Charleston City Paper: 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run Official Fun Guide

COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN

SHOE STORE OWNERS ARE BIG BRIDGE RUN WINNERS

Cooper River Bridge Run

Celebrate the Lowcountry. The Bridge Run is more than just a race.

The communities of the Lowcountry thrive on the new challenges and opportunities that keep this race fresh and exciting. That’s why our race on March 28 has lasted through generations and contributed in countless ways to the economy and well-being of the Lowcountry and state of South Carolina. The Bridge Run’s commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise is a goal to which we will forever aspire. We look to the youth of our community to help us perpetuate this worthy endeavor so that it remains a solid foundation for a healthy tomorrow.

Many of you have witnessed the growth from 700 to 40,000 participants, and we couldn’t have done it without you. We’re in this together!

We kick off our event with the ever-growing Health and Wellness EXPO on March 26 and March 27 at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston. Our Health and Wellness Expo has more than 200 vendors with cutting-edge fitness attire, exercise equipment and demonstrations, nutritional information, and product sampling.

The Cooper River Bridge Run begins at 8 a.m. March 28 with the elite wheelchair division starting at 7:25 a.m. Spectacular harbor views and our beautiful architecture will amaze and inspire you as you cross the Ravenel Bridge from Mount Pleasant to Charleston. We have one of the only races in the country that provides free transportation (250 buses) before and after the race for any participant wearing a race bib. Cross the finish line, receive a medal and then enjoy our Finish Festival in Marion Square, the heart of beautiful historic downtown Charleston.

We are very honored again to have Harris Teeter as our presenting sponsor. In fact, we offer heartfelt 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 volunteers, local police and our community partners. Our board of directors and staff sincerely thanks the people of our wonderful community who are the heart and soul of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

Let’s get over it!

Irv Batten, Race Director

Official sponsors

OFFICIAL BEER SPONSOR

Fleet of foot

Shoe

store owners are big Bridge Run winners

By Andy Brack

Looking back after 13 years in business, having four Fleet Feet stores in the Lowcountry might seem like a given — something as comfortable as a worn-in pair of running shoes.

But when Amy and Chris Minkel, both in their early 40s, opened their first franchise store for running shoes in Mount Pleasant on March 14, 2013, it seemed kind of unnatural. In many ways, they were out of their comfort zone.

For years, Chris had been in management at a private golf club in WinstonSalem, N.C. Amy was a registered nurse in home health care. It was a good, stable life. But they were itching to do something else, especially because Chris felt some dissatisfaction at his job since people seemed to have less disposable time to play golf.

“The catalyst for us changing career paths and moving to Charleston really came from Chris feeling like the industry he was in was shifting away from people and becoming more focused on finances,” Amy recalled. “We both knew we wanted to build something that was truly centered around serving others.”

They had been active runners for several years, including participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run.

“It was always one of our favorite events and to now be a part of it is pretty amazing,” Amy said. “The Bridge Run isn’t just a race

— it’s a celebration of movement, community, and the impact running can have on people’s lives. It’s one of those days that reminds you why the running community in Charleston is so special.”

Getting started

In Winston-Salem, the Minkels were customers at their local Fleet Feet store and they remember loving how it participated in the community.

“The way they connected with people and helped them move and feel better really resonated with us,” Amy said. “As we learned more about the brand and the franchise model, we realized it was a great opportunity to combine our passion for health and wellness with our desire to create a business built around taking care of people.”

Fortunately, there were no Fleet Feet stores in Charleston, allowing the Minkels to invest here.

Opening a small business was new to the Minkels, but they jumped in — feet first.

“We help people either get moving or stay moving,” Chris said. “It doesn’t matter that you do it at work or night — it’s all encompassing.”

After opening the first store in 2013, they opened one in Summerville two years later. In 2021, they expanded to a location in Carnes Crossroads and in 2023 added a fourth store in West Ashley.

“Opening four stores definitely wasn’t

“ When people support and encourage each other, amazing things can happen. You should never be afraid to ask questions and learn from others.”

