Runner's Guide to Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach isn’t just a top vacation destination—it’s also a runner’s paradise.
With 60 miles of stunning coastline, scenic paved paths, and diverse outdoor trails, there’s no shortage of ways to log your miles while soaking in the beauty of the Grand Strand. Whether you prefer a sunrise jog on the beach, a scenic run through one of our state parks, or a fast-paced road route with ocean views, Myrtle Beach has the perfect spot for every kind of runner.
Looking for a low-impact, high-scenery run? The packed sand along the shoreline offers a smooth, joint-friendly surface with unbeatable ocean views. Prefer a structured route? Paved pathways wind through parks and residential areas, offering a safe and scenic experience. For those who crave trail running, nature preserves and wooded paths provide a peaceful escape from the bustling boardwalks.
Beyond its daily running options, we are home to the Myrtle Beach Marathon and some of the best races in the Southeast, from 5Ks to marathons and everything in between. Whether you're training for an event or just looking to keep up your routine while on vacation, here are some of the many ways to hit your stride in Myrtle Beach.
Where to Run in Myrtle Beach
There are also many area parks, both public, and state parks, which offer runners a great experience. Here are some spots we suggest trying.
Central Park
1400 Outrigger Rd. Myrtle Beach
- ¼-mile paved run path
McLean Park
93 Oak Dr., N. Myrtle Beach
- ½-mile paved run path
Huntington Beach State Park
16148 Ocean Hwy 17, Murrells Inlet
- Run through 2,500 acres of maritime forest and lagoons, historic Atalaya Castle, and bird sanctuary
Grand Park at Market Common
Farrow Pkwy., Myrtle Beach
- 2-mile paved runner's path
The Golden Mile
Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach
The Golden Mile is a scenic, oceanfront stretch of North Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, running from 34th Avenue North to 52nd Avenue North. With its quiet residential setting, Garden by the Sea Park, a dedicated oceanfront exercise path, and stunning beachfront homes, it’s a perfect spot for a peaceful, picturesque run away from the crowds. Overall, the stretch from 34th to end of the Cabana District (around 61st Avenue) is between 1.5 to 2 miles, offering an enjoyable 5K out-and-back. This is easily extendable to further runs as well by continuing on Ocean Blvd.
Conway Riverwalk
Downtown Conway
- Paved runner's path along the Waccamaw River, marina, and park
Pawleys Loop
Pawleys Island Nature Park, Pawleys Island
- 3.5 miles run along the marsh and Myrtle Ave.
Waccamaw Neck Bikeway
Murrells Inlet
- 4-mile paved runner's path from Hwy 17 in Murrells Inlet to Sandy Island near Huntington Beach State Park.
Join the Running Community on the Grand Strand
If hitting the pavement with a crew is your thing, the Myrtle Beach area has a solid scene for runners of all levels — from social jogs to structured training. Check out the Grand Strand Running Club Facebook page for area races and group runs.
Black Dog Running Company isn’t just a local running shop — it’s a hub for the region’s running community. They host weekly group runs and themed social outings that welcome walkers and runners alike. Routes typically start from the shop in The Market Common with options for all paces and distances, plus occasional special events and charity runs that bring the whole pack together.
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Fleet Feet Myrtle Beach has been a cornerstone for runners and walkers in the area, offering regular group runs — including mid-week evening runs and weekend morning meetups — and structured training programs that help you prep for races big and small. These runs are typically on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm and long runs on Saturdays at 7am, but be sure to call ahead to confirm.
Whether you’re just starting out or chasing your next PR, these groups are great ways to stay motivated, meet locals, and explore scenic routes around Myrtle Beach.
Marathons & Half Marathons
The Myrtle Beach Marathon is the longest-running and only 26.2-mile run in the area, but there are several other half marathons and races locally to test your endurance.
Myrtle Beach Marathon
The Myrtle Beach Marathon first took place in 1998. Since then, it has grown into one of the premier running events in the Southeast, attracting runners from across the country with its fast, flat course and scenic coastal views. The race was run in February until 2010, when a rare snow storm cancelled the race — it is now run the first weekend of March each year.
Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K
The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon first took place in 2010 and is a popular half marathon (13.1 miles) known for its surfboard-themed medals and scenic oceanfront route. The race is held in the fall and this year's event will take place Oct. 11, 2025.
Bridge 2 Bridge Run
The Bridge 2 Bridge Run is an annual running event held in historic Georgetown, South Carolina — just south of Pawleys Island along the area known as the Hammock Coast. The race is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, the 12th edition of this race offers participants a choice of four distances: a Half Marathon, 12K, 5K, and a 1 Mile Kids Fun Run. The event kicks off at the iconic clock tower on Front Street, providing runners with scenic views of Georgetown's charming streets and waterfront.
BAM! Race Series
Started in 2014 by Coastal Race Productions the BAM! Race Series — short for Big a$$ Medals — is a series of three races just over the N.C. state line from the Grand Strand. The races take place in Oak Island, N.C. (February), Sunset Beach, N.C. (April), and Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. (October) and each offers a 5K, 10K and half marathon race option.
5Ks, 10Ks & Other Runs
In addition to the marathon and mini marathon, the Grand Strand area also hosts many other races throughout the year.
Apex Trail Run
The Apex Trail Run takes place on April 26, 2025, at Horry County Bike & Run Park — known as "The Hulk" — in Carolina Forest. It offers a 5K Trail Run/Walk, a 10-Miler, and a 6-hour Ultra Challenge for endurance runners. The event welcomes both competitive and recreational participants, with scenic, winding trails providing a unique challenge. Runners receive finisher medals, and top performers earn awards.
Coastal Race Productions
Coastal Race Productions hosts a variety of scenic coastal races throughout the year as part of the BAM! Race Series, along with several themed 5Ks and 10Ks. The ShamROCK N’ Run kicks off in March, followed by the Pink Ribbon Run in September, the Halloween Hustle in October, and the Calabash Turkey Trot in November. The year wraps up with the Winter Run 5K in January. Each event offers a beautiful coastal setting and a strong community atmosphere.
Grand Strand Running Club Grand Prix Series
The Grand Strand Running Club is the area's largest running group devoted to promoting a healthier lifestyle through running and walking. The group hosts various training programs and group runs throughout the year as well as participating in, partnering with or sponsoring a variety of races throughout the year — known as the "Grand Prix Series". This includes races like the marathon, mini marathon and bridge run, as well as many 5K, 8K and 10K races around the region. Notable races in the series include the Pink Ribbon Run in September, the Surfside Beach Turkey Trot and the Halloween Hustle and Rivertown Reindeer Run in Conway,
Horry County Parks & Rec Races
The Horry County Race Series began in 2018 as a single road race along the newly completed International Drive. Since that time, Horry County Parks and Recreation has grown this event from a single race into a fantastic five race series that occurs all over the County. This now includes the Pier to Pier Beach Run in March at Myrtle Beach State Park, the World Famous Blue Crab 5k held at Vereen Gardens in May and the Loris Bog-Off "Chicken Run" 5k in October.
N.S. Promos Races
Local group N.S. Promos runs several seasonal races per year including the Coastal Like 5K at CCU, Fiesta Run/Walk, Memorial Day Weekend Run, Independence Day Race, Summer Solstice Awesome 80s Beach Run, Red White & Blue 5K, Labor Day 5K at Brookgreen Gardens, Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk, Twinkling Two-Miler during Winter Wonderland at The Beach and the Ripley's Penguin Dash Run/Walk at Broadway at the Beach.
North Myrtle Beach Winter Run
The North Myrtle Beach Winter Run is the region's longest continuous road race, celebrating its 42nd year on January 18, 2025. Participants can choose between a 5K or 15K, both starting on Ocean Blvd between 1st Ave. N. and 2nd Ave. N. All runners receive a finisher’s medal and a tri-blend T-shirt. A post-race party with a DJ and awards will follow.
Myrtle Beach area state parks are also fabulous places to experience nature at its best. Myrtle Beach State Park has great runner's paths along the ocean in its native South Carolina pristine woodland setting. Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet also has paths in an oceanfront woodland atmosphere.
Book your perfect place to stay in the center of all these running hot spots and enjoy the Myrtle Beach area!