8/3/2022
Turtle Trot 5K
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Scott Orlando
Finish Time: 23:31
Overall Place: 20th Place / 213
Division Place 2nd Place
Race Recap By Scott Orlando
This was the third time I have competed in the Turtle Trot 5K which has become an annual tradition for my niece and I to run together while on vacation. The Turtle Trot 5K is offered every Wednesday during the summer on the island of Hilton Head with proceeds being donated to the local turtle preservation organization. The race typically draws 250 – 600 participants weekly. This is a unique race course that is entirely on the beach of Hilton Head. Being this race was in the middle of my vacation I wanted to run fast enough to post a decent time but slow enough to enjoy the experience of running on the beach. The start and finish area of the race is actually in the middle of the the course. Runners head west about 3/4 of a mile to a turnaround point then back east past the start area and continue another 3/4 before turning again to head west to the finish line. It is actually a smart course design placing a mandatory water stop in the middle of the course. The firmly packed sand makes for a nice running surface. The temperature and humidity were both high at the start of the race nearing 80 degrees. The running conditions changed drastically depending on which direction and part of the course runners were on. Heading West there was a nice breeze and the sun on your back. Heading East the sun was bright in your face and there was no breeze so you really felt the humidity and 80 degree temperature. My average mile pace stayed pretty consistent throughout the race slowing some during the Eastern segments of the course and speeding up on the Western segments. I wanted to stay around a 7:30 pace and finished averaging just under that pace with a finish time of 23:31. Now awards are offered at the race but looking at the results I was 20th overall and 2nd in my age division. All race participants received nice turtle themed t-shirts.