2024 Cooper River Bridge Run Magazine

47th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run

APRIL 6, 2024

Thank you to our partners:

From the Race Director

On behalf of the Cooper River Bridge Run Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to welcome you to the 47th Annual, Cooper River Bridge Run. The fact that the Bridge Run is going strong after 47 years speaks volumes about the increased interest in Health and Wellness. It is a joy to hear from so many participants whose families have made it a tradition to come from near and far for “the Bridge Run Weekend”. The Cooper River Bridge Run has contributed in so many ways to the strengthening economy and wellbeing of the Lowcountry and state of South Carolina. We welcome our influx of new participants and always look forward to reconnecting with friends from years past, some who have witnessed the growth from 700 to 40,000 participants and we could not have done it without you.

For those of you who have traveled to get here, we encourage you to take in the sights and enjoy the cuisine of our famous local restaurants. The array of shops, art galleries, and historic tours are unique to our area and is the epitome of old southern charm.

We kick off our event with the ever-growing Health and Wellness Expo on Thursday and Friday, April 4th and 5th at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston. Our Health and Wellness Expo has over 200 vendors with cutting edge fitness attire, exercise equipment, and demonstrations, nutritional information, and product samples for your enjoyment while picking up your bib and race packet.

The Cooper River Bridge Run begins on Saturday April 6th, at 7:25 with the world-class wheelchair race, followed at 8:00 am by the first wave of the run. Our spectacular harbor views and beautiful architecture will amaze and inspire you while crossing the bridge from Mount Pleasant to Charleston. We have one of the only races in the country that provides free bus shuttles before and after the race for any participant wearing their race bib. Cross the finish line and receive a finisher medal and then enjoy our finish festival in Marion Square, the heart of beautiful historic downtown

We are so honored to have Harris Teeter as our presenting sponsor. They share our mission of promoting Health and Wellness in our community and we value our alliance. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our wonderful sponsors and vendors for their continued support. We couldn’t begin to have this event without the tremendous job done by our volunteers. Thanks, does not begin to cover it. We are so grateful to the City of Charleston, Town of Mount Pleasant, the City of North Charleston, and their public servants. Kudos to the entire Security team for their dedication to our safety and wellbeing. Above all, we want to thank the people of our wonderful community who are the heart

From the Mayors

Welcome to Charleston and the 47th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run!

This event is one that the Charleston community looks forward to hosting each year, when we open our streets to an ambitious group of runners and walkers from around the world. Our beautiful city serves as a truly memorable race course, and the Bridge Run weekend is packed with wellness-inspired activities that encourage participants to make active, healthy habits.

But the annual Bridge Run is not just an opportunity to promote health and wellness. It is a true community event that invites participants to get to know one another, to explore our city and to chase a common goal. Each year, I am inspired by the enthusiasm of the Bridge Run participants and I look forward to cheering on this year's group.

I encourage all those visiting our fine city for this year's race to take advantage of its many cultural and historic offerings. I hope that you'll grow to love it as much as I do, and will create memories here to be cherished for years to come.

On behalf of the Charleston community, I wish you the best of luck in the 47th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run and thank you for joining us for this special occasion.

Most Sincerely Yours,

William Cogswell Mayor, City of Charleston

From the Mayors

On behalf of Mount Pleasant Town Council and our more than 84,000 residents, I welcome you to the Cooper River Bridge Run.

You are already off to a great start - you’re in the Town of Mount Pleasant!

We are honored to host the Cooper River Bridge Run and to have you here, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. We are proud of our town, its beauty and our quality of life.

Mount Pleasant is blessed with unique features such as picturesque Shem Creek, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Boone Hall Plantation, Memorial Waterfront Park, Charleston Harbor and of course, the Ravenel Bridge. We hope you will take in all of these while you’re here.

We welcome you to Mount Pleasant and invite you to stay awhile and enjoy all that our beautiful town has to offer.

Have a great race!

