33rd annual Turtle Strut run/walk set for Nov. 14
Celebrating a local icon who shared his love for fitness with everyone around him, the Town of Pawleys Island is gearing up for the 33rd annual Turtle Strut, a 5K or 8K run/walk.
Presented by Pawleys Island Realty, the Turtle Sturt race will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, starting at 8 a.m. at Pawleys Island Nature Park, near Town Hall on the North Causeway to the island. The finish line is in the same location.
The Turtle Strut is being held in memory of former Police Chief Guy Osborne, who passed away in 2015.
“This event is a great way to experience the unique beauty of Pawleys Island,” said Daniel Newquist, Pawleys Island’s town administrator. “Road races are great events that bring the community together. They also serve as great motivators to achieve personal fitness goals.”
Online registration for the Turtle Strut is now open through Saturday, Nov. 14, at 6:45 a.m. Registration is $50 for the 5K race and $55 for the 8K race through Nov. 11. After Nov. 11, the price increases to $55 and $60, respectively. There is a signup fee and shipping fee added to the price.
There is also a virtual option. Registration for this, which ends on Oct. 4, 2026, is $70. There are signup and shipping fees added to the price.
“Run or walk virtually with us. Choose your distance,” said Race Director Dawn White. “Virtual participants will receive a race shirt and finisher medal within two weeks after the race. We would love to see your pictures. Please share with us.”
Participants will start at the Pawleys Island Nature Park and head south on Myrtle Avenue along the Pawleys Island Creek. Participants in the 5K race will turn around in the Bird’s Nest area of the island while 8K runners will continue down Springs Avenue and enjoy a stunning ocean view, turning around at the far south end beach access and heading back to the Nature Park finish line.
“It’s a beautiful racecourse along the island with a lot of natural beauty to view,” White said. “It is very flat and fast! … Our numbers continue to grow, and we look forward to another great event.”
She said people can participate in the event even if they don’t opt to run or walk the routes.
“We have something for everyone,” she said. “You may be a race participant, volunteer, sponsor, or spectator, but it will be a fun-filled morning for everyone.”
The fact that the town has hosted this event for 33 years “speaks to the longevity and endurance of the event and the passion of the community leaders to keep it going year after year,” White said.
Betsy Altman, owner and broker-in-charge of Pawleys Island Realty, said her company is honored to be the presenting sponsor for the Turtle Strut event.
“We wanted to sponsor this event because we knew Chief Osborne and thought he was such an inspiration to many with his work ethic, treating all with respect, and of course, his boot camps,” Altman said, referring to early morning workout sessions led by Osbourne, which were held at 5 a.m. three times a week. “I took part in one of his boot camps and it was extremely challenging.”
Altman said this is Pawleys Island Realty’s second time as the presenting sponsor.
“The race is special as it brings people from all areas to Pawleys to remember Chief Osborne and to help them on their health journey,” she said. “We think it’s wonderful that this race can be for anyone, from a beginner runner/walker to an experienced athlete.”
Police Chief Michael Fanning, who took over after Osborne’s retirement in 2012, remembers the former chief fondly.
“Guy was dedicated to everything that he loved, which was his family and friends, the people he served as police chief and his devotion to fitness,” Fanning said. “He would always try to help people to the best of his ability.”
He and others in the police department participated in one of Osborne’s Boot Camps one spring.
“The three police officers and the clerk, along with a couple of wives, did it,” Fanning said. “By no means were we strong competitors compared to some of the others in the group, but Guy still encouraged us to do our best.”
(Photo provided by Dawn White)
Awards will be presented at 9 a.m. for the 5K race and 9:20 am. for the 8K race. Awards for both races are:
- Overall Male and Female, first through third place
- Overall Masters Male and Female, first place
- Age Groups Male and Female, first place for age-designated increments (1-10, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 and up)
For more information about this event and to register, click here. To learn more about the Town of Pawleys Island, click here. To learn more about Pawleys Island Realty, click here.
By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce