THE NUTCRACKER 5K
Presented by Horizon Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine
Produced by Hilton Head Running Company
Food by Java Burrito
December 7, 2024

Kick off the Holiday Season with the Nutcracker 5K on Hilton Head Island. We've got the race, we've got the post race party, we've got the Nutcracker dancers and characters, and we've got the race swag. Come run, walk, play, dance ... and, celebrate the holiday spirit. The event benefits the Deep Well Project of Hilton Head - so, bring a toy and be included in drawings for special prizes. The 5K run / walk event promises to be great time for ages. This event will challenge the participants to a 5K run / walk, serve as a toy drive for the Deep Well Project of Hilton Head, and show off the Hilton Head Dance Theatre's dancers and playful characters. We guarantee this community event will fill your legs and hearts with joy.

WHAT MAKES RUNNING THE NUTCRACKER 5K SPECIAL

1. The Nutcracker Themed 5K - think Nutcracker Ballet - dancers, characters, music ... the Hilton Head Dance Theatre will be performing at the start / finish and on the course. Come ready to run, walk, play, dance - celebrate!
2. Race Swag - we have the best swag - every registered participant receives:
   - tutu (first 250 registered)
   - custom race t-shirt (a really cool one too!)
   - custom race bib
   - nutcracker awards will be given to the race winners
   - RFID chip timing / results
   - post race food by Java Burrito - YUMMY!
3. Post Race Party - Java Burrito is catering the post race party - expect delicious treats at the finish. Oh yeah, there will be dancers too - the Hilton Head Dance Theatre will be performing at the finish. So, save some energy to show off your moves.
4. Giving Back - the Deep Well Project - Hilton Head will benefit from a portion of the event's proceeds. And, we are hosting a toy drive for the Deep Well Project too - so, bring a toy (see list below) and be included in drawings for special prizes.
5. Kids 12-Under run for only $15! and they still get all the race swag listed above. **Price for kids 12-Under increases to $20 on 11/01/2024.

SCHEDULE

** No Race Day Registration **

FRIDAY - December 6
Location: Hilton Head Running Company (MAP)
4 - 6p  |  Race Bib Pickup & final chance to register
6p  |  Registration Closes

SATURDAY - December 7
Location: Hilton Head Running Company (MAP)
7 - 7:45a  |  Race Bib Pickup
7:45a  |  Race Announcements
8a  |  Race Start
8:20a  |  Post Race Party Starts
9a  |  Awards (5K)
9:20a  |  Giveaways
10a  |  Post Race Party Ends

CHARITY PARTNER

The Deep Well Project - "the Island's charity". Founded in 1973, the Deep Well Project has been a source of emergency assistance to the Hilton Head Island community for over 40 years. The Deep Well Project is based on islanders helping their neighbors in need — and reflects the caring community in which we live. We are proud that a portion of the event's proceeds will benefit the Deep Well Project.

Toy Drive - Help us stock the Santa Shop for the holidays. Donate a toy (SEE SANTA SHOP TOY LIST) and you will be included in our drawing for special prizes (happening after the awards ceremony). Thank You!

Need Help Deciding What Toy to Donate? SEE - SANTA SHOP - TOY LIST provided by the Deep Well Project for ideas.

RACE INFORMATION

Course - See Course Map in top navigation bar.

Description - The Nutcracker 5K is a flat and fast course on asphalt roads and leisure paths. The December race date promises ideal running temperatures - and the early morning race start promises a cool temperature will greet you at the start. Don't we always run faster in cool temps?

Start - The race starts in front of the Hilton Head Running Company (Map). Runners and walkers take off on a course that utilizes Dunnagans Alley, Arrow Rd., and the leisure path behind Arrow Rd. 

Aid Station - One aid station on the course will provide water - watch out for the ballerinas!

Finish - The finish is in front of Java Burrito. The post race party will have refreshments and treats catered by Java Burrito. And, the Hilton Head Dance Theatre will be there to provide entertainment - ballerinas and dancing!

AVERAGE RACE DAY TEMPERATURE

High 69 F - Low 50 F

AWARDS

Awards will be provided in the following divisions (Male and Female): Top 3 Overall; 12-Under; 13 - 19; 20 - 29; 30 - 39; 40 - 49; 50 - 59; 60 - 69; 70 - Over

Course Records
Male : Archie Brown - 17:47.1 (2023)
Female : Erika Shaughnessy - 18:18 (2019)

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN

The safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff is our paramount concern - and, this concern shapes our decisions regarding inclement weather. Any decisions regarding the weather will be made the morning the event. We plan on producing a great event and we will be at the race site ready to do so. Should the weather pose any threat to safety - we will postpone the start of the event until the weather clears. If the weather does not cooperate after a reasonable amount of time, we will make the decision to cancel the event. Any decision regarding rescheduling the event or entry credit to another event will be made as quickly as possible and be communicated via email to all participants.

ABOUT US

Go Tri Events dba. Hilton Head Running Company is a sports management company on Hilton Head Island. We are a RRCA Certified Race Director with 22 years experience producing events. Learn more about us and what we do here.

UNABLE TO ATTEND?

We do not mail race shirts to registered participants that are unable to attend the event.