Forty years ago, on a warm April day, Charleston began the great tradition that is the Cooper River Bridge Run. Each year, thousands of area residents and avid runners from around the country gather in Mount Pleasant for a 6.2 mile jaunt across the Charleston Harbor. The run is a one-way road event that begins on Coleman Blvd, passes over Shem Creek, crosses the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and ends with a two mile run through historic downtown. In 1978, approximately 1,000 runners competed in the event and last year over 40,000 experienced the best views of Charleston by participating. The Cooper River Bridge Run is more than a scenic 10k. When the event was created forty years ago, it was done so as a way to encourage running and fitness in the Charleston community. Today’s event now boasts a mission that promotes continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunity.
As you pass through Charleston this weekend, you might experience area businesses with signage or window displays cheering on runners and even offering special discounts to those who show a race bib. The community is an integral part of the event and you will often see neighbors along the race route encouraging participants. Along with the race itself, the Cooper River Bridge Run now includes a runner’s expo, logo and t-shirt design contest*, finish line festival and a taste of the bridge run that offers participants a chance to fuel their body for the race the night before with local food favorites. Whether you live in Charleston now, visit regularly or plan to make the move, add the Cooper River Bridge Run to your Holy City Bucket list. Prestige Real Estate Group wishes the runners great success and admires their focus and determination!
*2017 Cooper River Bridge Run logo created by local artist, Tate Nation.
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