This is a run that takes place in one of the most gorgeous areas of Charleston. Tourists come from all over to stay in the Isle of Palms area and take in the gorgeous views, delicious food, as well as everything else Charleston has to offer. Not only does this race take place in a gorgeous area, it benefits some amazing causes. Last year they raised over 50,000 dollars and it was donated to 7 different children charities here in the low-country. I've read race recaps from other local runners and heard a bunch of mixed reviews. Some years this race has been so incredibly hot that people are on the side of the Connector throwing up, others talked about how gorgeous the views on the course are that it makes it completely worth it. I always want to try out every race that I can in Charleston, so when I had the opportunity this weekend to actually race it, I took advantage.
I headed out for a two mile warm up down the main street. Running along this street included lots of just gorgeous rental houses along the beach. I could smell the salt water in the air and I could hear the calm waves of the ocean. The sun hadn't risen yet so I took my warmup out to the beach and captured some beautiful pictures. Something about a beautiful view like that can really just put your mind at ease.

The first mile took us around the corner and directly up the bridge. As I headed up the hill of the bridge I just decided to put forth as much effort as I could so that I could sort of see where my uphill tempo would be at. The views from the bridge were stunning and certainly made the race much more enjoyable. At the 1.5 mile mark you have the water station and a quick turn around to take you back across the bridge towards the start/finish lines. At this point you can see some of the other runners who are on the opposite side of the bridge and it's so much fun to support each other and cheer for each other. The 10k group continued on down the bridge farther, it was a little boost to know I was halfway done.

Coming back up over the bridge feels a little harder but again, you have the beautiful ocean, the palms, and the sweet salty smell of the air. As you take the final downhill to the bottom of the bridge, you make a right hand turn and you can see the finish line! There was a great group there cheering us runners into the finish line with water bottles.

All along the course were some photographers who got some really great shots too. I happen to be a huge fan of race photos, so it was an extra bonus to see these photographers out there capturing so many good spots along the course.

The afterparty was a lot of fun! You had great live music, unlimited free beer, some vendors set up doing massages and giveaways, and the awards ceremony. There were medals for all those who placed top 3 in their age group or top 3 overall. There were also cash prizes for those who placed top overall. For the price you pay you get all of this and a race t-shirt. I would highly recommend this race to anyone who has a chance to do it.