This was my first time doing the Skidaway Half Marathon. It's a great race. Flat, scenic, and run well. There were pacers for the full and half marathon. In 2018, they didn't give away tshirts (you could buy one) but gave away an Orange Mud towel which was pretty neat. Can't wait to use it. There is a limit to the number of runners so it wasn't too big of a race. The course was open to traffic during the race but it didn't cause many difficulties. I recommend arriving early to give time for traffic and parking. There's only one road in and out of the start/finish area so it takes a little longer to get there and out. Most of the course is in a private neighborhood so spectators can only see the first and last 3 miles. But the course is beautiful with spanish moss covered trees, golf courses, and a section that views the marsh. And they give you free pictures to download afterwards which were nice. They could organize the finish line area better to help people find what they want after they finish. But it's a fun race I would recommend to others.

Weather was great in 2016. There were plenty of water/gatorade stations with lots of nice volunteers. Savannah was packed for the race but it ran smoothly. Starting back in the 2:45 wave we started 20 minutes after the initial group. At the expo, we went first thing Friday morning and had no problems. We stayed on Tybee Island and took the shuttle ($25 round trip) and it was worth it. Saved a lot of stress and hassle. Would have liked to stay around for the after party but weren't able to. First race that I've been in that had chocolate milk at the finish! Loved it. Very fun, upbeat race with great bands and lots of course cheering. Just wish they would limit the number of participants.

I've been doing this race since 2008 and I love participating. It's a good race to do with friends or family. I like that included in your race is a ticket to the festival. The Columbia St Pats Festival is one of the largest events in our city. I like to go early before it gets crowded.
It's a fun race where people are encouraged to dress as a leprechaun and there's prizes for the best dressed. Also it's through a neighborhood so you have lots of encouragement with families coming out to cheer you on or even offer you a beer.
Cons: This is one of the largest races in Columbia so it can be pretty crowded but by the time you get to mile 1, the crowd thins out. There are lots of dogs and strollers that can be difficult to navigate. Also, since they added the 10k, there have been times when the water stops aren't always ready for the 5k runners. But for a 5k, you don't really need much water. Some years the weather can be rainy. In 2015 it poured down for most of the race, but some years you can have beautiful running weather.
The course is a little hilly but not too bad. The finish line can get crowded when people don't keep moving but there are lots of volunteers to hand out medals and water. Every year they tweak something but the course has been the same for the past few years.
Packet Pick up was at Whole Foods for the past couple years and that seems to work well. Volunteers are friendly and there is plenty of time to pick up your stuff.
I think this is a must-do if you live in the area but plan to have fun. You may not get a PR but you'll be entertained by the fun along the way.