Cooper River Bridge Run 10K

Cooper River Bridge Run 10K

Cooper River Bridge Run 10K

( 13 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Charleston,
    South Carolina,
    United States
  • April
  • 6 miles/10K
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Ashley

private, Vermont, United States
8 4
2006
"Huge but "local" 10k"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Ashley 's thoughts:

Everyone in SC has to run the Cooper River Bridge Run at some point.

It's certainly a large scale event (40,000 cap), but it's almost treated as a "local" race since the town has so much pride in the event. There's sure to be other things going on in town that day, so your spectators certainly won't be bored. If you want to travel to a race, esp in SC, this would be a good one.

There are shuttles free for runners/walkers to the race start - which is good, since it's a point to point race and the start is across a body of water! The corrals line a long four lane highway approaching the Ravenel Bridge, and climbing the bridge itself occurs right in the middle of the run (miles 2-4), about when you hit your stride on the flat approach. Be prepared, and train both uphill and downhill. The incline itself isn't horrible, it's the length of the climb and the mental difficulty of feeling like it will never end. The rest of the race is pancake flat. Of course, it also doesn't help that by the time you cross the start line, the race director will have already announced that the Kenyans have finished.

Parts of the course are truly beautiful. Mount Pleasant (the race start) is a nice suburban-ish area; crossing the bridge is beautiful to look out over the water. The course does pass through some less exciting parts of Charleston, but not without local flavor - there were several Gullah women weaving baskets to cheer us on as we ran, right after coming down from the bridge. (You can, of course, buy the baskets in the market later!) The finish runs right down King Street - Old Charleston at it's best. T shirt wasn't memorable, I don't think I even kept it.

One problem: it's a difficult race to spectate. Your supporters will either choose going with you to the start or waiting for you at the finish (not much room to stand on a bridge).

The race is well organized, by necessity.

If you pre register early enough, the price is a steal - $35 for an excellent 10k. The buzz in the rest of the city comes for free, but makes the race worth traveling for. Come enjoy the Southern Hospitality and the whole experience.

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