—Amy Minkle

part of the original plan, but once we got here we quickly saw how strong and vibrant the running and walking community was,” Amy said. “Expanding allowed us to serve more people across the Lowcountry and become part of even more communities.”

Keeping moving

This year, as in recent years, Fleet Feet offers a paid, 11-week training program in partnership with the Bridge Run organization. They help runners prepare for the 10K race over the Cooper River. They offer advice to 150 or more participants on what to wear, what to eat, how to blend long and short runs to build stamina, how to prevent chafing and more.

“Providing the official training program for the race, we have the privilege of being

an integral part of many participants’ journeys,” Amy said. “For 11 weeks, we are educating, encouraging and commiserating right along with them as they move closer and closer to their goals. Seeing those same people cross the finish line downtown knowing the work they put in is incredibly rewarding.”

Later she added, “We try to give them every possible advantage so that on race day, they’ll be good to go.”

Amy said the best part of her job is helping people who come into the stores.

“Every day I get the chance to work alongside an incredible team while helping members of our community move better, feel better and accomplish goals they may not have thought were possible.

“Whether it’s fitting someone for their very first pair of running shoes, helping a customer stay active after an injury or watching someone cross the finish line of their first race after training with us, those moments are incredibly rewarding,” she said.

But just as important is the work done to help the Fleet Feet team grow.

“Watching someone gain confidence in their ability to help others, build relationships with customers and become part of the local running community is really special,” she said. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t feel like we’re just selling shoes — we’re helping people take care of themselves and connecting them with a community that supports them.”

Lessons learned

The Minkels say they’ve learned a lot over the years in the shoe business and in being part of the Bridge Run team.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned — through running, through business, and through being part of the Bridge Run — is that progress rarely happens overnight,” Amy said. “Whether you’re training for a race, building a team or growing a business, success comes from showing up consistently, doing the small things well and being patient with the process.”

She said running and business teach resilience. Some days, it feels hard and you may not want to get out and run or deal with the business. “But if you stay focused on your purpose, support the people around you and keep moving forward, things tend to work out.”

Finally, running may seem like an individual sport, but runners aren’t alone. With the Bridge Run, they’re part of a community. It’s much the same in business.

“When people support and encourage each other, amazing things can happen. You should never be afraid to ask questions and learn from others.”

Chris added that people should never be afraid to say yes to something.

“You never know what the opportunity is going to present,” he said. “Sometimes you’re surprised at what you get out of it.”

Chris, who still runs a couple of times a week, said Fleet Feet ownership has helped him understand the value of patience.

“When you’re starting a new business, patience is hard to have. Things never go as quickly as you want. Sometimes, take a deep breath.”

Award winners

The Minkels are winners of the Bridge Run’s 2026 Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award. It recognizes “unselfish dedication to promoting health and wellness across the Lowcountry.”

Race Director Irv Batten says they’re being recognized for being valuable to the Charleston community and the Bridge Run.

“Everything they do through Fleet Feet is amazing,” he said. “The Cooper River Bridge Run’s values line up perfectly with theirs and we are very proud they are associated with the Bridge Run.”

Chris Minkey said the award was a recognition of the hard work he, his wife and their team have put in through the years.

“It validates our original goals – to integrate our lives in the Charleston community, promote health and wellness, and give back.”

His wife added it was humbling to receive recognition from a race that is so close to her and Chris’s hearts.

“It’s humbling and deeply affirming for our entire team,” she said. “It validates the intentional work we’ve put into building something that’s far more than selling shoes.

“It’s about serving people and building community through promoting a healthy active lifestyle.”

Five tips to get race day ready

By Amy Minkel

The last few days leading up to any race can feel exciting and a little stressful at the same time. Here are a few tips to help you arrive at the start line ready to go:

Plan your race morning logistics.

Getting to the start line for the Cooper River Bridge Run can be tricky. Familiarize yourself with the shuttle schedules and routes ahead of time so that race morning feels smooth and stress-free.

Nothing new on race day.

Do a test run with everything you plan to wear and eat on race morning. The last thing you want is to discover chafing, blister, or digestive issues during the race.

Hydrate throughout the week.

Focus on steady hydration in the days leading up to the race rather than trying to cram it all in the day before — which can make for a long night.

Lay everything out the night before.

Set out your race gear, bib, shoes and anything else you’ll need. It will make race morning much easier and prevent the frantic search for a missing sock.

Smile and enjoy the moment.

Soak it all in! Make a new friend while waiting in your corral and don’t forget to take in the incredible view as you conquer the big, beautiful bridge.

Amy Minkel is an owner of four Fleet Feet shoe stores, which are in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Carnes Crossroads and West Ashley.

2025 official events

BRIDGE RUN HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO

Thursday, March 26, noon to 8 p.m.

Friday, March 27, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Charleston Area Convention Center 5001 Coliseum Drive North Charleston

COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN FINISH FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. to noon Marion Square, Charleston (Participants only.)

GET AHEAD OF THE HILL

Post future races to your calendar now

We encourage you to post these dates to your calendar now so you can join us every spring for the Cooper River Bridge Run:

2027: April 3

2028: April 1

2029: April 7

2030: April 6

2031: April 5

2032: April 3

Anytime you need the latest information on the race, check out BridgeRun.com . Happy running!

Where to get a cold beer after the race

Staff reports

After a long run in the Charleston spring, nothing tastes better than a cold beer. It might not do too much to rehydrate the body or replace electrolytes, but boy, it soothes.

Charleston’s downtown and surrounding areas are filled with great bars, breweries and joints where you can wash away the effects of a morning run with a frosty beverage. Here are some you might want to check out:

Taco Boy. Anybody can grab the restaurant’s free shuttle from John Street to its Huger Street location, which opens at 9 a.m. on race day with a party. The eatery’s Team Taco members will get a free welcome drink. Everyone’s invited. Also: Hot tacos and cold margaritas all day long.

Bay Street Biergarten. Fun starts at 10 a.m. at the downtown East Bay Street bar. The first 100 guests to arrive after the race will get a free cocktail.

Munkle Brewing (1513 Meeting St.) opens at noon for an after-party featuring food, beer, music and fun.

Republic Garden and Lounge (462 King St.) offers a Bridge Run after-party that starts at 9 a.m. Saturday with live music, drink specials and food.

Ritual (145 Calhoun St.) opens at 9 a.m. Saturday for a Bridge Run after-party with views of the Finish Festival.

Other popular places to celebrate “getting over” the bridge:

• Big Gun Burger Shop & Bar, Charleston

• Big John’s, Charleston

• Blind Tiger, Charleston

• Burns Alley Tavern, Charleston

• Charleston Beer Works, Charleston

• Commonhouse Aleworks, North Charleston

• Frothy Beard Brewing, West Ashley

• Gene’s Haufbrau, West Ashley

• Pinky and Clydes, North Charleston

• Red’s Icehouse, Mount Pleasant

• Saltwater Cowboys, Mount Pleasant

• Silver Dollar, Charleston

• Triangle Char and Bar, West Ashley

• The Brick, Charleston

Bridge Run route

Port-O-Lets

Water Station

First Aid Station

History of the Cooper River Bridge Run

1978

• The Cooper River Bridge Run is founded by Dr. Marcus Newberry.

• 766 finishers ran over the Silas Pearman Bridge.

1980

• The race course was rerouted over the John P. Grace Memorial Bridge.

• The Dewey Wise Trophy is established (oldest finisher who runs a time faster than their age in minutes).

1981

• First and only local overall winner, Mark Embler, finishes in 30:54.

1984

• First two-time winner, David Branch.

1985

• Prize money is awarded for the first time.

• The race course is certified.

1986

• The Marcus Newberry Award is established (the first male and female finisher from the Charleston Tri-county area).

• Race delayed one hour due to dense fog and an automobile accident.

1992

• Elite runners from Kenya began a long winning streak.

1993

• The first winners of the T-shirt Design Contest, Caitlin McPhilips and Amy Stewart Reed.

1994

• Oprah Winfrey ran the Cooper River Bridge Run.

