The Edisto Island Triathlon Pro-Am

The Edisto Island Triathlon Pro-Am is a half-iron distance race held each October, with a swim through Big Bay Creek and an awards ceremony at Bay Creek Park. The 2026 race, part of the South Carolina Triathlon Series, was held on Saturday, October 24, with every event starting at 8 a.m. The 2027 date hasn’t been confirmed.

At a Glance

• When: 2026 race held Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 a.m.; 2027 date not yet announced
• Where: Swim from Live Oak Boat Ramp to The Marina at Edisto Beach; awards at Bay Creek Park, 3706 Docksite Road
• Cost: Entry fees are set on RunSignup and weren’t displayed after registration closed
• Organizer: SC Triathlon Series
• Good for: Experienced triathletes, relay teams, aquabike racers, and spectators who like an early start

The Distance and the Divisions

This is a half-iron race: a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike, and a 13.1-mile run. The 2026 race offered four ways in:

• Half Iron Triathlon, the full swim-bike-run for individuals
• Relay, splitting the legs among teammates
• Aquabike, swim and bike only
• Pro Men & Women, the “Pro-Am” part of the name

A Swim on the Back Side of the Island

What makes Edisto’s course distinctive is the water. Instead of the ocean, the swim starts at Live Oak Boat Ramp, the state park’s landing on Big Bay Creek, and finishes at The Marina at Edisto Beach next to Bay Creek Park. That puts the swim in the tidal creek behind the beach town rather than in the surf. Racers should expect creek current and plan around the official race instructions.

Watching the Race

For spectators, Bay Creek Park and the marina are the hub: swimmers come out of the water at the marina, and the awards ceremony is held at the park. Because the start is at 8 a.m., spectators staying up-island should drive down SC-174 early and expect race-day traffic around Docksite Road. Bring coffee and a chair.

Is It Worth Traveling For?

For triathletes, a late-October half-iron on a quiet barrier island is an appealing season-ender, and Edisto’s fall shoulder season means easier lodging than in summer. For non-racers, it’s a fine morning to watch but not a reason on its own to book a trip; pair it with other fall events instead.

Plan Your Visit

• Racers: Check the RunSignup race page for packet pickup, course maps, and the athlete guide. RunSignup lists the address as 3701 Docksite Road.
• Recovery day: Spend Sunday on easy trails in Edisto Beach State Park or at the beach with our shelling guide.
• Eat: Pressley’s at the Marina is right at the finish area; more options are in our restaurant guide.
• Same-weekend history: The island’s Edisto & Beyond Tour of historic homes and churches has been held on the fourth Saturday of October, the same day as the 2026 race.
• Tides and weather: Check Edisto tide charts and weather ahead of race week.

FAQ

When is the next Edisto Island Triathlon?

The 2027 date hasn’t been confirmed. The race has been held on a Saturday in late October; watch RunSignup for registration to open.

How long is the course?

Half-iron distance: a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run. Relay and aquabike options are also offered.

Is the swim in the ocean?

No. It runs through Big Bay Creek from Live Oak Boat Ramp to The Marina at Edisto Beach.

Where can spectators watch?

The marina and Bay Creek Park, where the swim finishes and the awards are held.

Details from RunSignup and the Edisto Chamber of Commerce as of October 24, 2026; confirm with the race organizers before you go. See what else is coming up in our Edisto Island events calendar.