Sincerely,

Will Haynie Mayor, Town of Mount Pleasant

Dear Bridge Runners, Walkers, and Enthusiasts,

From the Mayors

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to each of you for the exhilarating 2024 Cooper River Bridge Run and its accompanying expo.

North Charleston stands distinct and vibrant among cities. It’s a place where everyone is valued and recognized. Our community is characterized by its tenacity, a hands-on approach to craftsmanship, a spirit of neighborliness, and an open invitation to celebrate life’s joys together.

Whether you’re enticed by dazzling performances, Broadway shows, and concerts, or enchanted by scenic riverfront vistas, shopping havens, and historical explorations, North Charleston offers a rich tapestry of experiences. As you explore our streets, we invite you to embrace the unexpected and uncover the gems that make our city truly special.

Annually, we are delighted to host thousands of participants who flock to our city for America’s premier 10K race. With the expo and packet pickup located right here in North Charleston, we encourage you to discover our city’s charms, find focus and relaxation in our picturesque parks, and indulge in pre-race dining at our exceptional local eateries. North Charleston is a city of inclusive activities, convenient accessibility, and affordable accommodations.

Wishing you a memorable visit to the Lowcountry and the best of luck in the Cooper River Bridge Run.

Sincerely,

Reginald L. Burgess Mayor

BEER OFFICIAL

TRIED AND TRUE

2024 Design Contest Winner

Mel Behnert

Melanie is an aspiring graphic designer based out of Charleston, South Carolina. Her affinity and talent for artwork appeared at a very young age, quickly progressing each year. She took a long hiatus from artwork while getting her B.S. at Appalachian State University. In 2012, Melanie moved to Charleston and began integrating herself in the food and beverage community, waitressing and bartending at multiple restaurants in the area. These jobs not only helped her network in the area but allowed her to freely travel the world and gain inspiration from different cultures. After several years, she decided it was time to get back to her first love- art. She enrolled in Trident Technical College and graduated in December 2022 with an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design.

Melanie’s strengths have always lied in creating hyper-realistic illustrations with the use of pencil, charcoal, pen, and frequently with acrylic paint. She is now trying to perfect her own style as a graphic designer that combines illustration with graphic design to create a unique story. She likes to use bright and vivid colors as it is a reminder of the inspiration that drew her back to creating. This poster design reflects just that; she encapsulated a vibrant color scheme that captured the awe-inspiring sunset that Charleston is so famed for.

Melanie dreams to soon begin working with local restaurants and breweries, creating menus, logos, labels, and murals. She would like to continue to work and create with the community that helped shape who she has become.

2025 Design Contest Winner

You?

Specifications

1. All media acceptable

2. Overall size must be 20x30 inches not to exceed 30x30 inches

3. All entries must be mounted on foam core. Vertical orientations (as on a T-shirt) are recommended. Please call or email for any exceptions.

4. We recommend that the artist/designer should include the following text within or around the image, or we will add it at our discretion:

a. “48th Annual”

b. “Cooper River Bridge Run”

c. “10K”

d. “April 5, 2025”

e. “Charleston, SC”

Please sign and attach the entry form to back of entry

Awards

Judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Bridge Run on our poster, T-shirt, and all multi-media. The winner will receive $1000, 100 posters, 24 shirts, and a lot of recognition! The CRBR reserves the right to reject the selected image if it is deemed to be inappropriate or of insufficient qualify to represent the event.

Artwork Due July 1, 2024

Please visit Bridgerun.com for entry form and drop off instructions. Please direct questions to (843)-856-1949 or info@bridgerun.com

NOTE: All entries become the property of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

By Samantha Kramer

Ken Berger

The Voice of the Bridge Run

Cooper River Bridge Run Hall of Fame Inductee 2024

Hall of Fame

Music is the heart of any race. The perfect song at the start line can pump runners up, as well as music at the finish line to give them a final push of motivation. Ken Berger knows this. As the owner of Kenny B’z Productions, he’s been traveling around the world since 1994 providing announcing and music for major sports events. As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Ken is a retired officer of the U.S. Marines and served as a pilot for twenty years. So it’s fitting that his work with running events began at the 1996 Marine Corps Marathon. It wasn’t long after that that he became involved with the Cooper River Bridge Run. In fact, it was during the 1998 Marine Corps Marathon that he met Julian Smith, the race director of the Bridge Run. Julian “ordered” Ken to come to the 1999 Bridge Run to announce it for the first time.