• Julian Smith hired as race director. (1994-2019)

1995

• Race course returned to Silas Pearman Bridge with more than 10,000 finishers.

1997

• First use of chip timing.

• Female course record, Elana Myers in 31:19.

• Actor Bill Murray fired the cannon for the start.

1998

• First two-time female overall winner, Elana Myers.

2000

• Male course record set by James Koskei in 27:40.

2002

• Started the Bridge Run Hall of Fame.

• Genie Wellons becomes first wheelchair athlete to compete in the Bridge Run.

2006

• Record number 45,663 registered runners/walkers (33,742 finishers).

• First time over the new Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

• Debut of the Elite Wheelchair Race.

• Runners required to be seeded according to their finish times.

2007

• Race capped at 40,000 participants.

2010

• First timing chips on race bibs.

• Second largest race in CRBR history with 38,413 registered/33,413 finishers.

2017

• 40th Anniversary celebrated with 40 Days of Bridge Run events.

2019

• CRBR awarded tghe Governor’s Cup Award (for impact on Tourism and Travel).

• Irv Batten officially becomes race director.

2020

• A Virtual Run replaced the regular race due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2021

• The in-person race resumes on September 25 due to drop in Covid-19 cases.

• Hermin Garic sets a new course record (22:58) in the Elite Wheelchair Race.

• Overall Champion trophy named in honor of former Race Director Julian Smith.

2022

• Marks the 45th Anniversary of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

2023

• Overall Wheelchair trophy named in honor of “Genie” Wellons.

2026

• 49th anniversary of the Cooper River Bridge Run.

3 tips to keep your feet happy

Staff reports

Your feet literally are the foundation for your running. To make sure you have healthy feet and legs, you need to take special care to make sure they stay happy. Here are some tips, courtesy of Amy Minkel, an owner of area Fleet Feet stores:

Use the right sized shoe.

Make sure to get a professional to fit your feet for the correct-sized shoe, making sure that the shoe is appropriate for the activity you’re planning. “Foot shape, volume, length and width should be considered when choosing a shoe,” Minkel said. “The correct shoe should be comfortable right from the start and not need a ‘break-in’ period.”

Pay attention to socks.

A good, proper sock can help prevent pesky foot issues such as blisters, hot spots and fungal infections, Minkel added. “A sock made from a technical, moisture-wicking fabric is key. Avoid cotton as it traps moisture against the skin and loses its shape as it takes on moisture.”

Loosen up.

Shel said that if you take care of your muscles before, during and after a run, they will take care of you. Runners should do a proper warm-up prior to a run or walk to get leg and foot muscles ready. After then after any run, make sure to stretch to ease your muscles toward rest. Using massage tools to keep your muscles loose can also help avoid injuries.

JOIN TEAM TACO BRIDGE RUN JOIN TEAM TACO BRIDGE RUN FOR THE

You can still join Team Taco even if you already registered for the bridge run! Scan the QR code to join for free and get your Team Taco race shirt, or register for the Cooper River Bridge Run and select Team Taco before checkout.

TEAM TACO PERKS

FREE TEAM TACO SHIRT –– PICK UP ANYTIME @ TACO BOY! Free shuttle from the finish line @ (22 John St) to Taco Boy (217 Huger St) FREE Tito-rita for runners wearing their Team Taco shirt (21+ with valid ID)

Meet the local Bridge Run winners

Leaders of the Cooper River Bridge run recognized male and female winners of the 10K race in a variety of categories, from overall and wheelchair champs to local winners and great volunteers.

Marcus Newberry Award winners

Recognizing the tri-county area’s top male and female finishers by year. (NOTE: The Cooper River Bridge Run started the Marcus Newberry Award in its 10th year.)

