Run to the Sun has been one of my favorite car shows for years. When thinking about how to describe why it stands out, the best way I can put it is—it’s like summer camp for car enthusiasts.
For us, it’s the perfect guys’ trip to the beach. We typically bring a few cars, a cruiser to get around, and leave our show cars parked in the field.
The summer camp comparison comes from the feeling of reconnecting with car friends you haven’t seen all winter, catching up on their latest builds, and soaking in the atmosphere of automotive passion. The event features a pre-1989 cutoff and is open to all brands, meaning the show field is packed with classics of every kind—muscle cars, original survivors, restomods, trucks, rat rods, and some wild rides that defy categorization.
Unlike some shows that hand out dozens of awards, Run to the Sun keeps things simple, giving out just Best Car and Best Truck. That low-pressure approach makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. This year marked the 36th anniversary of the event, and it’s stronger than ever. As someone who was part of the original crew behind Mustang Week, I know firsthand that holding an automotive event in Myrtle Beach comes with its challenges, but Run to the Sun continues to thrive.
If you make it to the show, be sure to check out Rats at the Beaver on Friday night in Murrells Inlet. This gathering is a must-see, put on by a group of people who truly embrace the car culture in its rawest form.
I’ve been part of this hobby for a long time, and trust me—start making plans now for next March. Myrtle Beach is the perfect backdrop for an event like this, with its beautiful coastal views, endless entertainment, and deep-rooted car culture.
Fun Facts About Myrtle Beach:
• Myrtle Beach has been a car-lover’s destination for decades, with events like Mustang Week and Run to the Sun keeping the tradition alive.
• The city sees over 14 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast.
• Ocean Boulevard, lined with neon-lit hotels and classic beachside attractions, is a great place to cruise—especially when filled with vintage rides during car show weekends.
• The area is home to over 90 golf courses, but for gearheads, it’s the long stretches of highway and scenic coastal roads that make for the real fun.
• Murrells Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach, is known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina” and offers some of the best post-show dining spots.
If you haven’t experienced Run to the Sun yet, make it happen—you won’t regret it!
Check out the gallery below to see more.
by Donald Farr (Author), David Pericak (Foreword), Edwin Krenz (Foreword), Carl Widmann (Foreword), Laurie Transou (Foreword)
Get the full story of the original pony car in this expertly written, Ford-licensed, and stunningly illustrated Mustang history featuring commissioned photography as well as images from Ford’s archives.
