Pawleys Island Run Club: A New Community for Runners Embracing Scenic Strides
It might be said that Daisy Rutherford is someone who knows when to put her best foot forward.
As the founder of the new Pawleys Island Run Club, that kind of go-to attitude perfectly filled the bill.
“I started Pawleys Island Run Club because I had been visiting a friend out of state and attended her run club,” Rutherford recalled. “I did some research and found that Pawleys didn’t have one, and I was inspired to start one myself.”
That was just a few months ago. In fact, the first run for the club was on the evening of March 25, 2024. It attracted about 15 people.
Pawleys Island has long been a place that attracts runners, walkers and bicyclists to enjoy its scenic views and laid-back atmosphere. So it’s only natural that fitness enthusiasts form groups based on shared interests.
To get things started, Rutherford, who lives on the mainland of Pawleys Island, created Facebook and Instagram pages for the club. She also promoted the club on fliers at beach accesses and other frequented spots.
That first run in March was in the evening because the mornings were still cold, but now that it’s summer, the runs start every Sunday morning at 7:30 from the Pawleys Island Nature Park near Town Hall. There is no cost to be a member of the club.
“I love being part of our run club because of the people I have met in our community,” Rutherford said. “All our members are kind, encouraging and welcoming and they keep me motivated.”
Pawleys Island Town Administrator Daniel Newquist said starting a run club on the island was a good idea. He said it’s the only club dedicated to running on the island, but there are other clubs dedicated to yoga and surfing.
“I think it’s great and has a lot of potential,” Newquist said. “Pawleys Island is a beautiful place to run.”
The 3-mile route the group takes varies, but they usually run from the park by Town Hall to the south causeway of the island, then they go to the north end of the island and return to the park. Anyone who wants to run a shorter route is encouraged to do so.
“It is very beautiful, and we are so lucky to be able to run right along the marsh and ocean,” Rutherford said. “It’s the perfect place to run.”
A usual morning run will consist of five to 16 people. And membership is easy – if you join the run, you’re in!
“Anyone who has ever joined us for a run is considered a member,” Rutherford said. “We don’t really take names and count members. We just show up, run, and take our group photos after.”
Members of the Pawleys Island Run Club say they enjoy being part of it. Alison Visbaras of Georgetown, who started with the club in April, said she ran cross country in high school. She is a local artist and owner of Ali’s Beach Beads and Art.
“I really appreciate the group atmosphere and energy when it comes to running,” Visbaras said. “It helps switch up my same routine, and I have made some great connections through the club.”
She said she likes the route the club takes on the island.
“I haven’t run there often, and it’s a different view every time,” Visbaras said. “There is always something to look at and sometimes you see people you know.”
Pete Giordano, who is the front house manager for Local Eat Drink and Celebrate restaurant in the Hammock Shops Village in Pawleys Island, has been a member of the run club for three months.
“It’s a great way,” he said, “to experience Pawleys Island with other people who like to run. I like seeing the same people walking their dogs every day, seeing them taking care of their lawns, saying ‘good morning’ to everyone we pass.”
Rutherford urges anyone who enjoys running and beautiful scenery to come join the Pawleys Island Run Club.
“We are always welcoming new people,” Rutherford said. “Just come down and join us on Sunday mornings.”
It just might be a step in the right direction. When it’s Pawleys, you really can’t take a wrong turn, after all.
For more information about the Pawleys Island Run Club, check out its Facebook page, and for more running events in Pawleys Island, check out the Pawleys Island Turtle Strut!
By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce