Have you ever heard of the Cooper River Bridge Run? Well the “Bridge Run” as we locals in Charleston say has been occurring for decades. 2020 marks the 43rd year of the event. The race is 10K, which is about six miles. This huge event attracts nearly 40,000 people from all over to raise money for charities such as: Ronald McDonald House, American Diabetes Association, Special Olympics of South Carolina, MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, and Hollings Cancer Center. Learn more interesting facts here.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cooper River Bridge Run has been postponed. The event is typically held every first Saturday in April.
Past
The race originally took place on the actual Cooper River Bridge. That was a narrow, scary looking bridge. I’m told the old bridge used to swing. I drove over it once before to attend a student nurses conference in early 2000s. I wish I had a visual before I got on the bridge. There was no turning around. Trust me I was terrified, but it was something I had to do. Oprah even did the Bridge Run in 1994.
Present
Today it’s one bridge and not two like before. Now the bridge has a new name, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. It’s sturdier and wider. Actually it’s a very well designed diamond shaped bridge. Similar to the one in Savannah, GA.
My Experience
Now you may look at the new bridge and get scared. I’ve walked and jogged over it several times prior to even thinking about doing the Bridge Run. There’s a lane dedicated for walkers and bikers to exercise. The bridge itself is about 2.5 miles one way. It’s a good workout for sure. Ask my girlfriends!
I’ve done the Cooper River Bridge Run twice. Once in 2017 and again last year in 2019. Both times were a family affair. It was a first time for each of us participating in a 10K. Once I completed the first race, I knew without a doubt I could definitely do it again. I really felt like I accomplished something major. Like I was unstoppable.
I’m going to be honest. Another thing I was hoping for was to lose a few pounds. I felt with that long walk I was bound to lose something. Well that didn’t happen at all. I should’ve known better. However, it’s a good time for us as a family to challenge our bodies and spend time together.
Are you thinking about joining the race?
20 Things You Need to Know for Cooper River Bridge Run
1. Sign Up Early
Sign up the year prior to save money. Registration starts at $40. The prices gradually increase closer to event date.
2. Run or Walk
You can run or walk during the race. There’s designated areas for runners and walkers. Walkers will be toward the back.
3. Is This For Athletes?
You don’t have to be of a small stature or “in shape” to participate. There are people of all shapes and sizes. Large and small. Fit and unfit. There’s no need to be intimidated. My husband will tell you he just woke up on the day of the Bridge Run and walked it with no prior exercise. He paid for that by cramping on the bridge near the incline. Don’t worry, he made it to the end with no other difficulties. I recommend to do some type of walking at least a month prior to the event just to get your body prepared.
4. Do I Have To Be In A Group?
You don’t have to be in a group to participate. It’s a big event! There’s thousands of participants. You’ll have lots of company if decide to go solo.
5. Is It Adults Only?
Children can participate too. You may see a few children here and there, but it’s primarily adults. A few parents will have the tiny ones in strollers.
6. Can The Disabled Participate?
Yes they can. They can participate with the walkers or in the wheelchair race division. There are specific requirements for the wheelchair race. See the website here for more details.
7. Start Packet
Pick up your start packet at least the day before the race. The packets are available at the North Charleston Convention Center. Also, while you are there you can visit the vendors and sample food, drinks, and even win prizes. In the packet you will find some goodies and your bib. Your starting location (corral) will be on your bib. Once placed on your shirt, the bib will actually track your progress after you cross the finish line.
8. Dress Comfortably
The Bridge Run t-shirt will be provided upon registration. You can choose to wear it or not. I wore a thin long sleeve shirt under my t-shirt because early in the morning the temperature outside is cool. Wear good walking or running shoes. Ladies please choose comfort over cuteness. Bring your sun visor and shades too.
9. Cooper River Bridge Run Start Time
You should try to get to your corral (section for walkers and runners) by 6:30 am. The Bridge Run race officially starts at 7 am. If you are walking, you may actually start walking between 8:30 am – 9 am. That means you will be standing around waiting in the meantime.
10. Arrival To Event
There are shuttle buses that load participants from N. Charleston and Mt. Pleasant to the Bridge Run. I’ve rode the shuttle from N. Charleston. Expect a crowd waiting for the shuttle. There will be with multiple buses and many people, but remember you will get there. Buses run from 4:30 am – 6 am.
11. Bridge Run Route
You will start in Mt. Pleasant, then cross the bridge, and end in Downtown Charleston.
12. Moral Support
There are several people to cheer you on along the side. No need to quit. Just keep moving.
13. There’s Music
There’s a DJ on the bridge to really get the party started.
14. What If I’m thirsty?
There’s water stations on the route. Volunteers will hand out disposable cups of water. When you’re done, just drop the cup on the ground.
15. Restroom Break
Portable toilets are available in certain areas along the route.
16. How Long Does It Take?
You’re given 3 hours to complete the race. I’ve finished it in a about 2.5 hours by walking. The winner generally completes it in under 30 minutes running.
2019 winner from Kenya 
17. Say Cheese
Throughout the race there are cameras. When you’ve crossed the finish line, a camera will take your picture whether you see it or not. So try to look cute when you cross the finish line. The photo will go to your email. I’m still getting emails today about past Bridge Run photos.
18. Receive Cooper River Bridge Run Medal
You’ll be provided with a medal to wear around your neck like a true champion.
19. Socialize
Once done you can mingle in Marion Square with folks or grab a bite to eat like fresh fruits, sausage dogs, or Krispy Kreme doughnuts.
20. The End Of The Road
The last thing to do is go home. That means find your car if you parked at the garage. Call a rideshare (Uber or Lyft). Catch the bus back to your designated parking lot. Bus shuttles will run from 9 am – 12 pm to return you back to your vehicle.