What better way to celebrate Earth Day, do your part to conserve nature, and help educate future generations on the environment, then by joining us for this year's Barrier Island Earth Day 5K and Festival? 

 

Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, for the Barrier Island Earth Day 5K Fun Run & Festival at St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center.

 

Whether you are looking for a fitness challenge, an interactive way to support a good cause, or a pleasant Saturday morning stroll – we’ve got something for everyone! Here’s what you can look forward to:

 

The 5K Fun Run:

The 5K course will guide you through five unique ecosystems in five kilometers: maritime forest, salt marsh, dunes, estuary, and beach. It’s the perfect way to get your steps in while soaking in the beauty of our planet and celebrating Earth Day! 

 

The Festival:

After the race, the fun continues with something for all ages:

• Food trucks
• Local vendors
• Silent auction
• Educational booths
• Games and crafts for kids (and kids at heart)
• Live animals and tours of our herpetarium and aquarium
• ... and so much more!

 

Schedule of Events

 

5K Fun Run:

7:30 - 8:30 am: 5K Bib and T-shirt Pickup

8:30 - 10:00 am: BI Earth Day 5K Fun Run

10:00 - 10:30 am: 5K Awards Ceremony

 

Earth Day Festival:

8:30 am -1:00 pm: Festival and Silent Auction

8:45 am: Herpetarium and Aquarium tour*

10:15 am: Herpetarium and Aquarium tour*

11:00 am: Heartbeatz Performance Team Dance

 

*Sign up before tour at Barrier Island table in the grove to ensure availability, tours will meet at designated time at the Barrier Island table

 

 

Mission

 

All proceeds from this event will directly benefit our Barrier Island Scholarship and Outreach Fund, which helps bring our hands-on environmental education to local underserved students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. Your participation will help us inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and foster a love for our planet on Earth Day and beyond!

 

To support our mission to create scholarships for schools and students to visit the Barrier Island Environmental Education Program and provide outreach to local Title 1 classrooms, you can sign up for the 5K and Festival or donate using our donations tab.

 

If you or your business wish to Sponsor the race, or if you wish to Volunteer on the day of the event, please contact the Barrier Island Program at naturalist@stchristopher.org for more information.

 

 

Other important information:

Lodging opportunities are available for individuals and groups:

• Contact Katie Sullivan for discounted group cabin rates at ksullivan@stchristopher.org.
• Contact Lisa Marrone to book a lodge room at lmarrone@stchristopher.org

What to bring:

• Chairs, blankets, and other seating are encouraged
• Personal water bottles- Water refill stations will be available so let's be as Earth-friendly as possible!
• NO dogs are allowed- While we love our furry friends, we anticipate large crowds and small children. The safety and comfort of all our guests is our top priority.
• Strollers are welcome at the festival; however, may be challenging if using during the 5K as some areas of the course offer uneven terrain including gravel, sand, and roots
• We will have Compost and Recycling Bins available on Festival grounds for food waste and recyclable materials. Please join us in making sure we reduce as much garbage waste as possible this Earth Day!!

Registration:

• You must register ahead of time to participate in our 5K Fun Run (this includes your festival ticket)
• In order to guarantee a Race T-Shirt, you must register by Friday, March 22, 2025
• If joining for the Festival ONLY, register ahead to guarantee entry at a reduced price! Day of Festival entry tickets will be offered for a "price-per-vehicle" fee

 

 

Thank you for your support of K-12 environmental education in the Lowcountry! Let's celebrate Earth Day the Charleston Way!