Barrier Island Earth Day 5K and Festival

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? 

Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, for the Barrier Island Earth Day 5K Fun Run 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! 

During and immediately following the race, the fun continues with something for all ages:

• Food trucks
• Local vendors
• Silent auction
• Environmental Education 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 Festivities:

8:30 am - 12:00 pm: Food Trucks, Vendors, Games, Environmental Booths, and Silent Auction

8:45 am: Herpetarium and Aquarium tour*

10:15 am: Herpetarium and Aquarium tour*

*Sign up before the animal tours at the 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, these 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 in the Grove 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 20, 2026
• If joining for the Festivities and to watch the race ONLY, register ahead to guarantee entry at a reduced price! Day of 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!