Ken has stuck with the Bridge Run ever since, making it the longest tenured race in his career. His journey began at the finish line, where he announced and did music from 1999 to 2010. In 2011, he moved to the start line and has been there ever since. 2024’s race will mark Ken’s 25th year greeting runners in the morning and getting them fired up at the start of the race. Ken is dedicated to his work and ranks the Bridge Run right at the top. “The Bridge Run is a race of Olympic dimensions!” Ken explained. “It is a celebration of running and of a great, healthy lifestyle. Not only is the race director, Irv Batten, and his entire staff great to work with, but so are all of those involved. When you provide those smiles with Charleston’s unique southern hospitality, the Cooper River Bridge Run is one that all runners need to put on their ‘must do’ list!”

Music and announcing have provided Ken the chance to become involved with 34 running venues around the country along with the Bridge Run. He was also a member of the Olympic Games Production Staff experience for wrestling. He was involved in the 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London, and 2016 Rio Olympics, along with being the announcer/music and production consultant at the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials Marathon.

Ken’s dedication to music, announcing, and production has paid off. He is a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and was named as the first Ambassador inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame. And now, Ken has been inducted into the Bridge Run Hall of Fame. With his extraordinary energy, motivational and organizing skills, and for all that he has done here in his 25 years with the Bridge Run, we warmly welcome our start line announcer, Ken Berger, into the Cooper River Bridge Run Hall of Fame!

By Samantha Kramer

Deborah Blalock

Cooper River Bridge Run

Joseph P. Riley Award Winner 2024

Joseph P. Riley Award

Each year, the Joseph P. Riley Award is given out to a person who has unselfishly dedicated their time and energy to promoting health and wellness in the Lowcountry. This year’s recipient, Deborah Blalock, has a long history of time dedicated to working in the mental health field. For thirty years, Blalock has worked at the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH). She’s dedicated her time to working with the department to best serve South Carolina and provide care to all walks of life. She truly feels that working with mental health services is her “calling and vocation.”

Blalock didn’t start out in the counseling world. She attended the College of Charleston where she received her bachelors in English and went on to work as a hand engraver. It wasn’t until years later that Blalock would find her true calling in life. She and her husband were going through a divorce and decided to give marriage counseling a try. She found counseling to be so helpful and started to view it as a career that she might enjoy having. She went back to school and received her masters from the Citadel in clinical counseling. Part of her program required an internship, and she applied to the College of Charleston’s counseling center. However, when she didn’t receive the internship, she began to scramble. When the Department of Mental Health offered her a practicum, she took it, absolutely loved it, and never looked back.

Blalock began working full time at the SCDMH in 1994 as a frontline clinician. Her focus included working with adults with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizo-effective disorder. Blalock truly loves that the center focuses on treating the whole person and that the “department serves them well.” Beyond just offering counseling services, the SCDMH helps individuals with mental health conditions to find housing, clothes, and employment, along with providing care in the form of trained nurses and therapists. Blalock explained that the center works to “help people find their way back” which has really made the career so gratifying to her.

