Cooper River Bridge Run Akin to the hubbub over the Boston or New York Marathons, Charleston holds its own popular race, which ignites much town pride and community spirit. March 27, 2010 will mark the 32nd annual running of the Cooper River Bridge Run. This point-to-point race starts in Mount Pleasant, crosses the 2.5mile Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere) and ends in historic downtown Charleston. A post race festival will be held at Marion Square Park in the Historic District where Top Male, Female, Junior and Quad Division finishers will be awarded winning prizes.
The 10K race has evolved a long way since the original 700 or so runners who participated in the 1978. The CRBR is now a world-class competition, is sanctioned by USA Track and Field as an elite event and has earned a reputation for being among the most organized 10K races today. There are shuttles and busses provided to transport the runners to the starting line. There are also shuttle boats available providing ease of transport and avoiding crowds while getting the runners in place for the start of the race. Reverse transportation, if needed, is provided as well. Organization at this level is a far cry from the first run where water hadn't even been provided for the runners.
The race mission is to increase interest in and awareness of cardiovascular health and exercise while generating a spirit of involvement in the local community and at the same time raising funds for public education on the importance of exercise. But this year there is an added benefit to signing up to run the 10K. The opportunity to sign up through a charity enables runners to donate the entire registration fee to one of eight participating charities, three of the eight offering aid exclusively to children as well as other well known charities like the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.
Aside from the educational and altruistic foundations of the race, satellite operations that further involve the community have sprung from the success of this event. An annual contest for artists is run, some time prior to the race, in search of eye-catching art that captures the essence of the race's mission. This work will be seen on thousands of tee shirts and posters promoting the race. The winning artist will receive notoriety for his or her work and a cash prize. The tee shirts and posters will be sold this year and will be available in subsequent years through the CRBR Online Store with many other exercise related and memorabilia items, to raise money and to promote the race.
The CRBR has become a popular race among wheelchair competitors. A promoter of health and community involvement, the race organization invites participants to compete in the Wheelchair Division. These contestants are welcomed and equally accommodated. As with foot runners, wheelchair enrollees will finish a 10K race from Mt. Pleasant to downtown Charleston. (Holiday Inn, Patriot's Point is the official hotel serving the entrants in the Wheelchair Division and will have official connections for transportation and special accommodations.)
There will be an entirely separate "River Bridge Run" for children held the day before the official race on Friday, March 26th. Official in its own right, the children's race, held at Hampton Park, is scheduled for 4:00 pm. The race is preceded by all kinds of festivities at the park which kick off at 12:00 noon. The children's race is broken down to age groups and appropriate distances for those groups and holds all the excitement as the adult race, if not more, but allows for younger folks to learn about healthy exercise and compete safely within their own ability levels.
Even if you don't run the 10K, there are plenty of ways in which to participate. Watch the race and join in the festival at Marion Square Park. Encourage your kids to race on Friday afternoon and enjoy the merriment at Hampton Park with them. Walk the race unofficially to get a feel for the event if you're contemplating making the run next year. Get artistic and submit an entry to the official art contest. Raise money for one of the featured charity organizations. No matter what level, participate in the CRBR, get inspired to get healthy and at the same time strengthen your connection with your community. For more information, Cooper River Bridge Run.
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