts that follow. Please consult this guide for detailed instructions.
T-shirts & Race Packet Pick-up
- Can a friend collect my race packet? Yes, you can send a friend or family member to collect your race packet.
- Where can I get my race shirt? Secure your registration by September 20, 2025, to qualify for an included race shirt. We cannot guarantee the availability of your size preference for any registrations made after that date. The color and pattern of the shirt will vary from the image mockup. Shirts will be available for pick-up the day before the race during Race Packet Pick-up or the day of the race at the start/finish line.
- How can I collect my T-shirt after the race? T-shirt giveaways (included with race registration) must be collected during our scheduled Race Packet Pick-up times. After Race Packet Pick-up, we'll sell race T-shirts at Visit Beaufort, located at 713 Craven St, Beaufort, SC 29902. You can even purchase T-shirts from previous years (limited supply)!
Sponsorship
- Can I sponsor this event? Yes, head over to our sponsor page to sign up.
Directions
Best Western Sea Island Inn, 1015 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902
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