In 2004, Blalock became the executive director of the Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center. Then, in 2018 she became the SCDMH Deputy Director which has been her role ever since. Now, Blalock travels around South Carolina to work with the 16 SCDMH mental health clinics that cover all 46 counties of the state. With these clinics, she is responsible for their statewide outpatient services. This includes school services, a mobile crisis program, trainings, suicide prevention, and a 988 call center for suicide crises. The SCDMH focuses on providing care to all ages from birth all the ways to end of life. Another focus is making sure all individuals who need mental health care have access, regardless of their ability to pay. Blalock has worked actively to help decrease the stigma with receiving help by having the SCDMH embedded in areas like DSS, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and schools. The Department also has a mental health RV that provides services to the streets. There is also no wait time on appointments and individuals are told to simply “come on down.” The department has a wide scope of services to provide all types of care. Services range from basic mental health education all the ways to hospitalization.

Blalock has truly dedicated her time to building mental health services in South Carolina and working to serve individuals struggling with mental health conditions. “I love that SCDMH is so innovative and covers all spectrums of life,” Blalock said. “Everything is a multidisciplinary team.” Congratulations, Debbie, on being this year’s Joseph P. Riley Award winner!

The Cooper River Bridge Run Dedicates this issue to the memory of

Bill Boulter

The Man, The Myth, The Legend

We thank you for showing us the meaning of perserverance, the value of hard work & that you can truly Get Over It at any age

By Samantha Kramer

Remembering Bill Boulter

The Cooper River Bridge Run is a tradition for many. For Bill Boutler, it became an event that he never wanted to miss. But Boulter wasn’t always a runner. He didn’t start running until his early fifties in 1985. He was working in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) out of the Charleston International Airport, and “he started taking the stairs in the control tower every opportunity he got, and that’s when his getting fit started,” recalls Boulter’s son Alan.

Soon, running became a pivotal part of Boulter’s life. Once he started prioritizing exercise, he found ways to get involved with the running community. He joined the Colonial Lakers Running Club and the Charleston Running Club to get connected with other like-minded runners. He started running in 5ks and was a regular at the Folly Beach 5k and the Charleston Reindeer Run. Boulter didn’t stop with just 5ks. He went on to become a mini triathlete and was also a regular at the James Island County Park Triathlon. Exercise became his focus, and Boulter made an effort to run throughout the week and work out at the St. Andrews Family Fitness Center.

But even with all the races that Boulter signed up for, the Cooper River Bridge Run held a special place in his heart. He wasn’t just a regular participant, but he was also a long time volunteer. Boulter was a smiling face at the Bridge Run for over 30 years. He is remembered by many for his kind demeanor. “He loved handing out the Bridge Run packets to the participants and was always willing to share his local knowledge and race stories,” says his daughter, Lisa Dale. “No task was too small when it came to the Bridge Run.” The Bridge Run was truly an important part of Boulter’s life.

Along with dedicating his time to volunteering for the Cooper River Bridge Run, Boulter also had many personal successes during his time as a Bridge Run participant. He signed up for the first time in 1992 at the age of 62. In 2000, he placed in his age group for the first time. By the age of 87, he had won in his age group sixteen times. He was also a ten time Dewey Wise Award winner. The Dewey Wise Award is given to the oldest runner with a time in minutes less than their age. Boulter’s contributions to the Bridge Run and his impressive achievements ultimately led to his induction into the Bridge Run Hall of Fame in 2013. Boulter truly was committed to running and participating in the Bridge Run. He never missed a race except for one year when his family took a vacation. He was so disappointed when he found out the dates of the trip. That was something he would continue to bring up time and time again! Throughout Boulter’s entire running career, his family was always there to stand by him and support him. In 2019, his entire family decided to join him in walking the Bridge Run while Boulter, aged 89, took off running. The family proudly displayed their love and support by wearing matching t-shirts printed with “The Man, The Myth, The Legend.” And with a display case full of running awards, medals, and plaques earned over time, it seems like quite the fitting nickname for Boulter.

Bill Boulter is strongly missed by his family, friends, and the running community. The Man, The Myth, The Legend will definitely be well remembered.

