The Critz Tybee Run Fest Half Marathon brings runners to one of Georgia’s most charming barrier islands for a scenic coastal race just minutes from historic Savannah. Tybee Island — known for its wild, untamed beauty and laid-back beach-town vibe — provides a unique setting where runners trace the island’s roads past salt marshes, maritime forests, and Atlantic Ocean views.
The half marathon course is flat and fast, as you’d expect from a barrier island race. Runners loop through Tybee’s compact network of roads, passing the iconic Tybee Island Light Station, Fort Screvens historic district, and stretches of oceanfront. The course also crosses onto nearby Wilmington Island, adding variety with marsh-side roads and shaded canopy sections. Held in late winter or early spring, the race typically enjoys mild coastal temperatures ideal for distance running.
What makes Critz Tybee special is its intimate, community-driven feel and the unmistakable coastal Georgia atmosphere. The island’s small-town charm, combined with its proximity to Savannah’s world-class dining and historic district, makes this an appealing destination race. Runners can explore cobblestone streets and Spanish moss-draped squares before or after race day. For those seeking a flat, scenic half marathon on a beautiful Southern barrier island with easy access to one of America’s great cities, Critz Tybee Run Fest is an outstanding choice.
