On a September morning, the shoreline of Hilton Head Island will once again become more than a place for sandcastles and sunrise strolls. It will transform into a path of purpose – lined with tribute signs, powered by community spirit, and united by a shared mission: supporting those whose memories are slowly slipping away.
The 5th Annual Move Your Mind 5K Run/Walk, hosted by Memory Matters, will take place Saturday, September 13, at the Beach House on Hilton Head Island’s South Forest Beach. The race begins at 9 a.m., with festivities continuing into the late morning. Participants will run or walk along a scenic beach route, starting and finishing at the Tiki Hut, a venue recently voted by readers of USA Today as the third-best beach bar in the country.
“It’s going to be a fun, festive, and family-friendly event for all to enjoy in support of a cause that’s important to so many,” said Stacy Floyd, Memory Matters’ development and outreach director. “Whether you run, walk, or just come out to cheer, you’re helping local families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”
Founded in 1997 by a group of dedicated local volunteers, Memory Matters is a nonprofit organization serving Beaufort and Jasper counties. The group provides compassionate services for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, as well as respite and guidance for their caregivers. Programs include Memory Care Adult Day Respite, early intervention classes, support groups, caregiver education, and personalized care planning.
“Last year alone, Memory Matters served over 5,600 residents through community outreach programs and direct services,” Floyd explained. “This race helps fund that critical work, making it possible to expand access to affordable care and engagement services for families who need it most.”
Funds raised from the 5K directly support these services, including respite care that gives caregivers a much-needed break, educational outreach about brain health, and support groups that connect families on similar journeys.
The Move Your Mind 5K is as meaningful as it is memorable. For many, it’s a morning spent honoring loved ones whose memories may have faded, but whose impact remains strong.
The Tiki Hut at The Beach House
“We invite families to take part in a meaningful tribute,” Floyd said. “With a $250 donation, you can honor or remember a loved one with a personalized sign placed along the route. It’s a special way to celebrate someone close to your heart while supporting our mission.”
These tribute signs, often adorned with photos and heartfelt messages, become mile markers of memory, turning the beach route into a visual tapestry of love and remembrance.
The event is co-hosted by the Beach House hotel and Hilton Head Running Company, who together help create a seamless and safe race day. Registration is $35, which includes a T-shirt, race bib, and a free beverage ticket for the Tiki Hut.
Participants don’t have to run. “It’s absolutely walker-friendly,” Floyd said. “Some people create teams and run together, others walk, and many just come out to enjoy the morning and show support.”
Music begins at 11 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony when medals are handed out. Sponsors and community partners will offer refreshments.
“The atmosphere is always uplifting,” Floyd said. “We’ll have games and activities for the kids, and we hope people will stay afterward to enjoy Hilton Head and spend time together.”
Music begins at 11 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony when medals are handed out.
Get Involved: Teams and Fundraising
Signing up is simple. Visit mymemorymatters.org, which links to the registration page on RunSignUp. Participants can sign up individually, join an existing team, or create a new one.
“You can start a team and ask friends and family to donate, even if they can’t be here,” Floyd said. “They might be older, live elsewhere, or just can’t walk, but they can still support your team and the cause.”
This flexible model makes it easy for everyone to participate, whether by walking the beach route, fundraising from afar, or cheering from the sidelines.
While race-day registration is available, early sign-up is strongly encouraged. “It really helps us plan, and it guarantees you’ll get the race T-shirt,” Floyd said. “Plus, it builds momentum for your team’s fundraising.”
Behind every detail of the 5K is a network of volunteers, local sponsors, and community members. “Our board heavily supports this event,” Floyd said. “We rely on volunteers and have a planning committee that helps make it a fun and memorable morning for everyone.”
The Move Your Mind 5K is part of Memory Matters’ broader mission to provide comprehensive dementia care and raise awareness about brain health and prevention. Beyond respite care and support groups, the organization offers free memory screenings, brain health education, and wellness events throughout the year.
“This event is about support, connection, and awareness,” Floyd said. “It’s a chance to come together as a community and talk openly about dementia, brain health, and what we can all do to help.”
Whether you run, walk, sponsor, volunteer, or donate from afar, your involvement helps provide critical care and hope to local families facing Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
“This is our fifth year, and it keeps growing,” Floyd said. “We’re so grateful to everyone who comes out. Every step really does make a difference.”
For more information, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, visit MyMemoryMatters.org or contact Floyd at stacy@mymemorymatters.org.
