More than 1,200 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the 17th annual Hilton Head Island Marathon, Marathon Team Relay, Half Marathon and 8K starting at 8 a.m. Feb. 9, 2019. The event will begin at Jarvis Creek Park and follow a course that will take runners on the Cross Island Parkway, through several parks, numerous neighborhoods and over Broad Creek.

This year, the marathon has been chosen as the 2019 Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Marathon Southern Region Championship. The championship event designation for the race was announced by Ron Macksoud, RRCA Southern Region director. “I am thrilled to have the Hilton Head Island Marathon included in the RRCA Championship Event Series, one of the oldest traditions in U.S. distance running that dates back to 1958, the year RRCA was founded,” said Macksoud. “This scenic and challenging race, a Boston Marathon qualifier, will serve as the marathon championship for the 11 states in RRCA’s Southern Region that includes South Carolina.”

The goal of the RRCA Championship Event Series is to shine a spotlight on well-organized, community-based events, and to promote the sport of running by recognizing RRCA champions from top male and female finishers in the Open, Masters, Grand Masters, and Senior Grand Masters categories.

The Hilton Head Island Marathon will be one of two regionals to be held in South Carolina, and the third event on the 2019 RRCA Southern Region Championship slate.

“We are so proud that the Hilton Head Marathon is a ‘Boston Qualifier.’ The event continues to grow each year and we are expecting a record number of runners in 2019,” said Mark Weisner, race Director.”

The course is fast and flat except for the bridge crossings over Broad Creek, which is challenging but scenic. New this year is a Marathon Team Relay.

Marathon Race Day will also feature a children’s Fun Run, live music, a craft beer garden, wine bar, vendors and more.

All participants will receive a colorful long-sleeve tech T-shirt plus all Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K finishers will receive a unique finisher’s medal.

The Sonesta Resort & Spa in Shipyard will host a Race Expo and packet pick-up from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 8.

Pre-registration is now open. To register, volunteer or for more information, call Bear Foot Sports at 843-757-8520 or visit bearfootsports.com.