Palmetto Dunes, an eco-friendly beach resort on Hilton Head, has consistently earned acclaim for its stunning properties, luxurious amenities, and diverse activities.
As residents, the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association (PDPOA) aims to enhance and preserve the natural beauty of Palmetto Dunes while also providing a welcoming atmosphere and inclusivity for the community and visitors. One popular event organized by the PDPOA to do this is their annual 5k turtle trots. They are a series of family-friendly 5K runs/walks. These races have become a beloved tradition in the community, bringing together residents and tourists of all ages to participate in a fun and meaningful activity.
2025 Turtle Trot 5k Fact Sheet
- The Turtle Trot 5k is a family-friendly fun run series held weekly on the beach the Wednesday before Easter, May 28-August 13, and on Thanksgiving morning. Join in, meet and interact with your neighbors, our staff, and guests of our community!
- The 3.1-mile course may be run (or walked) by any who live, work, invest, or play here!
- Registration is online only and is $30 prior to race day and $35 day of the race and includes a t-shirt.
- Kids under 12 run for $15.
- Additional race t-shirts can be purchased for $15.
- All races begin at 8 a.m.
- Participants are encouraged to wear shoes and bring water.
- Register for a 2025 Turtle Trot!
- URL: Pdpoa.run
- The Turtle Trot 5K is more of a fun run than a competitive race. Many entire families participate together, with some pushing kids in strollers, others running alongside toddlers, and grandparents joining in. Participants include all ages, making it an inclusive event for all fitness levels. It’s a great opportunity for families to engage in a meaningful activity together.
- The Turtle Trot 5K is a fun way to kick off a vacation morning, giving participants a chance to be active before starting the day while also giving back to the community.
- In addition to the Turtle Trots each Wednesday morning, Palmetto Dunes Cares also offers Turtle Education Talks each Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. on the beach in front of the Dunes House.
- As part of the Palmetto Dunes Property Owners Association, Palmetto Dunes Cares is a charitable organization whose motto is: giving back while building community. Our mission is to support local youth and enhance the natural environment in the greater Hilton Head Island area through grants and scholarships.
- Since its inception, PD Cares has awarded over $300,000 in grants to local non-profits in the greater Hilton Head area. Our educational scholarship fund is able to provide funding to previous scholarship recipients and grant a scholarship to a new local Hilton Head Island high school senior each year. For 2024 we awarded $65,000 to local charities.
List of 2024 grant awardees:
- Neighborhood Outreach Connection
- The Children’s Center Inc.
- Sea Turtle Patrol HHI
- The Hilton Head Island Deep Well Project
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Lowcountry Legal Volunteers
2025 Turtle Trot 5k: Specifics
Easter Turtle Trot 5K:
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, @ 8 a.m.
Location: On the beach in front of the Dunes House, 14 Dunes House Lane
Kick off Easter with the Easter Turtle Trot 5K in beautiful Palmetto Dunes Resort!
Summer Turtle Trot 5K Series:
Date & Time: Every Wednesday from May 28 – August 13 @ 8 a.m.
Location: On the beach in front of the Dunes House, 14 Dunes House Lane
Make your summer mornings memorable with the weekly Summer Turtle Trot 5K! This fun-filled family run/walk happens each Wednesday on the scenic beaches of Palmetto Dunes Resort.
Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K:
Date & Time: Thursday, November 27, 2025 @ 9 a.m.
Location: On the beach in front of the Dunes House, 14 Dunes House Lane
Start your Thanksgiving morning with the 6th annual Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5K! Enjoy a refreshing beach-side run/walk in the serene Palmetto Dunes Resort.
Whether you’re running for fitness, fun, or a good cause, the Turtle Trot 5K events have something for everyone.
Register online today at pdpoa.run and reserve your spot in one of Hilton Head’s favorite traditions!
