YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest to Race Through Tybee Island February 3 and 4

The YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest, a favorite event among locals and visitors alike, continues the long-standing tradition of the Tybee marathon February 3 and 4! This is the second year the race is hosted by the YMCA of Coastal Georgia whose youth-centered programming is the beneficiary of weekend proceeds. The event will retain its format, where “Friday is the taste and Saturday is the test,” consisting of five races, for which runners can register in any combination they like; running all five events adds up to a 26.2-mile full marathon distance.

This year the Y is making an extra effort toward keeping Tybee clean by partnering with Hiccup Earth to utilize sterile, reusable cups to replace plastic water cups at aid stations along the course route. The Y is also working with longstanding partner Savannah Distributing to cut down on plastic waste by providing racers with their traditional post-race beer in cans, which are more easily recyclable than plastic cups. Additional recycling bins will be available around the race site, provided by Curbie Sanitation.

“The Y is really excited to be reducing the environmental impact the race has on the island. The Critz Tybee Run Fest is a landmark event in the community and we couldn’t be more thrilled to continue to host it,” says Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “We’re so grateful to Dale Critz, Jr. and Critz Auto for continuing their association with the race as presenting sponsor.” With the YMCA of Coastal Georgia as the beneficiary, all proceeds from the weekend will go to youth-focused programs including before- and after-school care, youth sports leagues, out-of-school-time enrichment and day camps for when schools are closed but parents need to work. All funds will also stay local.

Race weekend begins with The Bernie’s Oyster House 5K at 6 p.m. Friday night followed by The Collins Quarter 10K at 7 a.m. Saturday morning, the Chu’s Mart Half-Marathon at 8:30 a.m. and the noon Lighthouse Pizza 2.8-Mile Beach Run, wrapping up with the West Construction Company One-Mile Run at 1 p.m., which will complete the weekend marathon. Friday night will also host a Kiddie Run starting at 5:30 p.m. This year, packet pick-up will take place at the race site beginning Friday at 2 p.m. and continue throughout the weekend.

Registration is open at CritzTybeeRun.com! A special Savannah Magazine Saturday VIP Experience is available as an add-on to race registration. Details are available at the race website.

For race information, visit CritzTybeeRun.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Shannon Horst, race director, at [email protected] for information on becoming a race sponsor! If you would like to sign up to volunteer at the race,  or contact Laura Schmarkey, outreach program director at [email protected].