Running on St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island offers a variety of running choices for everyone from the walker/jogger to the serious competitor.

Beach Running and Neighborhoods

St. Simons beaches is adequate for running, although in some areas there can be little beach during high tide.  Water and restrooms are available near the pier, Massengale Park, and the Coast Guard Station parking area.

St. Simons has numerous residential areas that are great for running.  Most are just off Demere or Frederica Road and offer shade, little traffic and attractive scenery.

Causeway

Depending on weather conditions, running the Torras Causeway can be enjoyable or extremely painful.  There is no shade and little water.  It is relatively safe, thanks to the bike path, but traffic can be disconcerting on the bridges and they are as steep as they look.

The most convenient way to run it is to start on the Brunswick side, at the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Station.  There is a water fountain and restrooms on the side of the building away from the parking lot.  From the beginning of the bike path (south of the building) to the end of the last bridge (near the Coast Guard dock) is 4 miles.  The only water on the route is at the tollbooth - a water spigot.

Running the Causeway is not recommended for beginners or inexperienced runners, especially during the summer.

Where Not To Run

There are a few roads on St. Simons that we do not suggest running on.  These roads have no bike path, traffic can be very heavy and/or full of speedsters, and the drivers are not anticipating runners to be on these roads.  Besides, given the extensive bike path system on the island, it makes little sense to risk injury by running on these roads.

Sea Island Causeway:  Demere Rd (red light near the Torras Causeway) to Frederica Rd (red light at stables) and to Sea Island

 

Link to area runs posted on MapMyRun.com

This site allows you to map out your run, track your training, etc. Pretty neat site. . Several routes for the Golden Isles area are listed.