APRIL 6, 2024

FOR THE COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN HYDRATE & RECOVER

Charleston’s Latest Charms

As the excitement builds for the Cooper River Bridge Run, participants and spectators alike are in for a treat beyond the race. Steeped in history and Southern charm, Charleston has unveiled new attractions and experiences that beckon visitors to explore the city's evolving landscape. Here's a guide to what's new in Charleston and what you shouldn't miss while in town for the iconic race.

1. Gastronomic Delights: Culinary Adventures Await

Charleston's culinary scene continues to flourish, and new eateries are popping up to delight the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Stroll down Upper King Street, where you'll discover many dining options, from trendy bistros to hidden gems. Check out the latest hotspots offering inventive dishes that showcase the Lowcountry's rich culinary heritage.

Costa: Coastal Italian Delights

320 Broad Street, Charleston

www.costacharleston.com

Embark on a culinary expedition through the coastal regions of Italy at Costa, a captivating addition to Charleston's dining scene. Nestled at 320 Broad Street, this eatery, curated by Chef Vinson Petrillo, promises a taste of Liguria, Amalfi, and Sicily. Costa's menu boasts inventive global compositions and seasonal influences, showcasing handmade Italian pasta, the freshest seafood, classic beef dishes, and more. The convivial atmosphere at Costa echoes the spirit of Italy, encouraging shared dining experiences. Opened in November 2023, Costa is a must-visit for those seeking a Mediterranean culinary adventure.

The Daily: Downtown's New Daily Destination

1085 Morrison Drive, Charleston

www.shopthedaily.com

Adding to its reputation as a beloved spot for world-class coffee, smoothies, break-

fast, and lunch, The Daily has expanded with a second downtown location. Situated at 1085 Morrison Drive, the new venue aims to enhance the dining experience with additional amenities and faster service. Enjoy free wifi, convenient parking, expanded outdoor seating, and more room for larger groups. Opened in September 2023, The Daily's new location promises the same excellence with added convenience.

The Den: A Cozy Hideaway for Indulgence

181 Church Street, Charleston

www.frannieandthefox.com

Charleston's newest bar concept is inside Hotel Emeline's bar and restaurant, Frannie & The Fox, The Den. Whether it's a post-work pick-me-up or an after-dinner indulgence, The Den offers an intimate setting to enjoy shareable plates, champagne, mini martinis, and caviar. Opened in September 2023, this hidden gem is open daily to the public and available for private events, inviting you to savor moments of sophistication.

Farm Haus: Butcher & Beer Garden Extravaganza

604 Coleman Boulevard, Mount Pleasant

www.farmhaus-sc.com

For Cooper River Bridge Run participants seeking not just a race but a culinary adventure, these new establishments promise to elevate your dining experience in Charleston. From coastal Italian delights to hidden bar treasures, the Holy City's culinary landscape invites you to indulge and savor the flavors of innovation and Charleston’s

In Mount Pleasant, the Farm Haus Butcher & Beer Garden has emerged as a distinctive destination, seamlessly blending a restaurant with a butcher shop. At 604 Coleman Boulevard, Farm Haus offers signature house-made sausages, burgers, and Southern-style sides. Venture in for a unique dining experience, and don't forget to peruse the butcher case for take-home sausages. Opened in October 2023, Farm Haus beckons with its culinary prowess and cozy ambiance.

Charleston’s Latest Charms

tradition. Whether it's a pre-race carb load or a post-run celebration, Charleston's newest eateries await your palate. Bon appétit!

2. Waterfront Park Expansion: Relaxation with a View

The recently expanded Waterfront Park provides the perfect respite for those seeking a tranquil retreat. Enjoy the picturesque views of the harbor, lounge on the swings, or meander through the lush gardens. The park's expansion offers more space to unwind and soak in the charm of Charleston's waterfront, making it an ideal spot to unwind post-race.

3. Artistic Revelry: Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Charleston's cultural scene has received a boost with the ever-evolving exhibits at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. Located on the College of Charleston campus, the institute showcases thought-provoking contemporary works from emerging and established artists. Immerse yourself in modern art and explore the city's creative pulse.

