The Daufuskie Island Marathon was a surprising and delightful detour. Originally, we planned to run the Charleston, SC Marathon, but it was canceled a week before due to Covid. With the same weekend marking my birthday, we’d hoped for a celebratory race. After some frantic research, Kim discovered the Daufuskie Island Marathon, which happened to be on the same day. A few text exchanges later, Diane, Angie, Kim, and I were on board—despite daunting logistics.

Pre-Race
The marathon required a 2:30 AM wake-up to drive to Hilton Head for a 5:30 AM ferry to the island. Though we were skeptical, the race director’s quick replies and accommodations for race-day bib pickup won us over.
Dinner the night before was at a Charleston Italian restaurant. Despite seating in a "patio" that felt like an oven, the food was excellent. When our waitress raved about the beauty of Daufuskie Island, excitement finally began to replace uncertainty.
Race Morning
We left Charleston at 3:30 AM, with Diane navigating and me offering my "backseat driving expertise." The dark drive was punctuated by deer sightings, which put us on high alert. We arrived at Haig Point for the ferry in near-freezing temperatures. Huddling around a heater on the dock, we waited to board, relieved that everyone was masked.
The ferry ride was serene, capped by a breathtaking sunrise over the island’s sandy beaches. At the check-in tent, we received small bibs and some of the best race swag ever: a fleece-lined jacket emblazoned with the race logo. Kim's jacket size wasn’t available, but they promised to mail one—a level of customer service that left us stunned.
The Course
The marathon was a two-loop course, alternating between pavement, dirt roads, and sandy trails. The island was enchanting, with moss-draped trees, birdsong, and even deer sightings. The first few miles on pavement were smooth, but the dirt sections included stretches of soft sand, reminiscent of running on the beach.
I warmed up quickly, shedding layers at the first water stop. The route wound through picturesque Southern homes with wraparound porches and quiet neighborhoods dotted with "beware of alligators" signs—a motivator to pick up the pace! Volunteers and residents cheered enthusiastically, many riding by in golf carts with encouraging words.
One of the highlights was running along the waterfront around mile 11, where blasting music and cheering spectators added an unexpected burst of energy. The camaraderie among runners was incredible, with everyone exchanging encouragement along the way.
The Finish
The second loop felt equally magical, despite growing fatigue. Around mile 22, I drafted behind a runner with an Ironman tattoo. When he began to slow, I urged him to keep going, and he returned the favor later. As I approached the finish line, Diane’s cheers spurred me to a final sprint, finishing in 3:45—a Boston Qualifier and second in my age group.
Post-Race
The post-race experience was like a VIP event. Tables were dressed with linens, and the food spread included hot dogs, hamburgers (including vegetarian options), salads, chips, and free beer. Runners lounged on the grass, soaking in the sun and live music. Even the medal engraving was complimentary!
We spent time celebrating with fellow runners, including the Texas Team Beef girls, and reconnected with Sharon, a friend who had moved to Hilton Head. The ferry ride back was filled with shared memories of an unforgettable day.
Would I Run It Again?
Absolutely! This small-town race delivered elegance, charm, and a stellar experience. It felt like a private event at a luxury golf club. I almost hesitate to leave glowing reviews, fearing it’ll become too popular. Hats off to the race director and volunteers for creating the perfect birthday marathon experience!
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