601 Mallery Street, Saint Simons Island GA
Friday, July 4th, 2025
🎉 Race Announcement
NOTICE: NO MORE SHIRTS ARE LEFT! you are welcome to register but understand that no shirts are available.
Welcome to the 40th Annual Sunshine Festival July 4th Race!
🏃♂️ Race Excitement
- Finisher Medals: New in 2024! Finisher medals for all 5k finishers (with a bib on) (1-mile finishers also).
- Digital Photos: New in 2024! Digital race photos from Sports in Motion.
- Website: There are many local social media and web "local event" calendars for the Golden Isles: they are not always up to date for our event.
- Race Website: Sunshine Festival July 4th 5k &: 1 mile.
📝 Important Registration Notes
- Registration Deadlines: Registrations before 6/24 will have their first name printed on the front of the bib.
- Self-Seeding: Starting Line is self-seeded by average expected pace per mile.
- Strollers: Strollers ARE ALLOWED, be careful and respectful especially of our Adaptive Athletes.
- Dogs: Dogs ARE NOT ALLOWED: this is due to insurance liability and safety issues.
📅 Pre-Race Day Details
- Walk-Up Registration: Available on July 3rd, 4-7 pm at St. Simons Presbyterian Church social hall.
- Packet Pickup: Bib lines are sorted by Last Name: packets unclaimed by 8 am on Race Day are forfeited.
- Expo Vendors: Includes local vendors like Grateful Cats/Canines, Game Changers Running Co., and more.
- Packet Pickup: Your friends or family can pick up your packet but may have to get in multiple lines.
🏅 Awards & Ceremonies
- Chip Timing: This is a chip-timed event that starts when you cross the starting line.
- Awards Ceremony: Approximately 8:30 am.
- Finisher Medals: All 5k and 1-mile participants who complete the course will receive a Finisher medal.
- Age Group Awards: Top 3 male and female finishers in each age group will be recognized.
🚦 Race Day Information
- No Race Day Registrations: No race day registrations: race day packet pick up is available.
- Starting Line: Start/Finish Location: St Simons Park / Kings Park, 515 Park Ave.
- 5K/1 Mile Starting Times: 5K starts at 7 am: 1 Mile starts at 8 am.
- Time Management: Only the Overall Fastest Male and Female winners are scored by gun time.
🚻 Facilities
- Restrooms: Multiple restroom options available across the street in Mallery Park and Village Pier Casino building.
- Photos: Sports in Motion Photography will be photographing the event, with digital images provided for free.
- Vendors On-Site: Multiple vendors including Sandy Bottom Bagels and Georgia Watermelon Association will be present.
🌟 Community Impact
- Track Club Proceeds: Golden Isles Track Club uses race proceeds to encourage and promote Good Health in the Golden Isles.
- 2023 Recipients: A variety of organizations will benefit from the funds raised, including local schools and cultural centers.
- Craft Show: After the race, a craft show featuring 70 original art & handmade booths awaits.
- Golf Cart Parade: Scheduled from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM on race day.
🏨 Hotel Discounts
Sea Palms Resort: Attention Runners! Stay at Sea Palms for great rates and a peaceful stay.
Use this link for 20% off: Sea Palms Resort (travelclick.com).
Starting Line Map
Coaching
Race Strong, Smart & Healthy with Online or In-Person Coaching!
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