Kathy Kanes

1995 Tom Mather 31:14:00 Lynn MacDougall

1996 Mark Friedrich 31:59:00 Clarice Marana 37:18:00 1997 Tom Mather 31:42:00 Clarice Marana 37:33:00 1998 Tom Mather 32:53:00 Clarice Marana

Tom Mather 32:53:00 Carre Joyce 37:22:00

Cooper River Bridge Run Hall of Fame

2002 Cedrick Jaggers, Ed Ledford, Dr. Marcus Newberry, Bob Schlau, Margaret Wright, Sallie Driggers

2003 Keith Hamilton, Terry Hamlin, Chuck Magera, Brian Smith, Gary Wilson

2004 Betty Bell, Dr. Gilbert Bradham, Mike Chodnicki, Emelyn Commins

2005 Tom Mather, Tom O’Rourke, Thomas Dewey Wise

2006 Marc Embler, Mayor Harry Hallman, Cadwaller “Quaddy” Jones, Lucy Jones, Mayor Joseph P. Riley, John Smyth, Cheryl Woods-Flowers

2007 Anne (Reed) Boone, Richard Godsen, Jimmy Seignious

2008 Roy Hills, Margaret Konecky, Lee Newton, Bryce and Jenny Myers

2009 Karl Gueldner, Al Hawkins

2010 Ken Bible, James Tomsic, Liz Sheridan

2011 Randy Brown, John Conroy, Ted Summerford

2012 Gail Bailey, Irv Batten, Benji Durden, David Mellard

2013 Bill Boulter, Rives Poe

2014 Mark Friendrich, Eileen Stellefson Myers

2015 Mary Ellen Lenhardt, Eugene “Genie” Wellons

2016 Peter Carek, M.D., Clyde and Jan Mizzell

2017 Harry Davakos, Dena Garner, Lorraine “Rainey” Evans

2018 Marie “Scooter” Barnette, Ken Ayoub, Norman Walsh, M.D.

2019 Chris and Mace Brown, Bill Barfield, Krige Schabort

2021 Julian E. Smith III

2022 Benita Shaw

2023 Mike Burns

2024 Ken Berger

2025 Owen Meislin, John Weeks

2026 Howie Schomer

Cedric Jaggers Award winners

In 2022, the Bridge Run started a new award — the Cedric Jaggers Award — to serve as a tribute to the race’s longtime historian and author of Charleston’s Cooper River Bridge Run: A Complete History in Words and Photos (2011). The top male and female South Carolina finishers receive an award and a $500 cash prize.

Julian E. Smith III Award winners

MALE WINNERS FEMALE WINNERS

Joseph P. Riley Jr. Award winners

Recognizing a person for his or her unselfish dedication to promoting health and wellness across the Lowcountry. Past winners include:

Year Name

2015 Noah Moore

2016 Marka Rodgers and Adam Gorlitsky

2017 Susan Johnson and Janis Newton

2018 Bill Macchio and Cullen Murray-Kemp

MALE WINNERS

Year Name

2019 Dr. Janice D. Key

2020 Dr. Marcus Newberry

2022 Paul Wieters

2023 Tami Dennis

2024 Deborah Blalock

2025 Will Haynie

2026 Amy and Chris Minkel

Recognizing overall champions for the annual Cooper River Bridge Run.

