
From the Organizer
42nd Annual July 4th Sunshine Festival 5k Race and 1-mile on St Simons Island!
This year’s event is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of our nation and marks the 50th anniversary of the Golden Isles Track Club. Join us in celebrating both our nation’s history and five decades of local running tradition at one of Georgia’s most scenic and spirited 5K events.
The Road Runners Club of America has selected the Golden Isles Track Club’s Sunshine Festival 5K as an official State Championship Event—an honor that recognizes the race’s quality, competition, and community impact. This prestigious designation elevates the event’s profile, attracting top runners from across the region while offering participants the opportunity to compete in a championship-caliber race on the scenic streets of St. Simons Island. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Georgia’s premier 5K experiences.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
91°
Typical Low
76°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Brunswick Malcolm Mckinnon Ap, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
2 ft
Nearest Airport
BQK
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport · 7 mi
Major Hub
JAX
Jacksonville International Airport · 55 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Sunshine Festival July 4th 5k & 1 mile, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
26
Days to train
Coming Up
FOR LOVE OF WATER (FLOW) SSI 26
Less than a mile away
Miracle League of the Golden Isles 5k
9 miles away
Smooth Running “5K” Endurance Challenge
Less than a mile away
Pedal Golden Isles
9 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sunshine Festival July 4th 5k & 1 mile
Jul 4, 2026