4. Preservation Society Tours: Unveiling Hidden Histories

Delve into Charleston's storied past with the Preservation Society's latest guided tours. Uncover hidden histories and architectural treasures as knowledgeable guides lead you through the city's historic districts. Gain insights into Charleston's preservation efforts and witness the seamless blend of tradition and progress.

As you lace up your running shoes for the Cooper River Bridge Run, make the most of your time in Charleston by exploring these new additions to the city's vibrant tapestry. From culinary delights to artistic endeavors, Charleston welcomes you to experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Compilation provided by Explore Charleston, March 2024. For all listings, go to explorecharleston.com

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When it comes to overall wellness and fitness, E2M Fitness and Eager 2 Run know a thing or two. With over 200,000 clients and growing every eight weeks, E2M is an online wellness program that helps men and women of all backgrounds rediscover their best self. Founder and CEO, Jeff Witherspoon preaches simplicity and discipline. The program includes guided workouts, nutrition plans, mental fitness coaching, postpartum training, stretching and more. Supported by several physicians, this is the kickstart that most people need to get to the start line of their next race. Most of the clients of E2M haven’t thought about running let alone participating in a race in quite some time. After losing a significant amount of weight, however, it begins to cross their mind. Cue up the Eager 2 Run Club. Eager 2 Run, the sister company of E2M is a virtual Run Club that promotes walking and running. It’s an online community to unite those who love to run and those who want to learn to run. It’s a safe space to motivate, support & celebrate each other. It’s a place to educate on running technique, nutrition, training and much more. We are eager to unite the world through movement. The overall mission of both companies is to connect people through movement. Cultivating a global community eager to participate in an active lifestyle. Look us up! No matter where you come from, what you look like or where you’re headed, we accept all with open arms. For more information, check us out at e2mfitness.com

Best of luck in your next big adventure!!

Provided by E2M Fitness

Healthy in Motion Moves the Soul

Eating healthy plays a pivotal role in preparing the body for exercise and especially successfully running a race like the Cooper River Bridge Run. As the body's fuel, nutrition directly impacts performance, endurance, and recovery. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods ensures your body has the necessary fuel to “get over it.” The three main components that are most crucial to consider when fueling for any exercise or fitness - complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source during exercise. Look for more natural sources like oats, carrots, sweet potatoes, fruits, or beans. These provide a more sustained energy than processed carbs like pastas for better sustained endurance. Protein is what keeps your muscles going and growing, plus helps speed recovery post exercise. Lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and tofu are ideal to reduce excess fat intake. Speaking of fat, healthy fats, like those found in nuts, avocado, olive oil, can enhance endurance and promote cardio health which is vital for long-distance running!

Now, don’t forget the most important - hydration! Water regulates body temperature, transports nutrients, and facilitates muscle function, but also enhances performance and prevents dehydration.

When do you start properly fueling your body? Now! Nutrition is crucial for optimal performance - in exercise and in life. Consuming a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do to support your overall health. What’s the old saying? You are what you eat.

The morning of the Bridge Run, eat a meal rich in complex carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat about 2-3 hours before the race to give the body readily available energy while preventing digestive upset. Also, consume a small snack, like a banana or energy bar, 30 minutes to an hour before the race to top up glycogen stores and provide a quick energy boost.

Maddex Mercantile favorite healthy recipes:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1 cup milk of choice (unsweetened if plant based)

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1 Tbsp honey

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate them overnight in an airtight container. The oats and chia seeds soak up the milk and soften overnight, yielding a pudding-like texture come the next morning.

In the morning add:

2 Tbsp cocoa powder

2 Tbsp natural peanut butter

Buckwheat Soba Noodle Salad

1 package soba noodles, cooked

1 cup shelled edamame, cooked

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup cucumber, sliced and cubed

1/2 cup cilantro leaves

Dressing

3 Tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

2 Tbsp lime juice

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp minced ginger

2 tsp sriracha

1 clove garlic, minced

Make your dressing and refrigerate. Cook the noodles according to package directions, drain, and rinse under cool water until completely chilled. Drizzle with neutral oil or sesame oil and toss gently to prevent sticking.

