The Port Royal Mile: Run for History!
Kick off your fall racing season on Saturday Evening, September 12, 2026, with the Port Royal Mile! As the summer heat fades, this fast-paced, family-friendly event is the perfect tune-up for your autumn goals and a great way to enjoy the spirit of the Lowcountry together.
Run with a Purpose
Every stride supports the Historic Port Royal Foundation (HPRF). Your participation helps HPRF protect, preserve, and present the unique heritage of Port Royal and the surrounding region through the Town’s Visitor Center and History Museum. Beyond the race, HPRF keeps the community connected with weekly "Coffee and Conversation" every Wednesday and "Third Thursday" social gatherings.
Compete & Represent
Whether you’re sprinting for a personal best or walking with friends, there’s plenty to play for:
Individual Glory: Awards for the top three male and female finishers in every age category, plus overall fastest male and female honors.
Strength in Numbers: We’re looking for the biggest team! Rally your school, place of worship, business, fitness center, or military/first responder unit. Make sure to list your affiliation when you register to help your group take home the Most Participants Award.
Lace up, represent your crew, and help us keep Port Royal’s history alive!
The awards ceremony will take place after the last race has finished and results are completed.
Race Categories
Fun Run / Walk: Family-Focused fun run or walk. No awards
Age Group Races (Competitive): This is a competitive, chip-timed, age group race on the course on Paris Avenue. There will be two heats (under 40 and 40 & above).
Age Groups:
10 and under
11 – 13 years old
14 – 19 years old
20 – 24 years old
25 – 29 years old
30 – 34 years old
35 – 39 years old
40 – 44 years old
45 – 49 years old
50 – 54 years old
55 – 59 years old
60 – 64 years old
65 – 69 years old
70 & over
Race/Heat Times
The Fun Run/Walk participants will be timed, but will not receive age group awards.
- Please be aware that the next heat starts 20 minutes behind the fun run/walk start time. If you’re still on the course, that’s OK, we just ask that you complete your mile using the sidewalks.
The Competitive Races ARE chip timed and participants are eligible for Age Group Awards.
- Please start at the time of your heat, arriving a few minutes early so you are ready to go!
Races will be a gun start at the times below.
5:00 pm - Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-up at the Start Line
6:00 pm - Fun Run/Walk (non awards)
6:20 pm - Under 40 Run (competitive - age group awards)
6:40 pm - 40 and over Run (competitive - age group awards)
Bathrooms will be available at the Start/Finish Line.
Packet Pick-up
Packet and shirt pick-up will be at two different times. On Friday September 11th 11:00am – 5:00pm packet pick-up will be at Grounded Running, on 2139 Boundary St Unit 108 in Beaufort, SC. We highly encourage you to pick up this day, to avoid overcrowding on race day.
You may also pick-up your packet the day of the race starting at 5:00 pm. This will take place at the start/finish line, at Paris Avenue and 8th Street (near Town Hall) in Port Royal.
Race T-Shirts
All participants who register by August 14th at midnight will receive a Port Royal Mile shirt. We do not order extras or have any available on the day of the race.
Awards
Individual awards will be based on the results from the competitive races. Prizes will be given to the top 3 male and female places in each age category. The top overall male and female runner will also receive a special prize.
Course Description
The Port Royal Mile is a one-mile course on Paris Avenue in Port Royal, SC. The race starts and finishes near the clock at Town Hall (Paris Avenue and 8th Street). Quarter-mile markers will be present during the race.
Want to Volunteer?
We can always use volunteers to help with the Port Royal Mile! It is a great time and all volunteers receive a complimentary race t-shirt for helping. Volunteer jobs include course and post-race activity setup, packet pickup, and tear down and more. Interested? Use the "Contact" link below.
REFUND POLICY
No refunds or transfers. This event will be held rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions or safety concerns, the race will be cancelled and entry fees will be viewed as a charitable donation to the Historic Port Royal Foundation.
Sep 12, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Running
18:00
$25.00
Sep 12, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Running
18:20
$25.00
Sep 12, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Running
18:40
$25.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Port Royal.
Learn more about the host city, Port Royal.
Port Royal is a town on Port Royal Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 14,220 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hilton Head Island metropolitan area. Port Royal is home to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and United States Naval Hospital Beaufort.
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