Join us in September to run one of the fastest and most scenic 5Ks in Georgia. The Go for the Grits 5K starts on the runway of the Jekyll Island Airport and takes runners on a course shaded by majestic live oaks into the island’s National Historic Landmark District. Runners and walkers will also enjoy closed roads with no traffic, plus access to the Shrimp & Grits Festival — voted Best Festival in the Southeast — before it opens to the general public. You’ll experience Jekyll Island’s unique blend of history and natural beauty in an unforgettable way.
Race Information
Course Map
START DETAIL
Race Date: September 22, 2019
Race starts: 8:00 a.m.
Registration/Packet Pick up: September 21st, 1pm-4:30pm at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center (901 Jekyll Island Causeway) and on race day beginning at 6:30a.m. Cash and Venmo accepted.
Getting to Jekyll
If you’re arriving from the North or the South, you’ll be turning onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. You’ll take the causeway to the Welcome center where you have to pay a parking fee to access the Island.
Getting to the race
Once on Jekyll take make your way to the Jekyll Island Airport located on N. Riverview Dr.
Parking fee
A parking fee is required to access the island and will increase $4 above the normal daily rate. This is a busy weekend on Jekyll so please give yourself enough time to get past the welcome center. I recommend an hour. If you plan on picking up your packet on race day, I would highly encourage you to arrive to the race start no later then 7am. This will give you time to park and pick up your packet. The parking and start are in the same location so you only need to go to one spot!!!
Parking (also see map)
Race parking is located at the Jekyll Island Airport. All vehicles will park on the grass along the westside of the runway. Make sure your car is on the grass. The run route will follow the runway and the taxiway and any car on the runway will impede the progress of all our runners. The airport is also the parking for the Shrimp and Grits Festival.
No Gear Drop will be provided. Please keep your gear and valuables secure in your car. Race organizers and the Jekyll Island Authority are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Road closures
Roads will be closed starting at 8am. Once you’ve completed your Go for the Grits you can walk run or shuttle back to the airport to pick up your car. Shuttles will drop of and pick up at the Jekyll Island Mosaic museum. If you prefer to walk back to your car it’s a very scenic ¾ mile walk from the race finish to the airport.
Water/Aid
Runners will find an aid station as they turn onto Old Plantation Rd. Finish line will include water, fruit, and bagels. We're keeping it light so you have room for Shrimp and Grits!
Race Awards
Overall and age group awards will begin at 9:30am
Okefenokee EMS will be on site to assist with first aid.
Jekyll Island Information here
Shrimp and Grits info here
FINISH AND FESTIVAL MAP