In a large bowl, toss all salad ingredients together with the noodles. Pour the dressing and gentle toss again. Top with sesame seeds or cilantro to serve.

The wind down after the race.

Helping communities thrive.

At Cigna HealthcareSM we’re committed to helping every individual, at every stage of life, achieve better health. It starts with giving them the support they need to live a life of health and vitality. That’s why we’re proud to support

The Cooper River Bridge Run.

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Don’t Just Get Over It

Bridge Run Cares

Charity Partners

We offer several ways for you to help make a difference:

- Register via Charity Connection

*Charities recieve $100 and you recieve free packet mailing!

- Fundraise or donate when you register!

- Volunteer for our charities

Scan the QR code to learn about all of our charities and sign up today!

Bridge Run Cares

Cooper River Bridge Run Grants Fund

The goal of the Cooper River Bridge Run (Bridge Run) is to promote regular physical activity, health, and wellness in the community. In 2006, the Bridge Run created a fund at Coastal Community Foundation (CCF) to provide financial assistance to programs that promote and encourage beneficial physical exercise and activity in the Tricounty area. Applications are accepted from publicly-supported 501(c)(3) organizations located in and serving residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.

Staff & Board of Directors

Irv Batten Race Director

Frank Lapsley City of North Charleston

Kathy Lehman-Huskamp, MD Charleston Medical Society

Dustin Le Blanc, MD Charleston Medical Society

Amy Heath City of Charleston

Nicole Harvey Town of Mount Pleasant

Steve Gergick Town of Mount Pleasant

Wes Dudgeon College of Charleston

Lisa Deaton Charleston Running Club

Alecia Caudill College of Charleston

Kathleen Cartland Charleston Visitors Bureau

Marcus Newberry Founder & Board Member Emeritus

Jennifer Curry Volunteer Coordinator

Keith Batten Warehouse Manager

Lorrie Warren Special Events Coordinator

Erin Magera-Hames Registration Coordinator

Mark Cellars Deputy Director

Laurie Yarborough City of Charleston

Paul Wieters City of Charleston

Tony Shuler Charleston Running Club

Mike Seekings Charleston Visitors Bureau

Phil Macchia Charleston County Parks & Recreation

John Massey Charleston County Parks & Recreation

Subcommittee

Michael Banks

Kim Aquino

Ken Ayoub Kevin Adcock

Charles Rice

Lee Newton

Lewis Moore

Lauren Meyer Taylor Lee

Love Ishie

Al Hawkins Tyler Dempsey

Carl Beckmann

Jake Norris

Kinsey Von Lehe

MAPS

Females Winners Circle

Cooper River Bridge Run

Julian E. Smith, III Trophy

Males

SAFETY AND SECURITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY

Together with the help and support of numerous local, state and federal public safety agencies, we have comprehensive plans in place to ensure the safety of our participants, volunteers and spectators. We would like to share some of the changes you will see this year and ask for your cooperation and support.

INCREASED LAW ENFORCEMENT

There will be an increased law enforcement presence at the start, along the course and at the finish.

INCREASED NUMBER OF RESTRICTED AREAS

There will be an increased number of restricted areas at the start and finish line areas. Additional fencing with designated entry and exit points will be in place around the finish line area. Anyone entering a restricted area with a backpack, bag, purse, etc. will be subject to search. This year a clear backpack will be distributed along with your race packet material included with your entry fee.

Leave backpacks or any other unnecessary items at home, please pack light. Remember, if you don’t need it, don’t bring it.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING: BE VIGILANT. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS, CONTACT THE NEAREST POLICE OFFICER OR CALL 911.

Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors that make this iconic race possible!

From the Cooper River Bridge Run Family.... SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!