MALE WINNERS FEMALE WINNERS

Year Name Time Name Time

1978 Benji Durden 30:22:00 Lisa Lorrain 39:39:00

1979 Avery Goode 32:55:00 Marty Long 40:10:00

1980 Kim Burke (Tie) Steve Littleton 31:26:00 Michelle Moore 41:29:00

1981 Marc Embler 30:54:00 Kiki Sweigart 35:10:00

1982 Mark Donahue 30:28:00 Sallie Diggers 37:21:00

1983 David Branch 29:28:00 Mary Copeland 38:09:00

1984 David Branch 29:25:00 Brenda Webb 34:09:00

1985 Mike O’Reilly 29:28:00 Christina Boxer 34:08:00

1986 Hans Koeleman 29:29:00 Leslie Welch 33:37:00

1987 Paul Cummings 30:20:00 Mary Ellen Mcgowan 34:41:00

1988 Ashley Johnson 29:56:00 Carla Borovicka 34:38:00

1989 Ashley Johnson 29:48:00 Grete Wait 33:29:00

1990 Sam Obwocha 29:20:00 Shelly Steely 32:57:00

1991 Jeff Cannada 29:38:00 Kim Bird 34:49:00

1992 Dominic Kirui 28:24:00 Jill Hunter 32:34:00

1993 Paul Bitok 28:31:00 Sabrina Dornhoeffer 33:53:00

1994 Simon Karori 28:35:00 Elaine Van Blunk 34:01:00

1995 Joseph Kimani 27:49:00 Laura Lamena-Coll 33:58:00

1996 Joseph Kamau 28:32:00 Liz Mccolgan 31:41:00

1997 Paul Koech 27:57:00 Elana Meyer

Nyarki

2000 James Koskei

Elana

Eunice Sagero

Catherine Ndereba 31:42:00

2001 James Koskei 28:45:00 Catherine Ndereba 32:33:00

Year Name Time Name Time

2002 John Italik 28:06:00 Catherine Ndereba 31:53:00

2003 Tom Nyariki 28:57:00 Edna Kiplagat 33:41:00

2004 Luke Kipkosgie 28:13:00 Sally Barsosio 32:28:00

2005 Linus Mayo 29:30:00 Olga Romanova 34:04:00

2006 Abraham Chebii 28:16:00 Sally Barsosio 33:35:00

2007 Richard Kiplagat 28:35:00 Rehima Kedir 32:05:00 2008 Robert Letting 28:47:00 Leah Malot 33:23:00 2009 Tilahun Regassa 28:24:00 Amane Gobena 32:25:00 2010 Simon Ndirangu

Lelisa Dedsisa

Mesekerem Assefa

Shewarge Amare

Deksisa 29:37:00 Jane Cherobon-Bawcom

Shadrack Kipchirchir

Dewey Wise Award winners

Eugene ‘Genie’ Wellons Award winners

Recognizing CRBR’s wheelchair champs by year.

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FUEL UP

Staff reports

Looking for somewhere new to log some miles as you train for your next race?

Veteran runners offer these scenic locations as alternatives for new, cool sites to experience.

West Ashley Greenway

This former railroad track from Albemarle Road near the Ashley River to Main Road in outer West Ashley has miles of flat, good paths on which to train. It’s better in winter months when the bug population is more limited.

Awendaw Passage

North of Mount Pleasant around McClellanville is the 7.1-mile Awendaw Passage with scenic views of sensational Lowcountry landscapes. But you’ll need to run fast enough to keep away from mosquitoes and no-see-’ems!

Folly Beach

Running along the beach (be careful between the groins) can be uplifting, particularly along the “Edge of America.” Remember to be careful on narrow streets parallel to the beach.

Ravenel Bridge

What better way to train for future Bridge

Runs than to run 5 miles over and back across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River? And running over the bridge early will have another advantage — you can stop midway and look at the beautiful harbor.

James Island County Park

This convenient park offers a bunch of trails where you can see wildlife in this sprawling area just minutes from downtown Charleston.

Sullivan’s Island

Just across the Intracoastal Waterway is Sullivan’s Island where you can get a great, long run on the beach. Go early and watch

an amazing sunrise.

Kiawah Island

You can start a great beach run at the south of the island from the county’s Kiawah Beachwalker Park. But remember: It’s a healthy drive from the peninsula.

Mount Pleasant’s Old Village

There’s always something neat to see in the Old Village — old trees, an unnoticed cemetery, beautiful houses — whenever you run through the shady streets of Mount Pleasant’s Old Village. Make sure to check out the Pitt Street Bridge and breathe in the salt air and pluff mud.

Daniel Island

Many veteran runners laud the trails around Daniel Island as the perfect place to train.

Downtown Charleston

And last — but certainly not least — jogging through downtown’s streets when most people are asleep is a great way to greet the early morning — and a way to see Charleston when there’s not much traffic.

HEROES

Come celebrate 50 years of adventure, history, and fun at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Step back in time on our historic aircraft carrier, stand where heroes once stood, and uncover the stories of courage that shaped history. Help celebrate our 50th anniversary and get your tickets today at PatriotsPoint.org